A program for senior citizens and/or the disabled

The CARE Program is designed to contact senior citizens and/or the disabled that live alone and may not have a family member living locally that can check on them every day.  It is a service offered free of charge by the Kings County Sheriff's Office.  The system is available to all citizens of Kings County including all cities and unincorporated areas.  It can be used for a short period of time or long term.  

How does it work?

Every day at the time you selected the CARE computer will dial your phone number. As a participant you select the time of day you wish to be called.  All you need to do is pick up your telephone and listen to the prerecorded message. The computer assumes you are okay if you answer the telephone.  Should you be using the phone or could not get to the phone in time, the computer will attempt to make two more calls.  If the phone is not answered an "alert" will be issued in the Emergency Dispatch Center and your emergency contact person will be notified to check on you.  If this person is not available, a deputy or officer will be sent to your home to check on you.

If you will not be available to answer your phone that day all you have to do is call the Emergency Dispatch Center at the non emergency phone number and advise them of when you will leave and when you will return.  If you are on vacation or have the need to leave your home for an extended period of time, again, contact the Emergency Dispatch Center and advise them so they can stop the computer from calling you.  When you come home simply call the Emergency Dispatch Center at the non emergency phone number and they will resume your calls.

How do I join?

If you live in Kings County and would like to join this program you can call the Emergency Dispatch Center at (559) 852-2720 and a dispatcher will be happy to enroll you.  A dispatcher is available 24 hours a day to assist you.  You will need to provide information such as your name, address, phone number, emergency contact information and a brief medical history.

Questions?

If you should have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact the Kings County Sheriff's Office Emergency Dispatch Center 24 hours a day using the non emergency phone number (559) 852-2720.