Deputies often are dispatched to conduct welfare checks of individuals only to find, when they arrive on the scene, that the homes are secure and there is no response. If no other information is available, a decision must be made whether or not to forcibly enter the home to ascertain if the person is inside and in need of help. If the person were a participant in the Safeguard Our Seniors (S.O.S.) program, a telephone call to a key holder would have provided quick entry into the home. A telephone call to the relative listed on the questionnaire may help to provide information on the participant's whereabouts or if the person is likely to be in the home.

Vehicle information provided can be used to help locate the participant if he or she fails to return home. Participants who indicate that they have permanent disabilities may be contacted in the event of a hurricane or natural disaster to ascertain if they need assistance in evacuating. S.O.S. is available at no charge to any St. Lucie County resident wishing to join. However, persons with special needs may benefit the most.

St. Lucie County citizens interested in participating in the S.O.S. program must complete a questionnaire that can be obtained below by downloading it or calling (772) 871-5359. Upon completing the questionnaire, it is to be mailed to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Attention: Crime Prevention Unit, 4700 West Midway Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34981. Upon receipt of the questionnaire, a Sheriff's Office volunteer will deliver and affix a decal to the front door of the participant's home.