THE NSW Police has an innovative program for residents living at home alone where they can register with the police a preferred in case of an emergency.

You can register the details of your nominated person through the NSW Police's Next of Kin program. The contact details are then held by your local police station.

In addition to next of kin, you can have on the register your doctor, dentist or any other medical alert contacts that could help you in an emergency.

This information can assist the ambulance and police to contact a relative or other nominated person to inform them of your situation.

The NSW Police will give you a registered number along with a sticker and a keyring. You will need to put your number on those items.

They recommend the keyring is kept with you at all times and the sticker placed in an obvious location in your home, such as your kitchen fridge.

To register for this free service, contact your local police station and speak to the Crime Prevention Officer about the Next of Kin Program and application process.

The police also remind us all to keep an eye on our elderly neighbours.

If you notice mail piling up, bins not collected, lights left constantly on, the telephone ringing, but remaining unanswered, lawns not mowed, the television going all night, usual routines not followed; then knock on your neighbour's door and ask them if they are okay.

If in doubt, call the police for advice or assistance.