FAQ
How it works
The platform is built for fast-moving crisis information. It favours recent, attributable updates over permanent posts.
What is How Long's The Wait?
How Long's The Wait? is a live public information platform for wait times, shortages, access and availability. It helps people share what they are seeing on the ground so others can make better decisions.
What is this for?
The platform is for practical updates about essential needs and changing conditions. This can include water, food, fuel, shelter, medical help, communications, public services, access routes, queues and local availability. It can also support managed pages for planned events, venues and public information points.
Is this an emergency service?
No. How Long's The Wait? is not an official emergency service and should not replace instructions from emergency services, local authorities or verified responders. In immediate danger, people should contact the appropriate emergency services.
What does a report mean?
A report means a signed-in person has submitted what they saw at a place. Other users can confirm that it is still accurate, update it if the situation has changed or dispute it if it appears wrong.
When do reports expire?
Reports are designed to be temporary. Ground conditions change quickly, so reports lose confidence when they are not refreshed. Stale reports are marked clearly and may be archived after a period of inactivity.
Can I edit a report?
Reports are not silently rewritten. Instead, users can update or correct a report. This helps preserve accountability while showing the latest information.
Can I share a report?
Yes. Report cards can include sharing tools such as device sharing, WhatsApp and link copying. Instagram does not allow direct web posting from most browsers, so users can copy the report link and paste it into a story, post or direct message.
When is media deleted?
Proof media is temporary by design. Short videos may be kept for around 24 hours. Photos may be kept for around 48 hours. Expired media is removed from public report cards unless moderation requires a different action.
How is privacy protected?
Public pages do not expose private user IDs, emails or phone numbers. Public coordinates may be rounded and reports use public display names or references rather than private account details.
Who moderates reports?
Admins and moderators can hide unsafe or abusive content, resolve flags and suspend accounts.
Can organisations use the platform?
Yes. Organisations can use managed pages for planned events, launches, venues, queues, distribution points or public information locations. These pages can include official updates, countdowns, QR codes, live status and wait times.
Are managed pages adverts?
No. Managed pages are operational information pages. They are for helping people understand what is happening, when to arrive, what is available and how long they may wait.
Can organisations pay to boost emergency reports?
No. Paid features do not affect the ranking, trust level or visibility of emergency, shortage or public-safety information.
How is the platform funded?
The platform can be supported through donations, verified organisation tools and paid managed pages. This helps keep community reporting free and avoids adverts.