R U OK? Program

The R U OK? Program is an automated telephone dialing system designed to provide a means of checking on the elderly, sick, home bound or disabled persons that live alone or that do not have family that can check on them on a consistent basis. This program is available to subscribers on a volunteer basis to those citizens that want the service. .

The Fuquay-Varina Police Department enters subscriber names, numbers and call times in the system, which is designed to automatically call each subscriber in the system at their pre-determined time. When the software hears a voice response on the phone it delivers a short pre-recorded message set by the Police Department indicating that we are calling to check on them and ensure that they are alright. The subscriber will be prompted to push an alternating number on the keypad of the phone provided during the call to make sure that they are OK and coherent and not in need of assistance. If a subscriber fails to answer after a preset number of call attempts, an alert is given visually on the computer’s monitor and audibly on the computer’s speakers notifying the Police Department that an officer needs to be sent to check on the person. A printout containing emergency information provided by the subscriber, including doctor name and phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, next of kin and brief medical history is generated in the event of an emergency that can be provided to the officer and EMS. This system is a great benefit to those residents in our community that live alone and we are glad to be able to offer it to them through the generous support of the Fuquay-Varina Jr. Women's Club.

If you are interested in this service for yourself or a loved one, please contact the Fuquay-Varina Police Department at 919-552-3191 or email rsmith@fuquay-varina.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is R.U.O.K.?

Are You O.K.? (R.U.O.K.) is a computer-automated telephone reassurance system that contacts subscribers on designated days of the week. It’s a totally FREE service offered to Town of Fuquay-Varina residents. There is no cost at all to any subscriber.

Is R.U.O.K. for me?

Do you live in the Town of Fuquay-Varina? If you are a senior citizen, if you are disabled, or you feel you would benefit from a phone contact by the Fuquay-Varina Police Department to check on you, then R.U.O.K. is for you.

How does it work?

When you enrolling in the program you will complete a form. The form requires that you share information including contact information for your family, friends, neighbors, physicians and clergy, for example.

The system will call you according to when you request. When you answer the telephone, the system plays a pre-recorded announcement. If the system doesn’t receive an answer, the system will automatically call back a short time later.

If the system receives no answer on the third attempt, we will dispatch a police officer to check on you. If you do not answer them we may, if needed, enter your residence to check on you.

Why should I sign up for R.U.O.K.?

The system is designed to help us stay in touch with our seniors and disabled citizens who live alone. Many adult children of seniors already telephone their parents daily to check on their well being. This system offers a similar service, as an added reassurance.

Who decides what time I am called?

When you are apply for the program you will decide when you will be called.

What if I go away on vacation or I will be away for an extended time frame?

No problem. Just call at us before you leave with the dates you will be gone. The system will not call again until you return.

What if I have a doctor’s appointment?

That’s okay, just give us a call and we can program the system not to call on that particular day.

Stopping the Service
If you wish to have the service canceled, email rsmith@fuquay-varina.org or call (919) 552-3191.