GM's OnStar, American Red cross partners to provide emergency services in crisis situations

Mumbai: OnStar, a subsidiary of General Motors, which deals in in-vehicle safety, security and communication services has developed a technology, which can alert specially-trained crisis advisors, at the push of a button.

The company has joined hands with the American Red Cross to provide disaster relief information and assistance to OnStar subscribers in or near disaster-affected areas.

During a hurricane or other crisis event, OnStar will be able to quickly access the Red Cross online crisis services information to direct OnStar subscribers to open shelters, feeding sites, and other disaster services.

While the information is available to the public through the Red Cross, subscribers to OnStar will be able to get the information without placing an additional call.

When severe weather, natural disaster, or other crisis events affect OnStar subscribers, OnStar crisis assist will allow subscribers in a designated crisis area to take advantage of all OnStar services regardless of the service plans they have at no additional charge.

Subscribers who have in-vehicle, hands-free calling service can use it as an alternative means of staying connected if they are without power in their homes or cannot recharge their cell phone batteries.

On 31 August 2008, OnStar saw a 30 per cent increase over typical call volume mainly due to Hurricane Gustav, which hit the American coasts.

OnStar's specially trained crisis advisors will contact emergency responders and direct them to the subscriber's location, using OnStar's embedded cellular calling system and global positioning system (GPS) satellite technology, which pinpoint a subscriber's location when he or she contacts an advisor. They are also trained to inform appropriate public safety officials when a subscriber contacts OnStar about someone in need of emergency assistance.

According to OnStar, emergency calls can also be made to loved ones, family and friends. The system provides real time crisis information and centralised assistance for food, water, shelter locations and hotel accommodations along with information on rod closures, power outages, and weather updates.