Duke Energy Indiana recently awarded more than $175,000 in grants to 47 emergency management agencies, including Jackson County Emergency Management Agency.

Jackson County will receive $2,800, which will be used to support the agency’s amateur radio operator truck, Director Duane Davis said.

The grants can be used to help fund search and rescue K-9s, the installation of tornado sirens, search and rescue programs for at-risk individuals, volunteer training and various emergency preparedness and response programs.

During major emergencies and natural disasters, local emergency management agencies play a critical role in providing information, resources and support that Duke Energy relies on to speed power restoration for its customers, according to a news release from the Plainfield-based utility.

“We know that successful emergency preparedness and recovery begins and ends at the local level,” Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar said. “During major emergencies and natural disasters, local emergency management agencies play a critical role in providing information, resources and support that Duke Energy relies on to speed power restoration for its customers.”