Make Plans for an Off-Campus Emergency

By Lorena Roberts on July 27, 2017

There’s something the majority of us don’t think about on a daily basis, and that’s emergency situations. There’s a reason everyone rushes to the grocery store when the weather is going to get severe. There’s a reason people keep canned food and bottled water in their basements.

Here are some tips to keep yourself prepared for any off-campus emergency that might arise.

Severe weather

You might not think this is a big deal — but a few years ago, class was canceled so many times in a row that I started getting nervous about being snowed in. If you live on campus, it might not be a big deal. You’ll be able to at least get to a dining hall. But if you live off campus, make sure you at least have cereal and milk in your apartment at all times.

It’s important to think about things like the tires and gas in your car when the weather might get bad.

If the power goes out, you’ll want to have something to be able to charge your phone — those mophi chargers are pretty dope.

Forced entry

If you live in an apartment, especially if you live alone, it’s necessary that you realize the importance of keeping your doors locked. Home or not home, your doors should be locked at all times. You literally never know when someone is going to try to walk in.

Keep your windows locked. You’d be surprised how easy it is to break into an apartment through unlocked windows.

Before you answer the door, always look through the peep hole. Even if you think you know who it is — CHECK ANYWAY. There are some creeps out there.

If you’re expecting maintenance work to be done in your apartment, call before opening the door for them. Make them identify themselves and keep the office/management on the phone when you do let them in. They should be wearing uniforms or nametags. Especially when you first move into a place, this is something you should be suspicious of.

Leave some lights on when you aren’t home. This will deter people from thinking your apartment is empty.

Don’t rely on the chain locks by themselves. These are easy to break through and someone who is determined will easily get through.

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Evacuation emergencies

If you hear any kind of alarm, it’s best to exit the building. Don’t write it off as “just a mistake.” Bring your phone and a jacket if it’s winter in case you’re out there for a while.

Make a plan with your neighbors to have some sort of “buddy system.” If you’re all looking out for each other, chances are, you’ll be safer.

Safety tips and tricks

•Create a code word with your friends, family, and maybe even apartment complex to let them know that you’re in danger and the police need to be called.

•Be careful about social media privacy. You don’t want to put your whole life out there for someone who’s stalking you.

•When you’re out at night, never be alone. Always take someone with you and share your location with your friends.

•Learn how to defend yourself. If you are in your apartment and there’s an intruder, you’re going to want to be able to defend yourself, won’t  you?

•Don’t advertise that you aren’t home by leaving notes on your door — that’s the perfect “go ahead” for an intruder.

•Don’t use your first name on your mailbox — just use your first initial.

•Don’t label your keys with the apartment number. If you were to lose your key, that would give someone the perfect tool to get into your place.

•Don’t hide your keys anywhere. Ever. It’s best to stay safe and just not hide your keys at all. Keep them on you at all times.

•If your door doesn’t have a deadbolt, get one. It’s the best/strongest way to keep yourself safe in your apartment.

•If you come home and notice anything suspicious, do not enter. Always call the police first.

•Never get in an elevator alone at your complex. If you do end up in one alone with someone, stand right in front of the control panel so you can hit the emergency call button just in case.

Hopefully, none of these situations will happen to you. Hopefully, you’ll live a very safe off-campus life. And hopefully, you’ll have everything you need to keep you safe at all times. If you have overprotective parents like I do, most of these tips you’ll know already. But some of them you won’t.

To keep yourself as safe as possible, check the campus police website and follow their tips as well.

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