Google has added SOS Alerts to its search results and maps tools. The motive is to help its users collect or gather information regarding man made, unfolding natural or humanitarian disasters.
On Tuesday, Google had posted that people can get access to critical information and resources from the local authorities and first responders. People will also have access to news articles, emergency telephone numbers and other useful information in a single place.
“During a crisis, people will want real time information. Whether they’re experiencing an issue on the ground or trying to understand the situation from afar, we want our products to give people quick access to important information — such as what is going on and where it is happening — to help them stay safe and informed,” Google said.
Google maps will suggest which area to be avoided, the roads which are closed and where people can seek refuge in, when the SOS Alert is activated.
It is also possible to see where traffic jams, accidents and other problems have been reported, by gathering the data from firm’s Crowdsourced Waze Mapping Platform, said a popular news channel.
“The level of detail shown within the search tool depends on whether the person carrying out the query is close to the incident. If nearby, they are presented with links to official alerts, tweets from first responders and useful short phrases in the local language,” the report said.
Google teamed up with many government organization like Red Cross to issue SOS Alerts in 12 countries, including Canada, US, Philippines, Japan and Australia.
Google Public Alert system will complement SOS Alerts by assisting the public and local authorities to convey emergency messages, especially the important notification which is related to official weather, earthquake alerts and public safety.
As per the report, Google has set up a team to decide which events warranted an SOS Alert. But there is no information regarding the number of employees to whom the job is entrusted.
