News Summary
Greenwood County has received a $15,000 grant from Duke Energy to improve its swift water rescue capabilities. The funds will be used for purchasing essential rescue equipment such as inflatable boats and wetsuits. This initiative aims to bolster the county’s preparedness for severe weather events, especially as hurricane season approaches, enhancing the safety of local emergency responders and the community.
Greenwood County Receives $15,000 Grant for Swift Water Rescue Equipment
Greenwood County has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Duke Energy on June 10, 2025, aimed at enhancing the county’s capabilities in swift water rescues during severe weather events like hurricanes. This funding is part of Duke Energy’s broader Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) program, which has dedicated $500,000 for emergency preparedness across South Carolina in 2025.
Grant Details and Equipment to be Funded
The grant will be utilized to purchase an inflatable swift water rescue boat along with additional rescue equipment. This new gear will significantly improve Greenwood County’s ability to respond to water-related emergencies during storms, especially when faced with flooding scenarios. Other equipment funded under this grant includes inflatable rescue boats, inflatable trailers, and wetsuits for firefighters.
Importance of Enhanced Emergency Preparedness
The introduction of this equipment is particularly critical as the hurricane season approaches. The swift water rescue boat is designed to assist rescue teams in reaching individuals who may become trapped in flooded homes, vehicles, or along lakeshores during adverse weather conditions. The overall goal of this initiative is to improve the safety of firefighters and enhance the efficiency of rescue operations amidst flooding emergencies.
Lessons from Past Hurricanes
The grant comes in light of recent experiences from Hurricane Helene, which affected the Upstate region and Western North Carolina nearly nine months ago. The damaging impact of this hurricane has underscored the necessity for improved preparation and better-equipped emergency response teams in the event of future storms.
Broader Initiative by Duke Energy
This funding initiative is part of a larger commitment by Duke Energy, which has invested $2 million to local governments and nonprofits since the HERO program’s initiation in 2022. Greenwood County is one of over three dozen organizations across South Carolina benefiting from this funding through the HERO program. This widespread support aims to bolster emergency preparedness infrastructure, significantly enhancing community safety across the state.
Conclusion
The $15,000 grant awarded to Greenwood County reflects a proactive approach to disaster readiness, aiming to ensure that local emergency services are equipped to respond effectively to the dangers posed by severe weather conditions. As communities in South Carolina prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, such investments in emergency services highlight the importance of preparedness and safety for all residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenwood County Enhances Hurricane Preparedness with Grant
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Coast Guard Rescues Five People and Their Pet Pup from Rocky South Carolina Shoreline
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Greenwood County Grant
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Preparedness
- Greenville Journal: Duke Energy Microgrants
- Google Search: Emergency Preparedness
- The State: Local News
- Google Scholar: Public Safety Funding
- SC Daily Gazette: Hurricane Helene Aftermath
- Encyclopedia Britannica: First Responder
- WYFF4: School Changes During Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
Author: HERE Greenwood
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