Are your neighbour's curtains closed?
What to do when you notice closed curtains, how to check in safely, and how Cortina digitises this real-life care ritual.
It is completely natural to be concerned. Closed curtains can be a sign of routine (such as shift work, privacy, or blocking heat during the summer), but coupled with other signs, they can sometimes indicate an emergency. If she is elderly or lives alone, it is best to take a few careful, proactive steps to ensure she is okay.
1. Make Initial Inquiries
Check for normal movement
Pay attention to see if lights are turning on or off at night, or if there is any movement of pets.
Knock on the door
Go over and knock loudly. Call out her name to ask if she is okay or needs anything.
Ask other neighbours
Speak with other people in your building or street to see if anyone else has spoken to her or noticed signs of activity.
2. Contacto Local Authorities
If you knock and get no response, and you are noticing uncollected mail, newspapers, or unusual odours, you can request a welfare check.
National or Local Police
In Alicante, you can call the Local Police (Policía Local) or the National Police (Policía Nacional).
Emergency Line
Alternatively, you can dial 112, which is the universal free emergency number across Spain. Tell the operator you are worried about a neighbour, provide the exact address, and explain why you believe she might be in distress.
How Cortina digitises this real-life ritual
In many neighbourhoods, seeing curtains open in the morning is a silent, comforting sign that a neighbour has started their day safely. But what if your loved ones or elderly parents don't live next door to someone who can watch their windows?
Cortina brings this time-tested community ritual to the digital world. By dismissing a morning alarm, a user's “digital curtain” opens. If the curtain remains closed, trusted family members or friends receive a passive signal to check in, providing the same peace of mind as a friendly neighbour looking across the street.