Orange County Emergency Services has received a $23,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to expand the county's real-time flood monitoring network, strengthening efforts to improve public safety and emergency response during severe weather events.
Following the impacts of Tropical Storm Chantal, Orange County identified a need to enhance its flood monitoring capabilities by deploying AWARE flood sensors throughout the county. The county had already committed funding for three sensors. With support from the Duke Energy Foundation, Orange County will now expand the project to include six sensors strategically placed in flood-prone areas.
The expanded network will provide emergency managers with real-time information about changing water conditions, improving situational awareness and supporting faster, more informed decision-making during flood events. The sensors will also help identify trends and close critical data gaps in areas vulnerable to flooding.
"This investment helps Orange County take another important step toward building a more resilient community," said Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders. "By expanding our flood monitoring capabilities, we can improve our ability to identify emerging threats, provide timely information to the public, and enhance overall community safety."
The long-term goal of the AWARE project is to advance Orange County's early detection, alert, and warning capabilities. As data is collected and analyzed over time, the county plans to explore integrating the sensors with its OC Alert emergency notification system to support more automated and timely public warnings.
The Duke Energy Foundation grant represents an important partnership in Orange County's ongoing efforts to reduce flood-related risks and better protect residents, businesses, commuters, and vulnerable populations.
Orange County Emergency Services is grateful for the Duke Energy Foundation's commitment to supporting community resilience and public safety.
