Google adds SOS alerts to Search and Maps

Google is adding a new feature- SOS Alerts to Search and Maps to help users gather better information when a natural disaster or other crisis hits their area. These alerts will feature at the top of the Search results and in Maps when a user looks for information about an incident or an affected area.

In an official blog post, Google said that the users will be shown updates from authorities, news articles, emergency telephone numbers and other useful information in a single place.

"During a crisis, people need 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.

If you are close to an area where a disaster has struck, Google may also send you notifications that direct you to all of this information. Besides, Google Maps will also show real-time updates about road closures and transit updates.

Google has collaborated with several government bodies like the Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other organizations to help provide SOS Alerts in 12 countries, including the US, Japan, Philippines, Australia and Canada.

SOS Alerts will not start showing up for every crisis occurring across the world, but the company does plan on making it available “more broadly over time.”