Grant-Funded Drone Helps Locate Missing South Carolina Man
A Duke Energy Foundation grant-funded drone played a important role in locating a missing 68-year-old man with dementia in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The $20,000 grant enabled the county to purchase two high-quality drones in 2023, which have since been used for various emergency response efforts. This rescue highlights the Foundation's broader initiative of enhancing emergency preparedness across multiple states, with over $17.6 million donated in five years.
In South Carolina alone, the Foundation has awarded 99 grants totaling $1.5 million over the past three years to help communities prepare for and recover from weather emergencies. The drones have proven valuable in pinpointing areas hit hardest by severe weather, maximizing safety and efficiency in emergency response operations.
Un drone finanziato da una fondazione di Duke Energy ha svolto un ruolo importante nel ritrovamento di un uomo di 68 anni con demenza, scomparso a Spartanburg, in Carolina del Sud. La sovvenzione di $20.000 ha permesso alla contea di acquistare due droni di alta qualità nel 2023, che sono stati utilizzati da allora per vari interventi di emergenza. Questo salvataggio mette in evidenza l'iniziativa più ampia della Fondazione di migliorare la preparazione alle emergenze in più stati, con oltre $17,6 milioni donati in cinque anni.
Solo in Carolina del Sud, la Fondazione ha assegnato 99 sovvenzioni per un totale di $1,5 milioni negli ultimi tre anni per aiutare le comunità a prepararsi e riprendersi dalle emergenze meteorologiche. I droni si sono rivelati preziosi nel localizzare le aree colpite più duramente da eventi climatici estremi, massimizzando la sicurezza e l'efficienza nelle operazioni di risposta alle emergenze.
Un dron financiado por una fundación de Duke Energy desempeñó un papel importante en la localización de un hombre de 68 años con demencia que estaba desaparecido en Spartanburg, Carolina del Sur. La subvención de $20,000 permitió que el condado comprara dos drones de alta calidad en 2023, que desde entonces se han utilizado para varios esfuerzos de respuesta a emergencias. Este rescate destaca la iniciativa más amplia de la Fundación para mejorar la preparación ante emergencias en varios estados, con más de $17.6 millones donados en cinco años.
Solo en Carolina del Sur, la Fundación ha otorgado 99 subvenciones por un total de $1.5 millones en los últimos tres años para ayudar a las comunidades a prepararse y recuperarse de emergencias climáticas. Los drones han demostrado ser valiosos para identificar las áreas más afectadas por el clima severo, maximizando la seguridad y la eficiencia en las operaciones de respuesta a emergencias.
듀크 에너지 재단의 지원으로 드론이 사라진 치매 환자 68세의 남성을 찾는 데 중요한 역할을 했습니다. 사우스캐롤라이나 스파턴버그에서의 사건으로, $20,000의 보조금으로 카운티는 2023년에 두 대의 고급 드론을 구입할 수 있었습니다. 이 드론들은 이후 여러 긴급 대응 작업에 사용되어 왔습니다. 이번 구조 사례는 재단의 광범위한 긴급 대비 개선 이니셔티브를 강조하며, 지난 5년 동안 $17.6 백만 이상의 기부가 이루어졌습니다.
사우스캐롤라이나에서만, 재단은 지난 3년 동안 기후 비상 상황에 대비하고 회복하기 위해 지역 사회를 돕기 위해 99개의 보조금을 총 $1.5 백만 지급했습니다. 드론은 악성 기후로 가장 큰 피해를 입은 지역을 정확히 찾아내는 데 유용했으며, 긴급 대응 작전의 안전성과 효율성을 극대화하는 데 기여했습니다.
Un drone financé par la Duke Energy Foundation a joué un rôle important dans la localisation d'un homme de 68 ans atteint de démence, porté disparu à Spartanburg, Caroline du Sud. La subvention de 20 000 $ a permis au comté d'acheter deux drones de haute qualité en 2023, qui ont depuis été utilisés pour divers efforts de réponse aux urgences. Ce sauvetage met en évidence l'initiative plus large de la Fondation visant à améliorer la préparation aux urgences dans plusieurs états, avec plus de 17,6 millions de dollars donnés au cours des cinq dernières années.
Rien qu'en Caroline du Sud, la Fondation a accordé 99 subventions d'un montant total de 1,5 million de dollars au cours des trois dernières années pour aider les communautés à se préparer et à se rétablir après des urgences météorologiques. Les drones se sont révélés précieux pour identifier les zones les plus touchées par les intempéries, maximisant la sécurité et l'efficacité des opérations de réponse aux urgences.
