OnStar Helps Drivers Navigate Severe Weather

The end of 2011's string of bizarre and, in many cases, severe weather isn't over. In fact, it ma...  More »

The end of 2011's string of bizarre and, in many cases, severe weather isn't over. In fact, it may just be starting. June marks the beginning of the six-month north Atlantic hurricane season and weather forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict above-average activity. NOAA estimates 12 to 18 named storms in 2011 with six to 10 possibly becoming hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. The 2010 season counted 12 hurricanes, with five becoming Category 3 or higher. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 36.8 million people live in the coastal communities, stretching from North Carolina to Texas, and are threatened by Atlantic hurricanes. Although less likely, hurricanes do have the potential to reach homes as far north as Long Island, N.Y. and impact states as far inland as Illinois. The key to staying safe this hurricane season is preparation. If you live in an area at risk for severe storms, you should prepare an emergency plan, create an emergency supply kit, and learn local hurricane evacuation routes. Above all things, if you're told to evacuate, do not delay and get to safety as soon as possible. To help you get prepared, OnStar and the American Red Cross has partnered to create the Hurricane Preparation Checklist. In the event of a hurricane or any other natural disaster, specially trained OnStar Crisis Assist Advisors can serve as a central contact point and: * Contact emergency responders if needed and direct them to the subscriber's exact vehicle location, using OnStar's embedded cellular system and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology. * Provide up-to-date evacuation routes. * Locate open shelter or available hotel accommodations. * Help find gas stations with fuel. If you're a subscriber in an affected area, all OnStar services will be made available to you, regardless of your service plan. And if cell phones and landlines are not working, OnStar can also help contact your loved ones so you can let them know you are safe. More information on hurricane hazards, details on how to secure buildings and belongings is available at www.redcross.org.  « Less