The Safety Check tool goes beyond just saying you’re OK. It can now steer users toward vital resources — even baby supplies.
Facebook’s Community Help tool is now a part of Safety Check. You can search for resources or help provide for those in need around crisis areas.
Facebook is making Safety Check more than a tool to let people know you’re out of harm’s way.
The social network giant on Wednesday added a Community Help feature to the Safety Check crisis response tool. Now when people get marked safe on Facebook, they’re sent to a page where they can find help or provide for those in need following a natural disaster or other catastrophe.
You’ll be able to search posts by location and categories, which include food, water, shelter, transportation, baby supplies and equipment. The company previewed its Community Help expansion during its Social Good Forum in November.
The Safety Check feature has been a vital, if limited, resource during events like hurricanes and terrorist attacks , helping people find out if their loved ones in the affected area are OK.
Facebook had been criticized for its decisions on when to use the feature, so last year it said it would no longer be activating Safety Checks on its own.
