Chevrolet will be donating approximately 300 cars, SUVs, and crossovers determined unsalable due to Hurricane Sandy to help train first responders at Guardian Centers in Perry, G.A.
The vehicles are all water-damaged, but will still be able to provide a "realistic environment" to simulate real-world incidents according to a GM press release. The natural disasters will help first responders, who will have to make quick and accurate decisions to help victims, train under real life circumstances.
"When Hurricane Sandy hit the northeast in November we had a number of new vehicles at ports and on dealer lots that were flooded," said Chris Perry, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing in the company press release. "We could not sell them, so instead of crushing them, Chevrolet is using these vehicles to help train those who respond to just such disasters."
First responders at all levels of government, civil organizations, and the military will be allowed to train in realistic scenarios thanks to the donation.
Guardian Centers offers a operational, modern cityscape simulator for first responders to test their skills, plans equipment and leadership abilities in a safe environment. Designed as a purpose-built training solution for all types of disasters, the center provides realistic immersions from small unit exercises up to 7,000 people.
"The vehicles we received from Chevrolet are an essential component of full immersion disaster response training in a metropolitan environment," said Geoff Burkart, founder and CEO of Guardian Centers in the company press release. "Chevrolet has given the millions of first responders throughout North America the ability to exercise in metropolitan scenarios that will look and feel just like their home cities.
The vehicles donated will be used for role playing scenarios like traffic congestion in emergency situations, public order and mass casualty, and counter terrorism exercises.
Chevrolet also donated 24 full-size passenger and cargo vans to the Habitat for Humanity for restoration efforts in the hardest-hit locations.
"This level of realism and effectiveness cannot be overstated," Burkart said in the release. "You can't expect first response professionals to conduct realistic training in a sterile environment. Every metropolitan area in the world must deal with vehicle traffic and first responders should be provided a training environment that helps condition them for what they will face on the job."
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