WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES OCTOBER 17, 2019 19
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 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 wouldbe
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.
EDUCATION
Take a course in dorm safety
/WWW.QNS.COM
