When most students think “spring break,” they think surf and sand, pristine mountain views, road trips with friends…or at least some quality relaxation time at home! But burglars may think something else: lots of empty apartments and dormitories with very few people around for a week or so. This is, unfortunately, the prime time for break ins and burglaries. Follow the below tips on “spring break-proofing” your apartment so that when you’re on the beach, at the lake, or in the snowy mountains with your friends and family, the last thing you have to worry about is the safety of your apartment back on campus!
- Put your mail on hold. It’s super simple to ask your post office to hold on to your mail while you are away. When you return, just go pick it up! You can fill out the necessary forms online.
- Adjust the thermostat. Save money and energy while you are away on spring break by setting your thermostat between 80 and 85 degrees. If the weather is mild while you’re out of town, you can even turn your thermostat off altogether.
- Unplug electronics. Make sure you remember to unplug your toaster, coffee maker, microwave, etc. Appliances use energy when they are plugged in even if they are turned off.
- Clean out the fridge. If you have items in your refrigerator that are nearing the expiration date, you might as well go ahead and throw them out. After all, you will be gone for a week!
- Leave a light on. People looking to break into an apartment will look for dark, unoccupied places. It’s not a bad idea to leave a porch light on.
- Don’t tip off criminals on the web. It can be tempting to post on social media how excited you are about visiting a certain place, but try to refrain! You never know who is reading your tweet about vacationing in Cancun or your Instagram about road tripping to Vegas.
- Remove your spare key. It’s very easy for a criminal to look under a rock, under your welcome mat, in your mailbox, anywhere that you may hide your key…take it with you this spring break!
Most importantly…have fun and BE SAFE!
