Chevrolet and OnStar, in a joint effort with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), kicked off the first in a series of electric vehicle safety training sessions that will take place this fall in cities across the country. First responders participated in a three-hour program to prepare for emergency situations involving electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle with extended-range capability available in select markets late this year.
The training hosted in Auburn Hills, Michigan, was the first on this fall’s tour, which will also make stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, New York and Washington, D.C.
“These training sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for first responders to prepare for the introduction of this new vehicle technology,” said Chevrolet Safety Director Gay Kent. “The tour allows us to extend our training and education to first responders across the country. Our goal with this program is to help public safety personnel become as comfortable working around electric vehicles as they are with conventional vehicles today.”
Safety trainers will deliver presentations covering topics specific to electric vehicles such as power shut-off procedures, lithium ion battery details, locations of high-strength steel, and cut points for extrication. In addition, a Volt – recently used during an extrication exercise – will be on-site for hands-on training for first responders.
Chevrolet and OnStar worked with the NFPA to develop this program to ensure firefighters and first responders are equipped with information and resources regarding electric vehicles.
“With the Chevrolet Volt and other electric vehicles about to hit the streets, it is important to know that first responders have all the information they need about this technology,” said Andrew Klock, NFPA’s senior project manager for this initiative. “First responders have a long history of successfully adapting their response to new vehicles and equipment in order to protect the public, as well as themselves.”
The collaboration with Chevrolet and OnStar includes the co-development of safety resources, including Web-based training materials, an extrication video and shared resources for instructor-led safety presentations.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international, nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training and education. Visit NFPA’s website at www.nfpa.org.
About NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training Project
NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training project is a nationwide program to help firefighters and other first responders prepare for the growing number of electric vehicles on the road in the United States. The NFPA project, funded by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, provides first responders with information they need to most effectively deal with potential emergency situations involving electric vehicles. Visit the Electric Vehicle Safety Training project website at www.evsafetytraining.org.
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly” solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer 25-50 miles of electric driving and an additional 310 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
