Safety

There are many things that you can do to improve your own safety on and off campus. Keep in mind that The Ohio State University is in the middle of a large city, and that there are many more dangers than in the average small town. It is very important that you pay extra attention to your own security.

Safety Tips:

• Always keep doors and windows locked (even when you are home).
• Ask to see company ID when utility or service people come to your door.
• Use a peephole to determine who is knocking before you open the door. If you are still unsure as to who is there, question the stranger through the door.
• Check smoke detectors every month. If there is no smoke detector in your residence, ask your landlord to install one because you should always have a smoke detector!
• If necessary, get a security system.
• Keep the blinds and/or drapes closed when you are gone.
• Get to know your area. Know where not to walk, and where streets and alleys lead.
• Do not walk alone after dark. Contact a friend or the Escort Service (292-3322) to take you where you need to go. The Escort Service will assist OSU students who live off campus as well as on campus.
• Get to know someone in the immediate vicinity that you can call in case of an emergency.
• Take a self-defense class. There are some offered at OSU by Women's Student Services.
• NEVER leave your keys outside your place under a doormat or in a place accessible to a stranger.
• If you lose your keys, work with the landlord to replace your locks immediately.
• NEVER leave notes on your door or messages on your answering machine indicating that you are away.
• When driving, keep your doors locked and park in well-lit areas.
• If you own a bicycle, register it with the University Police.
• In case of an emergency, call 911.
• If you are going to be gone from your apartment/house for an extended period of time:
  • Let a neighbor know when you will be gone and ask them to keep an eye out for any unusual activity. Provide a contact number while you will be gone.
  • Leave a light on when you are gone, or purchase a utility timer that can turn lights off and on automatically in your absence.
  • Either stop your service temporarily or have someone get your mail, newspaper, etc. each day, so that it is not obvious that you are not home.
  • Side Note: Never turn the heat completely off in the winter-time, especially when it is at freezing temperatures. It is advisable to keep the thermostat at at least 60 degrees, in order to be sure that the pipes will not burst. Be aware that if you do turn the heat off or keep the thermostat too low and damage occurs to the pipes, for example, you may be held responsible. If you have questions regarding legalities, please contact the Student Housing Legal Clinic.
• Visit studentlife.osu.edu/safetyinformation.asp to get further information on safety.
• Visit http://www.columbuspolice.org/reports/ to get further information on Crime Statistics.
• Visit http://firesafety.osu.edu/ to get further information on Fire Safety.