Off-Campus Living

• Close your blinds/curtains - especially at night or whenever you are not home. Don't give someone the opportunity to watch you and learn your routine. If you are at home alone at night, turn on lights in different rooms to give the appearance that more people are home. If you see someone or something that looks suspicious, call the police department.
• Do not leave your name on your answering machine. And, if you are going away for holidays or the weekend, do not leave this info on your machine.
• Use our Renter's Safety Checklist to make sure your new home is the safest it can be.
• Living alone may sound peaceful, but having a roommate is safer... and more fun!
• Always lock your door - even when you are home, or just going to the mailbox or next door. It only takes a minute for someone to get into your home.
• Invest in an alarm system with a motion sensor. Small window alarms can be purchased at Lowes/Home Depot.
• Don't hide a spare key. If you can think of a hiding place - then a criminal can too!
• Get to know your neighbors! Ask them to keep an eye on your place... and do the same for them. Creating a 'neighborhood watch' is great crime prevention.
• Do not list your address in the phone book. The phone company can handle this request.
• List only a first initial and last name on your mailbox.
• Notify your landlord if you are going out of town for the holidays or on vacation.
• Do not carry an identification tag with your address on your key chain.
• If you are getting your car serviced, do not leave your home key with the technician. They could make a copy and get your address from your receipt.
• If your apartment has a sliding glass door, does it have a drop bar installed? If not place a wooden rod/broom handle/dowel cut to length in the track so it cannot be opened from the outside.
• Get a dog. They make great alarms. Most criminals won't risk confrontation with a dog of any size, and they give you unconditional love. Check with your landlord first though
• Do not open your door to a stranger, including door-to-door salesmen, maintenance persons you don't know, security officers, etc. Verbally answering through the closed, locked door lets them know the apartment is not empty.
• Some insurance companies will protect your valuables (under your parent's homeowner policy) while you are away at school. Check to see if you are protected or if you need to get a Renter's policy.
• Engrave all valuables with your driver's license number preceded by your state abbreviation. This will help ensure your items can be returned to you if they are stolen. Make a list of all valuables by serial number / description / brand name in case your items are stolen. Give a copy to a family member. See the UGA Police Department web site for info about engraving your property.
• If the stranger is wearing a uniform, make them show you their identification. Have them hold it up to your door's peephole. If in doubt, have them wait outside while you call their company for verification.
• If a stranger asks to use your phone, do not let them inside. Ask for the number, lock your door, and call for them.

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