People who live alone and consider themselves vulnerable can feel a bit safer thanks to Carrier Alert, a new partnership between the Tacoma Post Office and the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Carrier Alert utilizes the unique daily presence of local letter carriers who keep a watchful eye on seniors and individuals with disabilities. Carriers notify the Aging and Disability Resource Center if they have a concern about one of their customers. An ADRC specialist then makes safety checks with calls to the home or the emergency contacts of registered participants.

The free program is designed to assist older adults and people with disabilities who live alone. There is no qualification to participate other than for Individuals to identify themselves as potentially vulnerable and to complete a Carrier Alert application form. They must have their own mail box.

Participating communities include Browns Point, Fife, Fircrest, Lakewood, Parkland, Steilacoom, Tacoma, Tillicum and University Place. Application forms for Carrier Alert are available at post offices in participating communities as well as Tacoma Public Libraries and Pierce County Library branches in those areas.

If something raises concerns, a carrier calls the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 798-4600. ADRC specialists then call the home, contact emergency numbers or make a physical check of the home.