Facebook Safety Check

Peter Kivuti / November 14, 2015 / Comments Off / AFRICA, Campaigns, Kenya, News, Technology, Work, WORLD

Did you know that Facebook users are able to notify friends and family that they are safe through the site’s “Safety Check” tool? It was initially setup to be used in natural disaster setting.

I write this after the Friday night attack In Paris France where a bunch of gunmen attacked innocent civilians at a concerts leaving at least 153 persons dead. In this day and age of terror and threats, social media should be used to mobilize and keep people safe and in-touch.

The “Safety Check” tool was launched in 2014 and has been used five times. This is the first time the feature has been used in a non-natural disaster setting.

We are shocked and saddened by the events unfolding in Paris. Communication is critical in these moments both for people there and for their friends and families anxious for news, People turn to Facebook to check on loved ones and get updates which is why we created Safety Check and why we have activated it today for people in Paris.Facebook

When first launched, Facebook noted that “Safety Check” would help users let friends and family know they are safe, check on others in the area, and mark friends as safe.

Facebook determines the location of a user in the area by “looking at the city you have listed in your profile, your last location if you’ve opted in to the Nearby Friends product, and the city where you are using the internet,” according to its site.

People turn to Facebook to check on loved ones and get updates which is why we created Safety Check

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So, How does it work?

If you’re near a natural or none-natural disaster (like a terror attack), you can tell friends if you’re safe and check to see if they’re safe, too.

On Facebook …

Check Notification

If it looks like you may be near a natural disaster, Facebook will ask if you’re safe.

Say you are Safe

If you’re OK, click or tap the “I’m Safe” button to let friends and loved ones know right away.

Check on Others

Facebook will let you know when friends say they’re safe. You can also check a list of friends who may be affected by the disaster.

Let us be all vigilant and today Saturday 14 2015, I Stand with France and Let’s put an end to Terror. we may discuss further on the comment box Below.