mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

OnStar Crisis Assist Services Now Available For Members Impacted By California Wildfires

Los Angeles is currently battling one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, with at least two dozen fatalities, close to 200,000 people evacuated, and an estimated $150 billion in damage. In response, charitable organizations and other aid is pouring in to help those affected by the fires. Now, OnStar is chipping in by offering complimentary Crisis Assist services to Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac owners in California who have been impacted.

A blue OnStar button in a GM vehicle.

Among the services on offer are things like information about the disaster, routes away from danger, and a connection with loved ones. Note that Crisis Assist requires a working electrical system, cell reception, and GPS in order to function properly.

“Just push your blue OnStar button and say ‘Advisor’ for emergency help, finding safer routes and more,” OnStar sates.

OnStar maintains a central Command Center that actively monitors severe weather and disasters around the clock, providing critical information to members when they need it. The group states that back in 2016, a group of individuals affected by wildfires that struck the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg, Tennessee relied on emergency services to help find emergency lodging nearby.

“They were very gracious, and the hotel didn’t charge a lot,” said OnStar member Dinah. “I don’t know if it was OnStar that got us that price, but we were very lucky and very grateful.”

“We’ve used OnStar a lot, but just for directions – I really didn’t realize they could help me in a situation like the one we had,” she adds.

The Los Angeles wildfires began last week as the result of intense winds and dry conditions, with multiple fires breaking out simultaneously. The first of these was the Palisades fire, which began Tuesday morning in the Pacific Palisades area east of Malibu, burning over 23,700 acres and more than 5,300 structures. The latest reports indicate that the Palisades fire is currently 14 percent contained.

Meanwhile, the Eaton fire began Tuesday evening north of downtown Los Angeles and has consumed over 14,000 acres and roughly 7,800 structures, according to the latest reports. The Eaton fire is currently 33 percent contained. Finally, the Hurst fire began Tuesday night in Sylmar, north of San Fernando, burning roughly 800 acres and at least two structures. The Hurst fire is now 95 percent contained.

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

No Comments yet

Leave a comment

Cancel