EDUCATION
Take a course in dorm safety
Caribbean Life, Sept. 27 - Oct.3, 2019 37
College students have a few different living
options at their disposal, but many opt for
dormitory living, as it is one of the more convenient
and popular boarding options, particularly
for out-of-town students. Thousands of postsecondary
students pack up their belongings and
move away from home in the pursuit of an education,
and parents want to do what they can to ensure
their college-aged kids are safe.
For many students, college represents the
first time they will live anywhere other than the
homes they grew up in. Dorm life can be an exciting
adventure, but it can also be one that may
open new college students up to inherently risky
situations.
While students should look forward to fun and
excitement at school, it’s also important for them
to be prepared for what lies ahead at college and
in dorm life — and to take the proper safety precautions:
Fall in with a trustworthy group of dorm
friends. Friends can be informed of your schedule
for both classes and work, so they are aware
of where you are supposed to be at certain times
of the day. If something is amiss, these friends
can alert authorities or investigate your whereabouts
further.
Lock your dorm room door. Always keep
the dorm room door locked, and make sure your
roommate is on the same page. Locking the door
can deter people from entering without your permission
and prevent theft.
Keep belongings out of sight. When preparing
to move into a dorm, leave heirlooms or expensive
jewelry at home. Once you move in, store
your more valuable belongings out of sight or in
a locked box or safe. Consider getting insurance
for dorm belongings, which will protect you in
the event of theft.
Travel in groups. When attending parties
or other functions, always arrive and leave in a
group. This offers extra protection, as assaults
and other crimes are less likely to occur when
criminals are outnumbered.
Know the evacuation routes. Learn your
dorm’s evacuation policies. Know where all exits
are and how to get out of the building if exits
may be blocked. Find out if fire drills or other
safety procedures are practiced, and participate
in them.
Use the elevator. If there’s an elevator, use it.
Stairwells are secluded and dark and often provide
the perfect opportunity for would-be criminals
to take advantage of unsuspecting students.
Use common sense and trust your instincts
with regard to dorm safety. Make college memories
good ones by emphasizing caution.