What is a wellness check?
A wellness check occurs when law enforcement is asked by a concerned person to visit someone’s residence to check on their health or safety. Friends, neighbors, or family members often request wellness checks if they haven’t heard from someone for a while or they have reason to believe someone may be in danger such as a smell coming from an apartment or knowledge of an imminent threat. Other common reasons for a wellness check include:
- A family member at risk of suicide
- A friend you think is being abused
- A neighbor who hasn’t been seen in a while and who doesn’t respond to any contact
What happens during a wellness check?
When someone requests a wellness check, police will go to the address in question, knock on the door, and announce their presence. If they believe the person is in danger or is undergoing a medical emergency, police can force their way into the premises to check on them. What happens next depends on their findings—whether the person is safe, in need of medical assistance, or has passed away.
When police arrive at the location in question, they knock on the door and announce their police identification. If no response is forthcoming, they can force their way into the building. Police are only able to legally enter the premises of a person’s home during a wellness check if they have reasonable grounds to believe someone is in danger. In cases where someone is unconscious or otherwise unable to respond, this action enables police or other first responders to then administer life-saving aid.
- If the person is safe and able to respond, the police will let the person know who requested the wellness check.
- If the person in question is hurt, ill, or has passed away, the police will administer aid, call you, and wait for you if you are in the area.
- If police discover a person is hurt or killed due to a crime, they will make sure the person gets help if needed and begin an investigation. They will also contact you to let you know what happened.
How do I request a wellness check?
If you are concerned about someone, call the police to request a wellness check. Even if you aren’t sure a wellness check is appropriate, the police will be able to ask you questions to discern whether a wellness check is needed. To contact the person’s local police department where they live, call either 9-1-1 for emergencies or the non-emergency number for that area. You’ll then need to provide information about the person, their address, your relationship with them, and your reasons for concern. Once police have completed the check, they will contact you to let you know the result.
Bio-X Hawaii is here to restore your Hawaii property
Once police and other first responders complete any needed investigation after someone is found injured or a crime is committed, Bio-X Hawaii is ready to handle all the needed cleanup of blood, body fluids, and chemicals. With thorough cleaning and disinfection, we’ll restore the safety of the property with as little trouble to you as quickly as possible. Our trained team uses the latest tools and cleaning technology to make all hazards are removed from your Hawaii property.
Call today for a wellness check or needed cleanup
If you’re concerned about someone’s well-being, call their local Hawaii police department to request a wellness check. If needed, Bio-X Hawaii will then be there to help with fast, compassionate, and thorough biohazard cleanup so the property can be restored.
