This article was published on October 6, 2016

Facebook activates Safety Check for those in the path of Hurricane Matthew


Facebook activates Safety Check for those in the path of Hurricane Matthew

After devastating parts of the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew is now barreling toward the United States. Responsible for at least 27 deaths so far, the most powerful storm to hit Florida in a decade is expected to make landfall today.

To make it easier to check on your friends and loved ones, Facebook has activated Safety Check. Inside the application, Facebook users can click a single button to let everyone know they’re safe, or out of the area during the time the disaster strikes. Previously, we’ve seen the feature activated after the Paris attacks, a major earthquake in Ecuador, and last year’s Nigerian bombing.

“Our hearts go out to the people affected by this tragic event,” Facebook said in a statement. “We hope the people in the area find the tool a helpful way to let their friends and family know they are okay.”

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