6 Safety Precautions for Apartments Near College Campuses

Lots of locals in college towns know that there can be some specific risks to living in apartments near college campuses. To some residents who are uninvolved in campus life, moving to a spot near a local school is practically an invitation to the marauding hordes of roving students who can represent a serious safety risk, especially when inebriated.

But there are some common sense ways to deal with the risk of living in a more chaotic neighborhood near a relatively transient student population. Tailor your home security to your specific needs, according to what’s happening around your property, and you can reduce the risk of theft and other unfortunate situations.

1. Leave a Light On

This popular strategy works in many higher risk areas. Residents simply make their homes appear inhabited, even when they are away. This can deter some types of crime and lower the chances of incidents during the owner’s absence.

2. Keep Items Out of Common Spaces

A student community or area nearby can be one of those places where everything disappears unless it’s nailed down. Use your enclosed storage areas or interior areas to store personal belongings, and keep bikes, etc. away from open spaces where there is potential for theft over the long term.

3. Lock Doors and Windows

There’s nothing more inviting to a thief than a gaping hole in the security of a home. In other words, there’s no point locking the front door if there is easy access to the building elsewhere. Conduct regular security checks and make sure your home is properly secured against intruders.

4. Buy Personal Security Gear

There is often no need for this step in the process unless you feel like your area is a significant risk for personal assault. However, just as single women on college campuses stock up on personal security items, local residents may want to do the same, depending on the state of their neighborhood. Whistles can function as effective security notification equipment, while some legal items like pepper spray can help residents near campuses feel safer about walking around their area.

5. Use Security Floodlights

Sensor-based floodlights are a great way to scattered groups of interlopers on your property. If you have issues with lots of students cutting across your lawn or congregating near your property line at night, these kinds of broad security lighting can effectively cut down on risk and make you feel safer about your location.

6. Dogs and Security Systems

When it comes to preventing actual home invasions, the old classics apply. Guard dogs are extremely effective, though they do need specific care and resources. A proper security system may also provide more functional security for your property.

Think about all of the above if you feel like additional safety precautions may be necessary to defend your home near a college campus.