Eine von der Duke Energy Foundation finanzierte Drohne spielte eine wichtige Rolle bei der Auffindung eines 68-jährigen Mannes mit Demenz in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Die $20.000 Förderung ermöglichte es dem Landkreis, 2023 zwei hochwertige Drohnen zu kaufen, die seitdem für verschiedene Notfallmaßnahmen eingesetzt wurden. Diese Rettungsaktion hebt die breitere Initiative der Stiftung hervor, die Notfallvorsorge in mehreren Bundesstaaten zu verbessern, mit über $17,6 Millionen gespendet in fünf Jahren.
Allein in South Carolina hat die Stiftung in den letzten drei Jahren 99 Zuschüsse in Höhe von insgesamt $1,5 Millionen vergeben, um den Gemeinden bei der Vorbereitung und Wiederherstellung nach Wetterereignissen zu helfen. Die Drohnen haben sich als wertvoll erwiesen, um die am stärksten betroffenen Gebiete bei extremem Wetter zu lokalisieren und die Sicherheit sowie Effizienz der Notfallmaßnahmen zu maximieren.
- Duke Energy Foundation's $20,000 grant enabled the purchase of two high-quality drones for emergency services
- The Foundation has donated over $17.6 million across multiple states for emergency preparedness in five years
- In South Carolina, 99 grants totaling $1.5 million have been awarded over the past three years for community preparedness
- Drones have improved efficiency and safety in emergency response operations
- None.
Duke Energy Foundation funds pay for training, lifesaving equipment and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 17, 2024 / Duke Energy
By Ken Garfield | illumination Contributor
A missing South Carolina man was reunited with his family thanks to the sharp eyes of a drone soaring above Spartanburg, S.C.
Magno Alvarez Ruiz, 68, wandered away from home on July 28, prompting a 911 call that mobilized rescuers to find him. Ruiz has dementia, his family said, and was last seen in a blue shirt and black shorts.
Under the supervision of Sgt. Dylan Davis of the Spartanburg Police Department, 40 officers from three agencies fanned out. Search-and-rescue canines were brought in. From up above, drones joined the search for the 5-foot-7-inch, 130-pound man.
A drone was first to spot Ruiz, who'd lost his shoes navigating a heavily wooded area about a mile from home.
"The cameras, the zoom, the clarity … we were fortunate to get some of the best technology out there," said Robbie Swofford of Spartanburg County Emergency Services. "This was huge for us, thanks to Duke Energy."
The emergency management coordinator was quick to share the news with the Duke Energy Foundation, whose
"Without your contribution, we would have struggled on numerous local and regional response efforts," he wrote in an email to Amanda Dow, Foundation director in South Carolina.
"To hear that the drones helped save a man, that was icing on the cake," Dow said. "It was beyond words."
Creating resilient communities
Over five years, the Duke Energy Foundation has donated more than
In South Carolina alone, the Foundation has awarded 99 grants totaling
In Cherokee County, a 2024 microgrant paid for additional cots that doubled Emergency Management's sheltering capabilities. Further south, the city of Sumter is using the funds to help employees prepare for potentially hazardous weather.
"Being storm-ready is crucial for us," said Mayor David Merchant, "so that we, as a city, can best serve and protect our citizens … and invest in equipment that will allow us to better serve the people of Sumter in a safe and timely manner."
Swofford, too, is grateful for the two high-quality drones that Spartanburg County Emergency Services has used to pinpoint areas hit hardest by severe weather. The more they know, the faster emergency personnel can respond. Fast-growing Spartanburg County is home to 360,000 people about 75 miles southwest of Charlotte.
Drones also maximize safety and efficiency because, in some instances, they can keep emergency workers from having to go up in a helicopter to do the same job.
After Ruiz's rescue, Swofford said, "These drones can do a lot of things."
Family thanks rescuers
Speaking for her family, Luimar Alvarez is grateful to everyone who had a hand in bringing her father home. A native of Venezuela, Ruiz worked as an engineer in the oil industry. He came to the United States in 2021 to be with family in Spartanburg. He enjoys sitting in the backyard, watching his granddaughters jump on the trampoline.
It was the first time he had wandered from home. In his mind, Ruiz had good reason. On the day he disappeared, his wife mentioned that the presidential election was underway in their native Venezuela. That's why he decided to walk to the school: to cast a ballot. Back home, they vote at a school.
His daughter recounted their conversation after he was rescued. "I asked him, ‘Did you vote?' He said ‘No, I didn't find the school. But I enjoyed the adventure.' I told him that the next time he wants an adventure, tell me. We'll go together."
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FAQ
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