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Graduate & Family Housing - Safety & Security Tips
Home Security
- Remove items from outside of your home that may attract unwanted attention.
- Keep windows locked especially if you live on a ground floor.
- Report outside lights that are not working.
- Keep blinds closed at night.
- Get to know who belongs in your complex and report those that have no business there.
- Keep emergency numbers posted near your phone or in an accessible area.
- Store important and emergency numbers in your cell phone.
- Make sure you practice with your children what to do in an emergency situation or if someone tries to invade your home.
- Make sure all locking mechanisms function properly.
- Shred important papers with sensitive information before throwing them away in order to avoid identity theft.
- If you are leaving your home for several days, arrange to have news papers picked up by a friend or have them stop delivery until you return.
- Many newer TV’s have a programmable on and off times that you can set to make it appear that someone is home. You can also purchase a light timer for less than 20 dollars.
- Strongly consider renters insurance. The average nationwide premium is $170 a year and covers $10,000 for loss or damage of property and provides $100,000 for liability.
- Take pictures of your valuables to provide insurance or police necessary information for replacement or recovery.
Personal Security
- Trust your instincts! It’s about paying attention to your surroundings.
- Never directly confront an individual or group that could be a threat to you. Report the incident to the proper authority.
- When reporting a suspicious activity or crime, gain as much information as you can provide without compromising your safety.
- Know your directions, headings and address so you can tell authorities where you are and the location of where a potential crime is occurring or did occur.
- Always scan your surroundings when leaving your home, vehicle, or building.
- Have your keys with a whistle in your hand and ready to unlock any door.
- Never leave an auto open and unattended even if you have to make multiple trips.
- If you have a flat tire, make sure that it is not a set up. If someone immediately offers to help you, tell them no thank you that help is on the way. Stay in or move to a public area if unable to get into your car.
- Join a motor club to insure that you can get road-side assistance at all times. Current cost can range from $64.00 to $122.00 a year depending on the coverage you desire.
- Make sure that your cell phone is fully charged and keep a car charger with you.
- If you see suspicious activity when you return to you’re home, drive away and report it.
