Moving In, New School Year and Your Safety

22. Aug, 2011 0 Comments

The majority of you have been through orientation already so we’re not here to overload you with tons “stuff” you don’t need like brochures and pamphlets; however, we are here to provide you with some tips about the things you should know and, maybe at some point, need to know. What you do with this information is up to you entirely but before you decide not to read further or think you’ve heard it all before, hear us out.

Ohio State University Department of Public Safety does a great job at informing students of alerts and crime going on in the area through text messaging, but they also provide a great resource of information on safety tips: http://dps.osu.edu/police/safety_tips/. Make sure to take the time to get to know all that they offer you! This is a great resource available to students living on and off-campus.

The tips we are about to share is not to make you fearful or to make you worry – it’s just to help you be proactive with regard to your well-being and personal property.

Is three a crowd? – Not in this case; try walking with a friend or, even better, a group.
Be aware of your surroundings – If you have to walk alone, realize you need to me more alert, especially at nighttime. As a technological dependent society we all have to be texting, listening to music, walking and chewing gum at the same time but, blaring your Ipod so you cannot hear anything around you and having your face in your phone may not be the safest idea, so turn it down and keeps eyes akimbo. Having your phone is not necessarily a bad thing so be sure it is charged in case of an emergency. Also, be sure a friend knows of your plans so they know when to expect you to their place or home.
Lock your doors and windows – Even if you’re running out to the car real quick or down to the laundry room, lock your door! When you plan to be gone whether for weeks or hours, lock your door and lock your window. While you’re inside the apartment is no exception, so lock your doors, lock your windows and at night close your blinds. You would not answer your phone for a number you were not familiar with so why would you answer the door for someone if you were not expecting anyone and especially without utilizing your peephole first? So, use your peephole and ask who it is before opening the door even an inch.
Valuables – Expensive things such as phones, mp3 players, laptops, TVs and jewelry are just asking for someone to take them if they are left in the wrong place. You need a bathroom break while you’re cramming for that final in Thompson Library? – Well, take your Ipod and cell phone with you; do not leave it on the table. When you’re on break or vacation take such valuables with you or keep them in a safe of some sort. The same goes for your vehicle so if a valuable has to be in your car lock it in your glove box, better yet? – take it inside. Initial or personalize your valuables somehow so you can prove ownership if it turns up in a pawn shop somewhere. It is also a good idea to keep a record of said valuables incase theft should occur.
Keys – If you lose your keys or you suspect they have been taken, be sure to report it as soon as possible to the Maintenance Team so they can change your locks. Also, don’t make copies of your keys and hand them out to people because it’s your apartment and those keys are out of your hands from then on.