OnStar on Call as Sandy Threatens East Coast

Emergency assistance and tips offered as Hurricane Sandy moves north

DETROIT – Hurricane Sandy is threatening to bring heavy rainfall and extreme winds to the East Coast of the United States by early next week with North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Rhode Island as areas of prime concern.

               

As always during a potential disaster, OnStar subscribers are encouraged to use the company's Crisis Assist services when needed, before, during and after the storm.

Hurricane Sandy is currently a Category 1 hurricane, weakening from a Category 2 after it devastated areas of the Caribbean, Bahamas and Cuba. 

With many U.S. areas declaring a “state of emergency,”people in the storm’s path are reminded to take measures to prepare themselves for potential disaster. Specifically, plan evacuation routes, identify levees or dams in the area and assemble an emergency kit with first-aid materials, flashlights and extra cash. For more tips see OnStar's Hurricane Preparation Checklist.

"This is a very aggressive storm that could potentially affect the majority of the East Coast,” said Mary Ann Adams, OnStar crisis incident manager. “Residents are advised to listen to their local emergency management officials for instructions in their area.  For those who have access, OnStar is also on call to help.”

OnStar has nearly 1 million active subscribers in potentially affected states, all of whom have access to the company's Crisis Assist services via OnStar's red emergency button or blue button. Once connected, OnStar Advisors can provide subscribers with:

·         Emergency services: Advisors can connect and direct emergency responders to the exact location of a subscriber in need using OnStar's embedded cellular system and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology.

·         Routing assistance: Advisors can provide alternate routes, evacuation routes, and directions to hospitals, hotels or shelters

·         Central point of contact for assistance: Advisors can provide crisis information and centralized assistance when subscribers need, for example, weather updates, hotel accommodations or help reporting power outages or road closures.

·         Keeping subscribers connected: Subscribers without power in their homes and unable to recharge their cell phone or are having trouble getting cellular service can use OnStar Hands-Free Calling to stay connected and reach loved ones.

·         Reporting new incidents: OnStar encourages subscribers to be Good Samaritans and contact an Advisor when they witness a dangerous situation or someone with an emergency need, so an Advisor can inform public safety officials.

OnStar has relationships with more than 6,000 9-1-1 Call Centers, allowing Advisors to assist in getting quick, localized assistance in any type of emergency situation. For more information on OnStar Crisis Assist, visit www.onstar.com.

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 45 MY 2012 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.