The new system offers items the old system could not perform, according to Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill. The new system recognizes answering machines and the sheriff&squo;s office can email retirement communities that have 24-hour security patrols, which will notify security to check on an unanswered call. The new system will save paper and be more cost efficient, Hill says.

Another improvement to the system is that people in the Saluda and Sunny View areas of the county can also participate because these areas are no longer long distance for phone service.

Anyone interested in participating in the RU OK program is urged to call the Polk County Sheriff&squo;s Office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 828-894-3001 to have their names added to the list.

Residents will need to fill out a short form prior to participating.