Facebook launches Crisis Response hub

Facebook launches one of its most impactful tools, making it a place where users can connect for help in the midst of crisis

This year we have seen a number of disasters globally from the Manchester attacks to hurricane Harvey. In response, Facebook has been developing ways to help users tell friends and family members they’re safe. Last week Facebook announced a new feature called Crisis Response, which will act as a central hub for all of Facebooks safety-related tools.

The central hub will include safety checks, a feature already available that many of us will have already seen. Safety checks allows Facebook users to tell friends and family members they’re safe during natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other life-threatening incidents.

In February, Facebook, introduced Community Help, which allowed users to find and offer help to victims of a disaster. Providing resources such as water, food, or shelter. The feature has also been integrated into the hub.

The central hub will feature public Facebook posts, articles, photos, and videos to keep people up to date on the crisis. There will also be a description of the crisis and map of the affected area. Facebook has been blown away by the number of users wanting to help, so a fundraising feature for supporting affected individuals and groups has been introduced.

As Facebook looks to 'give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together', this is a great feature that gives users a quick and easy way to mark themselves alive. It is one of Facebooks most impactful tools, making it a place where users can connect for help.

The Crisis Response hub will be rolled out globally on desktop, and in the Facebook menu in the mobile app.

Looking for weekly social media updates? Check out our weekly social summary, to help inform your social media strategy and help keep you up-to-date. Check back every Friday to find out what happened in the world of social media.