For people who abhor calls from telemarketers, an important deadline may be looming.

Residents who signed up for Pennsylvania's do-not-call registry when it was launched five years ago have until tomorrow to re-register their numbers to keep them from dropping off the list. That's because registration is valid for only five years.

People who miss the Sept. 15 deadline will have their numbers purged from the list on Nov. 1. Because the no-call registry is updated quarterly, they won't have a chance to get back on the list until the next one takes effect in February.

To register, visit www.attorneygeneral.gov or call toll-free 1-888-777-3406. The Web site is equipped to handle more traffic than the phone lines, so anyone having trouble getting through on the phone should try registering online if possible. For anyone who doesn't have a computer, local libraries typically have Internet access.

People who can't remember when they signed up can check their status at www.attorneygeneral

.gov. Those unsure of their status who don't have Internet access can re-register just to be sure they are covered.

Remember that some telemarketing calls are exempt from the registry, including calls from charities, political groups, surveyors and calls regarding an existing debt or contract. Companies with an existing business relationship with the household also are exempt from honoring the list.

The Federal Trade Commission runs a national do-not-call registry at www.donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222. People need not be on both the state and federal lists, but it can't hurt.