Detroit, Aug. 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the southeastern coast of the
United States and threatens to reach Hurricane status, all OnStar
subscribers and travelers driving OnStar-equipped rental vehicles
are reminded to use the company's Crisis Assist services if severe
weather strikes.
As of Monday morning, Tropical Storm Isaac was located less than
200 miles east of Fort Myers, Fla. Hurricane watches and warnings
are in effect from Southern Florida to Louisiana, as Isaac is
expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane by Tuesday.
See video from OnStar at: http://inr.synapticdigital.com/onstar/severeweather/
Residents and those traveling in the affected area should take measures to prepare themselves for a potential disaster. Specifically, plan evacuation routes, identify levees or damns 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.
"Most people who live in coastal areas know the importance of
preparing themselves for a natural disaster, however these
locations are also hotspots for many travelers and emergency
preparedness may not be top of mind for them," said Mary Ann Adams,
OnStar Crisis Incident manager. "That's why we're trying to spread
the word to prepare travelers and residents alike for upcoming
storms."
OnStar has nearly 300,000 active subscribers in Florida, all of
whom have access to the company's Crisis Assist services via
OnStar's red emergency or blue button to connect with a live
Advisor. 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 leading
provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added
mobility services and advanced information technology. Available on
more than 40 MY 2012 GM models globally, OnStar is now also
available for installation on most other vehicles on the road
through a new retail product called OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle).
The OnStar RemoteLink Mobile App is a recipient of the 2011 Edison
Award for Best New Product in the Remote Driving Aids segment.
OnStar safely connects its more than six million customers, in the
U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. More
information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.
Contacts:
Stefan Cross
OnStar Communications
313-530-3884
Stefan.cross@onstar.com
Vijay Iyer
OnStar Communications
313-938-3600
vijay.iyer@onstar.com