Facebook makes it simpler to see if friends are safe in a crisis

Facebook yesterday said it has made it simpler for users to know whether friends have checked in as "safe" on the online platform during disasters or other dangerous events.

Facebook's Safety Check feature has got its own dedicated section in its mobile and web offerings, as per the social network's commitment last year.

The 2014-launched feature allows Facebook users to connect in the event of a calamitous incident, and offers an easy way for those struck by the unfolding disaster to let loved ones know they're safe.

''There's now a single place to go to see where Safety Check has recently been activated, get the information you need, and potentially be able to help affected areas,'' Facebook said yesterday, adding that it is gradually rolling it out over the coming weeks, starting now.

The new section lists events like fires typhoons, with Facebook's own screenshot offering Safety Check links.

Any recent activity by friends who have marked themselves as safe can be seen as also a page showing major incidents from around the world that one can tap on for more information.

Details like how many personal offers of help have been made, and how many people have made donations to fundraisers can also be seen.

Facebook users have been able to offer help via Safety Check since February, which means if Safety Check activates close to one's location, one has the opportunity to assist with relevant support, which could mean offering food, clothing, and temporary accommodation, as also making cash donations for causes.

"Safety Check helps our community let loved ones know they are safe during a crisis, find and give help, as well as learn more about a crisis, Facebook said in an online post.

"There's now a single place to go to see where Safety Check has recently been activated, get the information you need and potentially be able to help affected areas."

Safety Check, has at times been criticised due to its overreach. People are often alerted to tragedies that are taking place miles away, or even further, from their current location, which in turn creates additional stress from a feature which was originally meant to reduce it.