How to Mark Yourself Safe on Facebook After the New Orleans Terror Attack
By Diane Schnell LatiNOLA.com
In the aftermath of the recent terror attack in New Orleans, ensuring the safety of loved ones has become a top priority for many. Facebook’s Safety Check feature offers a vital way to let friends and family know you’re safe or to check on others during emergencies. Here’s how to use this essential tool to stay connected and informed.
Marking Yourself Safe
If you are in the area affected by the recent attack, Facebook may send you a notification asking if you’re safe. Follow these steps:
- Click “I’m Safe” or “Tell Friends You’re Safe” in the notification.
- Once marked, your status will notify all your Facebook friends, and a post will appear on your timeline, reassuring loved ones of your well-being.
Facebook activates its Safety Check feature when it receives alerts from crisis reporting agencies or detects an increase in posts about a specific emergency. In this case, the system was triggered by local updates from the New Orleans community.
Checking on Loved Ones
If you’re worried about friends or family, Facebook allows you to confirm their safety. Here’s how:
- Visit the Crisis Response Page: Search for this feature on Facebook or use the link provided in your notifications.
- Select the Crisis: Choose the New Orleans terror attack from the list of active emergencies.
- Check Their Status: Use the Safety Check tool to see a list of friends who have already marked themselves safe.
- Ask If Safe: Use the search bar to find a specific friend and click “Ask If Safe.” Facebook will send them a notification to respond.
Remember, you can only use this feature with people you’re already connected to on Facebook.
Staying Informed
The recent events have shaken our city, but tools like Facebook’s Safety Check can provide peace of mind and help our community stay connected in difficult times. If you’re unsure about using the feature, you can learn more or visit Facebook’s Crisis Response Page for detailed instructions.
As New Orleans begins the healing process, it’s crucial to support one another and stay informed. Share this guide with your friends and family to ensure they know how to use this important feature.
Stay safe, New Orleans.
Diana Schnell is a contributor to LatiNOLA.com, focusing on the Hispanic community’s safety and crisis response tools.
