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Natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Rita, Ike and other recent storms, has demonstrated the need for a dedicated shelter of last resort and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Orange County because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. DuPont Sabine River Works is contributing $60,000 to help secure a federal grant of $500,000 for the outfitting of a new emergency operations center and a medical special needs shelter of last resort in Orange County.

“Safety is a core value for DuPont and this facility is designed to protect our emergency responders and residents in distress during a major natural disaster,” said Bobby Laughlin, Sabine River Works site manager.

The facility is designed to withstand 200 mph winds and is elevated well above storm surge levels. It also will include sleeping quarters, showers and kitchen facilities to serve several hundred people for an extended period of time. The building will have a redundant backup power generators and a backup water source.

“We have been fortunate to receive funding from the federal government and other sources to make this one of the safest emergency response centers in the country,” said Jeff Kelley with the Orange County Office of Emergency Management. “This facility will be used to house all first responders, policy makers, industry emergency response teams, our local emergency planning committee and others during an emergency event.”

Orange County will receive grant funds to enhance the technology infrastructure throughout the building. The federal grant requires matching funds of $125,000, and the DuPont contribution helps to ensure the County will receive the total federal funding.

Sabine River Works began operation in 1946. The plant employs 900 people and produces ethylene copolymers for packaging and industrial applications. Products from Sabine River Works can be found in many everyday items, from medical equipment to food packaging to building and construction materials.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.