People who live alone in the East Metro ? or know someone who does ? can get some peace of mind through Carrier Alert, a cooperative service offered through United Way.

The free service looks after residents who may be vulnerable in an emergency and unable to call for help if they?ve had an accident or become ill. For individuals who register with the program, Letter Carriers will watch for an accumulation of mail. If mail begins to pile up, the Letter Carrier will notify a pre-designated person to check on the individual.

To register for Carrier Alert, or for more information, dial the United Way?s 2-1-1. If 2-1-1 service is not yet available in your area, call toll-free 1-800-543-7709.

Carrier Alert is provided by United Way, the Saint Paul Area Trades and Labor Assembly?s AFL-CIO Community Services Program, National Association of Letter Carriers Branches 28 and 1532, and the United States Postal Service.

Adapted from The Union Advocate, the official newspaper of the St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly. E-mail The Advocate at: advocate@mtn.org or check out the Assembly's website, www.stpaulunions.org