New York City, Oct. 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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: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.
- 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, 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.