
Released last October 15, 2014, Facebook have added a feature that would be useful for most of us, not only Filipinos, but all people around the globe. The 2011 earthquake and tsunami happened in Japan opened the eyes and minds of the Japanese engineers to build an application that would be a perfect use in major disasters. It was heartbreaking enough to know that technology had not made a little difference to help those who were in trouble.
During a major disaster, Safety Check will help you:
- Let friends and family know you’re safe
- Check on others in the affected area
- Mark your friends as safe
So, here's how it works:
When the tool is activated after a natural disaster and if you’re in the affected area, you’ll receive a Facebook notification asking if you’re safe.
Facebook will determine your location 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.

If they get your location wrong, you can mark that you’re outside the affected area.
If you’re safe, you can select “I’m Safe” and a notification and News Feed story will be generated with your update. Your friends can also mark you as safe.

According to Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and CEO, the application will start from natural disasters, down to more types of emergencies as time passes. Here are some of the comments on this update on Zuckerberg's status regarding the update.
Here are some of my feedback regarding the application:
- Since Facebook can be used once you have an internet connection, what if the disaster destroyed even your 3G or wifi? How can you use the application? Can't it be activated offline as long as your location is known?
- It would be great if there would be an emergency button or shortcut on Facebook app that you can click once you're in danger - it will let your close friends and family know that you're in trouble.
- Awesome application, though it would be more awesome to have it even in little emergencies like robbery, or threats.
My rating:
Maybe when Zuckerberg decides to have the application updated or available offline, I'll give it a five.
What do you think of Facebook's new feature? Share it to us via comments!
Disclaimer: All photos and video are grabbed from Introducing Safety Check, Facebook Newsroom's feature article.

It's a step in the right direction and hopefully they make an app wherein it can be accessed even offline in dangerous situations.
ReplyDeletei haven't read about this FB update til now. will have to go check it out. thanks!
ReplyDeleteNice apps. But the disadvantage is if you have no connection and no battery.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great app. Will download it and explore. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNice one facebook :) although there's still room for improvement, at least meron
ReplyDeleteThis is a great tool! I will check it out and inform my family members as well.
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MrsMartinez
Ooh, I didn't know about this tool! I'm beginning to like it ngayon pa lang as I think it would be really useful when disaster strikes! There are disadvantages, but doesn't everything?
ReplyDeleteWow, this is the best app I've seen. Very helpful, especially for young ones ;)
ReplyDeleteNice application. Great thing you posted it here. :)
ReplyDeleteVery useful. But I didn't know about this app. 24/7 pa naman akong naka FB. Waahh.. Thanks for sharing! :)
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