NFPA NEWS RELEASE:
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April 27, 2011 — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Chevrolet andOnStar today announced the launch of its virtual electric vehicle safety training for first responders. The online training — which is hosted by NFPA and can be accessed athttp://evsafetytraining.org/training – features an inside look at the newest technology and safety systems on the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle with extended-range capabilities that hit the roads last fall.
The collaboration with Chevrolet and OnStar stems from NFPA’s electric vehicle safety training initiative, a result of a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, which supports the growing number of electric vehicles in the United States.
NFPA and Chevrolet/OnStar began collaboration last fall with a national tour that included a series of live training sessions featuring the Chevrolet Volt. The launch of the virtual training is a result of months of research and development between Chevrolet and OnStar training specialists, engineers, firefighters and subject matter experts associated with NFPA. Firefighters and first responders who use the online training will have access to an interactive training session including videos, virtual trainers and a variety of downloadable resources about the technology and inner workings of the Chevrolet Volt.
“We are excited to launch this invaluable training resource with Chevrolet and OnStar,” said Andrew Klock, NFPA’s senior project manager for the program. “With electric vehicles hitting the road across the country, this interactive training gives firefighters and first responders easy access to resources and materials necessary when it comes to the new Chevrolet Volt. This virtual training is an important part of our overall electric vehicle education program, which provides training to firefighters and first responders in a variety of formats to ensure that it’s accessible to all.”
“The launch of this training and our partnership with the NFPA is an important part in reaching firefighters and first responders with information about the Chevrolet Volt,” said Gay Kent, GM director of vehicle safety for Chevrolet. “Our objective with the training is for firefighters and first responders to be as comfortable working around electric vehicles, like the Chevrolet Volt, as they are today with conventional vehicles.”
NFPA is currently conducting its own live pilot training courses in a handful of locations across the country and trainings for all firefighters and first responders will be available nationwide this summer.
For more information and resources about NFPA’s Electric Vehicle Safety Training, visit the website.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.
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.
About Chevrolet Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. 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 Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
