Shortly after the news hit the internet that the Boston Marathon had been interrupted by explosions near the finish line, Google stepped up with a tool to help. Google Person Finder has been temporarily established to help anyone in the local area by offering a tool to either look for people or provide information about someone you have seen.

The chaos following the explosions in Boston can’t be overstated. Mobile phone networks became immediately overrun, and nearby mass transit stations shut down out of concern for additional explosives. The scene surrounding the actual explosion areas were filled with those who were trying to sort out what had just happened, and there were people everywhere. It couldn’t be easier to lose someone in all that chaos — and Boston is a pretty big place to lose someone. Google People Finder is a temporary tool set up to help combine information and people in the best way possible.

Person Finder is incredibly easy to use. You are either looking for someone, or you have information you want to share about someone. If you need to search for someone, you type their name in the green box. If someone has reported information about that person, you’ll see it in the results. If you haven’t been able to locate information on the person you are looking for, you can create a record for a missing person. If you have information to share, you’re directed to the blue box. Here you can share the name of the person and any information you may have on them. The information is added to the record database, and becomes searchable by the other side of the tool.

It’s a very simple tool, but it’s great to know that Google can respond this quickly during a crisis. Google notes on the page that they do not verify or review any of the information in the tool, and that the information is public and viewable by anyone. Even if you don’t have a need for this tool today, it’s clear that Google is willing to lend their considerable resources whenever necessary.

http://www.wasconet.com/google-person-finder-launched-to-help-with-boston-marathon-victims/