Wake County and Duke Energy Foundation empower residents to be ready for emergencies

Grant funds will aid distribution of emergency kits to vulnerable communities

Smiling people pose with large check
From left to right, Dr. Jose Cabañas, Darshan Patel, Autumn Miller and Josh Creighton from Wake County accept the grant check from Duke Energy's Derrick Remer.

Flooding, tornadoes, high winds—no matter where you live in Wake County, your home is at risk from severe weather. When the power goes out and the roads become impassable, are you and your family ready to ride out the storm? Thanks to the HERO grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, Wake County Emergency Management will help residents in need be more prepared by providing emergency kits.

“Emergency preparedness starts at the individual level,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Don Mial. “When all residents have access to the resources that will keep them safe during a crisis or natural disaster, our whole community becomes more resilient. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Duke Energy Foundation for supporting this important work by investing in equity and safety in Wake County.”

Wake County Emergency Management plans to partner with established community organizations to ensure these kits reach those most at risk during emergencies, such as seniors, low-income families and people with disabilities.

The emergency kits provided through the grant program will contain essential items for households experiencing extended power outages and severe weather events, including:

  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • First aid kits
  • Weather radios
  • Emergency blankets
     

“Having an emergency kit on hand will give you peace of mind when severe weather approaches,” said Autumn Miller, outreach, training and exercise manager for Wake County Emergency Management. “Instead of having to run to the store for bandages or batteries, you can spend that valuable time preparing your home and making plans with your family.”

More information about the free emergency kits, including distribution details, will be announced soon. Limited quantities of these kits will be available for the community. If you’re interested in building your own emergency kit, visit readywake.com for preparedness resources including a full checklist of recommended items to include.

Duke Energy Foundation has supported more than 100 local emergency response organizations during the past five years with more than $1.8 million in grant funding to advance storm preparedness in North Carolina. 

For more information on Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-energy.com/Foundation.

Department
Emergency Management
Category
Press Release