AUBURN HILLS, MI - 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, in a joint effort with Chevrolet and OnStar. First responders participated in a three-hour program to prepare for emergency situations involving electric vehicles, according to a GM release.

The training hosted in Auburn Hills 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.

Chevrolet Safety Director Gay Kent said the goal of this program was to help public safety personnel become as comfortable working around electric vehicles as they are with conventional vehicles.

Safety trainers delivered 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.  A Chevrolet Volt was on site for hands-on training for first responders.

Chevrolet and OnStar worked with the NFPA to develop the program to ensure firefighters and first responders are equipped with information and resources regarding electric vehicles. The collaboration includes the co-development of safety resources, including web-based training materials, an extrication video, and shared resources for instructor-led safety presentations.

To find more information about the electric vehicle training series, and to register for upcoming sessions, click here.  

Related Story:
NFPA, Chevrolet, OnStar to Provide Electric Vehicle Safety Training