Google launches SOS alerts to help people caught in a crisis situation

Google is to begin showing SOS Alerts in Search and Maps results giving details on disasters and latest information on how to help.

The alerts will appear when users search for locations currently experiencing a crisis or disaster. And it will also show news stories and emergency telephone numbers.

Secondly, those located close to a crisis area may receive notifications that directs them to information on the situation.

Similarly, Facebook already offers a Safety Check tool. It enables those close to a disaster or crisis zone to mark themselves as safe on the social network. The Safety Check also alerts friends and family to their well-being.

Moreover, Google says it has worked with a range of crisis response organizations in order to develop the new alerts tool. These organization include the Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Lastly, the SOS Alerts system will sit alongside the tech firm’s other crisis response features, Google said, which include its Public Alerts system which offers a platform for issuing emergency messages such as storm warnings.

This system is currently active in 12 countries, including the US, India and Australia.