Check-in programs are community-based initiatives designed to protect vulnerable individuals—such as the elderly, people with disabilities, or those living alone—during extreme heat events. These programs involve regular contact through phone calls, text messages, or home visits to ensure that people are safe, hydrated, and not experiencing heat-related health issues. If a person does not respond, it can trigger a follow-up or emergency response. The programs often rely on a voluntary registry and a network of trained volunteers or community workers.

Feasibility & Local Applicability

In small island contexts like Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Maarten, where communities are often close-knit and population sizes are manageable, check-in programs are highly feasible. These islands already have strong community networks and local health or social services that can be leveraged. The programs can be integrated into existing disaster preparedness or public health systems, especially as heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change. 

Co-benefits

Beyond reducing heat-related illness and deaths, check-in programs foster social connection and reduce isolation, especially among older adults. They can also serve as an entry point for other services, such as food delivery or medical support. In the long term, these programs can strengthen community resilience and trust in local institutions. 

Equity & Vulnerability Considerations

Check-in programs directly address the needs of the most vulnerable, ensuring that no one is left behind during extreme weather events. They are especially important in areas where access to air conditioning or healthcare is limited. However, care must be taken to ensure that all at-risk individuals are aware of and can register for the program, including those who may not have access to phones or the internet.

Costs

Low | These programs are relatively low-cost compared to infrastructure-heavy adaptation measures. Costs mainly involve staff or volunteer training, communication tools, and coordination. Partnerships with NGOs, local governments, and health services can help share responsibilities and reduce financial burdens.

Case-studies & Examples

• Heatwave Check-In. Sweltering Cities. Australia
• Australian Red Cross. Telecross Redi Heatwave Service
• The Guardian. Hot and alone: how US cities work to protect isolated people in heatwaves
• Climate Resilience Center. Policy Solution: Wellness check programs

Literature

• UNEP. (2021). Beating the Heat: A sustainable Cooling Handbook for Cities
• Wood, E. X., Rivers, A., & Frazier, T. (2022). Emergency management and education: Whole community resiliency through the buddy system. Journal of Emergency Management, 20(1), 17-22.