29th August 2008 7:14 pm Hummer

During National Preparedness Month, HUMMER and the GM (NYSE: GM) Foundation will deliver 13 more HUMMER H3 disaster response vehicles to American Red Cross chapters across the U.S. Red Cross chapters in Phoenix; Las Vegas; Detroit; Cincinnati; Rochester, N.Y.; Boise, Idaho; Concord, N.H.; Greensboro and Raleigh, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Vancouver, Wash.; and Bristol, Va. will receive vehicles to strengthen their emergency readiness and disaster response capability.

HUMMER’s relationship with the Red Cross began in 2004, with a commitment to provide the organization with 72 vehicles that includes a combination of HUMMER disaster response vehicles, as well as $100,000 each year from the GM Foundation.

The Red Cross joins the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a coalition of more than 1,800 organizations in recognition of National Preparedness Month this September, a nationwide effort to raise public awareness about the importance of preparing for all types of emergencies.

Today, there are 31 HUMMER models in service with the Red Cross. These vehicles have been used in response to countless disasters, including areas hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; flooding in Orange County, New York; and wildfires in California. The vehicles also support each chapter’s daily emergency response efforts and are used in local programs and services.

“Our vehicles have supported Red Cross relief efforts during several major disasters and we are pleased to provide the nation’s frontline emergency response volunteers with additional HUMMER H3 disaster response vehicles,’ said Martin Walsh, HUMMER General Manager. ” The H3’s combination of unparalleled capabilities and midsize truck fuel economy make it an ideal disaster response vehicle.’

“HUMMER and the GM Foundation’s donations to the Red Cross have helped support our core mission of providing urgent relief to those affected by disaster,’ said Jeff Towers, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “Their ongoing generosity will continue to help Red Cross chapters respond to emergencies across the nation.’

To help make communication and navigation easier for Red Cross volunteers, each donated H3 will be equipped with complimentary OnStar services, including hands-free calling minutes and OnStar’s “Directions and Connections’ plan. It provides drivers with driving directions, and help in finding hotels, gas, and other destinations. It also includes air bag deployment notification to OnStar advisors, remote vehicle diagnostics, remote door unlock and other emergency help. The donated vehicles will also include GM’s Major Guard Protection extended service coverage.

Disasters can strike quickly and without warning, so it important to get prepared ahead of time. During National Preparedness Month (NPM) the Red Cross encourages everyone to visit www.redcross.org/preparedness/NPM and make a personal Pledge to Prepare this September and take at least one step to prepare themselves and their families.

The American Red Cross All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like Tropical Storm Fay, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.