Personal Safety Tips

1. Identify the person who is knocking before you open the door. This is why it is so important to have peep holes or a chain device on your door, as well as well-lighted entryways.
   
   
2. When traveling after dark, try to arrange to walk or ride with friends.
   
   
3. Walk in well-lighted and well-trafficked areas.
   
   
4. Walk with confidence and don't hesitate to switch to the other side of the street if you suspect that you are being followed.
   
   
5. Call home before you begin to walk to let your roommates know where you are and when to expect you home.
   
   
6. Always have your keys in hand before you approach your car or apartment, and look around before you open the door.
   
   
7. If you use a public laundry do so during daylight hours or go with a friend.
   
   
8. Make sure your door has a deadbolt lock and keep your door locked at all times -even when you are at home.
   
   
9. Make sure that all windows on the ground level can be locked and are kept locked.
   
   
10. Provide blinds or curtains for your windows and keep them drawn at night.
    
    
11. Never leave an extra key outside for any reason. Instead, leave a spare with a friend or neighbor who lives nearby.
    
    
12. Be aware of emergency exits and safe areas to be used during fire and weather emergencies.
    
    
13. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning:
    
    
    • Vomiting
    • Seizures
    • Slow breathing
    • Irregular breathing
    • Hypothermia
    • Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot wake

Property Safety

A safe apartment or home should have the following features:

1. Well-lighted entryways and hallways.
   
   
2. Well-lighted off-street or on-street parking.
   
   
3. Well-lighted and well-trafficked pedestrian areas and sidewalks.
   
   
4. A locked outer security door on multi-unit apartments.
   
   
5. Locked access to common areas such as laundry rooms or storage facilities.
   
   
6. Be aware of storm shelter locations in mobile home parks
   
   
7. Deadbolt lock on the apartment door(s).
   
   
8. Peepholes or chain locks on door(s).
   
   
9. Locks on all first floor or ground level windows.
   
   
10. A fire escape for upper floor apartments.
    
    
11. Locks on any windows accessible from a fire escape.
    
    
12. Working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
    
    
13. A sufficient number of electrical outlets in every room (two and three-prong) - and no extension cords or adaptors.
    
    
14. Working appliances plugged into appropriate outlets.
    
    
15. Locked mailboxes.