16 JANUARY 30, 2020 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
EDUCATION
Take a course in dorm safety
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 post-secondary 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 fi rst 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 off ers 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 fi re 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 oft en
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.
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