03/29/2024
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Funds will support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief to help people affected by disasters

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke Energy is helping communities prepare ahead of Hurricane Florence with $145,000 in grants to the American Red Cross. The funds will support disaster response, including support for Red Cross shelters, volunteer training and mobilization of volunteers.

Hurricane Florence is forecasted to be a large and extremely dangerous storm system, which the company expects will cause widespread damage and power outages. Historical data and company experience indicate that total power restoration from a storm of this magnitude could take multiple days to several weeks – depending on the extent of damage and post-storm conditions, such as ongoing high winds and severe flooding, after the storm passes though the region.

“The Red Cross has activated our volunteers across the Carolinas to prepare for this brutal storm,” said Barry Porter, regional executive for American Red Cross. “Duke Energy’s generous donation ahead of the storm helps the Red Cross mobilize support to vulnerable communities and prepare for an extended period of relief work. During the decades of Red Cross disaster response in the Carolinas, Duke Energy consistently steps up to enable the Red Cross to do even more.”

As a Red Cross Disaster Responder member, Duke Energy provides support for Disaster Relief, ensuring the Red Cross can pre-position supplies, secure shelters, maintain vehicles and train volunteers.

“Duke Energy knows how important it is to be ready before, during and after a major storm like Hurricane Florence,” said Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, Duke Energy’s state president in South Carolina. “The Red Cross understands that too, and that’s why we’ve supported their efforts for a number of years by funding disaster volunteer training. Many of the volunteers heading into the storm this week are better trained to respond to disasters as part of our partnership, and we are proud to support the Red Cross in their critical mission.”

“The Red Cross is a dedicated partner to our communities in need,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “As Duke Energy prepares our team and infrastructure for Hurricane Florence’s widespread impacts, our donation will help the Red Cross prepare our neighbors and communities. These funds are critical for the Red Cross to serve the most heavily impacted areas of the storm.”

As forecasts predict that Hurricane Florence is expected to significantly impact North Carolina and South Carolina, Duke Energy is preparing for the storm and urges customers to do the same. Additional information about Duke Energy’s storm response efforts, safety tips and key storm updates can be found on dukeenergyupdates.com.

Visit redcross.org for helpful emergency preparedness information, including what to pack in an emergency kit and how to develop a family emergency plan.

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