For Immediate Release: June 10, 2011
OnStar Helps Drivers Navigate Severe Weather
DETROIT – The end of the year’s string of severe and often deadly weather isn’t over. 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. There were 12 hurricanes in the 2010 season, and of them, five were Category 3 or
higher. Below are a list of 2011 Hurricane names.
Arlene
Bret
Cindy
Don
Emily
Franklin
Gert
Harvey
Irene
Jose
Katia
Lee
Maria
Nate
Ophelia
Philippe
Rina
Sean
Tammy
Vince
Whitney
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 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. Residents in an area at risk for severe
storms should prepare an emergency plan, create an emergency supply kit, and learn local hurricane
evacuation routes. If an evacuation is ordered, -do not delay and get to safety as soon as possible.
To help with preparations, OnStar and the American Red Cross have partnered to create the Hurricane
Preparation Checklist.
In the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, specially trained OnStar Crisis Assist Advisors can
serve as a central contact point and:
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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
Provide updated weather conditions
OnStar subscribers in affected areas will have all OnStar services available regardless of service plan. If
cell phones and landlines are not working, OnStar can help make connections.
OnStar Crisis Assist services were available in March in the wake of the tsunami warning for Hawaii and
residents along the U.S Pacific Coast. Residents of Joplin, Mo., also had OnStar services available in the
aftermath of the deadly tornado that destroyed much of the town in May.
More information on hurricane hazards, details on how to secure buildings and belongings is available at
www.redcross.org.
About OnStar
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. Currently
available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models, OnStar soon will be available for installation on most
other vehicles already on the road through local electronics retailers, including Best Buy. The OnStar
Mobile App is a recipient of the 2011 Edison Award for Best New Product in the Remote Driving Aids
segment and OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New
Product in the Technology segment. OnStar safely connects its more than six million subscribers, in the
U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. More information about OnStar can be found at
www.onstar.com.
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Contacts:
Vijay Iyer
OnStar Communications
vijay.iyer@onstar.com
313-665-5751
Cheryl McCarron
OnStar Communications
cheryl.mccarron@onstar.com
313-665-3153