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FREE computerized telephone system to check on senior citizens or disabled/homebound individuals. Provided by the
Kings County Sheriff's Office. This program is available in the cities of Corcoran, Hanford and Lemoore.
What is "Are You OK."?
"Are You Okay" is a FREE service
offered by the Kings County Sheriff's
Office. We know Kings County has
many senior citizens and we care
about them. We are happy to offer
this new computerized system to help
check the welfare of each member.
The Kings County Sheriff's Office
realizes many senior citizens live
alone and may not have a family
member living locally. We do not
want to replace any contacts with
family or friends, we simply are
offering an added source of knowing
you are being checked on daily.
General Information
This system is currently in use in over
183 towns and cities throughout the
United States and Canada, The
system is capable of making 120 calls
per hour. The "Are You OK.?"
system has been in use in Kings
County since January 1997 and has
been very successful so far.
How does it work?
As a member you select the time of
day you wish to be called. You will
be called the same time each and
every day. All you need to do is pick
up your telephone and listen to the
prerecorded message. You do not
need to talk or respond in any way
and you may hang up at any time
during the message. The computer
assumes you are okay if you answer
the telephone. Should you be using
the phone or did not have time to
answer the phone, two more attempts
will be made to contact you. If all
attempts fail an "alert" will be issued
and your emergency contact person
will be notified to check on you. If
the person is not available, a deputy!
officer will be sent to your home to
check on you.
What about my vacation?
As a member you can call whenever
you will be away from home. Simply
tell Central Dispatch the dates you
will not be home and your calls will
be stopped temporarily. When you
return home notify Central Dispatch
and your calls will begin again.
Can I make changes?
Yes. If you decide you don't like the
time you chose or need to update any
information, simply call Central
Dispatch and they will be glad to help
you.
What if I don't like it?
Once you join the program we are
sure you will find it comforting and
hassle free. If you should decide the
program is not what you wanted or
needed, please call Central Dispatch
and request to be taken oft' the
program.
How do I join?
If you live in Kings County and would
like to join this program simply call
Central Dispatch at 582-3211 ext.
2720 and they will be happy to enroll
you.
If you live in the City of Avenal
please call the Kings County Sheriff's
Office's Avenal Substation at 386-
5361 during normal business hours to
join.
To join the "Are You O.K.?" program
simply call the number for your area
and answer some simple questions. It
really is that easy. There is a one
page questionnaire which needs to be
completed to join. You will need to
provide information such as your
name, address, phone number, date of
birth, emergency contact information
and a brief medical history.
Tell a friend
Once you decide to join the "Are You
O.K.?" program and enjoy being a
member, please feel free to tell your
friends about the program. It is
through word of mouth this program
will expand and become even more
successful.
The Kings County Sheriff's Office
is a "community oriented"
organization and is proud to offer
this service to the seniors of Kings
County FREE of charge!
Member comments
"The Are You Okay program is the
one that brings the most emotionally
and needed RELIEF to both
members and their family."
Lorraine Taber
"I think the program and people are
great for those who live alone. I
missed one call and within minutes a
deputy and Barbara were at my
home to check on me."
Ethel Dodson
"Well thank you, that's what I tell
the computer each morning when it
calls me to make sure Jam okay. I
really appreciate the daily call."
Ruth Smithson
"It is great to be a part of the Kings
County Sheriff's Department`s Are
You Okay program. Since I live
alone and do not have a family
member close to A venal, the Are You
Okay program assures me that if I'm
not able to answer the phone
someone will check on me and
contact a family member. Members
of the Kings County Sheriffs
Department have not forgotten the
elderly. The Citizens on Patrol
program also have not forgotten the
elderly. Their friendly visits to my
house each week is the highlight of
my week."
Virginia Scow
Kings County Sheriff's Department
Mission Statement
The Kings County Sheriff's
Department is dedicated to
providing the finest quality law
enforcement and correctional
services.
To ensure a tranquil quality
of life we stand unified,
determined to protect and
safeguard human rights.
We shall provide top quality,
responsive, efficient law
enforcement services. This
commitment of excellence is
a sacred trust.
Working in partnership with
our communities is our
MISSION! Together, we
cannot fail!
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