OnStar Opens "Crisis Assist" Emergency Services to Those Affected by Hurricane Ike

September 12, 2008

OnStar reminds its subscribers in Southeast Texas that a simple push of the OnStar button in GM vehicles will put them in contact with specially-trained Crisis Advisors. OnStar provides all services to all subscribers affected, regardless of plan, with Crisis Assist capabilities including specially trained Crisis Advisors who area able to help with:

* GPS Positioning: Crisis Advisors can contact emergency responders if needed and direct them to the subscriber's location. OnStar's embedded cellular calling system and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology, automataically pinpoint a subscriber's location when he or she contacts an advisor.
* Emergency Services Notification: Crisis Advisors can inform appropriate public safety officials when a subscriber contacts OnStar about someone in need of emergency assistance.
* Emergency Calls: Crisis Advisors can connect subscribers to loved ones, family, and friends.
* Emergency Directions: OnStar can provide real-time crisis information and centralized assistance for food, water, shelter locations, and hotel accommodations along with information on road closures, power outages, and weather updates.

"When fires, hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes affect our customers, OnStar opens its services to all affected subscribers," said Scott Kubicki, Vice President, OnStar Subscriber Services. "Texas residents are encouraged to press the OnStar button on their GM vehicle for information about the storm, shelter information, and routing."

OnStar has opened services recently for subscribers affected by Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Fay. During the evacuations ahead of Hurricane Gustav, OnStar operators handled a 50 percent increase in call volume in the affected areas.

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace, or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?

Remember: Preparation is the best defense in any kind of crisis. The American Red Cross and OnStar encourage subscribers to follow the U.S. government's recommendations for preparing for crisis situations. You can also Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed by taking the "Be Red Cross Ready" online educational presentation.

Where hurricanes are concerned, The Home Depot believes that knowledge is power, and has joined with The Red Cross to offer a useful, downloadable Hurricane Preparation guide. It contains a list of informative storm terminology, outlines how to make an emergency plan and pack essential supplies, as well of lots of other safety information intended to make it easier for those at risk to stay properly informed and prepared during storm season

For more information on OnStar Crisis Assist, visit www.onstar.com.

By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor