As Hurricane Florence Approaches Carolinas, Duke Energy Announces $145,000 Grant to Support Disaster Response Efforts

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 12, 2018 /3BL Media/ -- 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.

Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts. The company is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing its energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding its natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.

The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S.

A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's Best Employers" list.

More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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