October 2006

Briefly speaking: Safety at home 101

Assistant Chief Wes Arvin of the UC Davis Fire Department (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

Students arrive on campus in the fall with a lot on their minds, but they shouldn't forget the importance of a few safety and security precautions. A little prevention can go a long way to keep students and their belongings protected in their residences.

"Whether they live on or off campus, we want students to have a safe, crime-free experience," says Lt. Matt Carmichael, who manages the crime prevention unit for the UC Davis Police Department.

Bob Smiggen, director of Student Housing, says residence halls are locked 24/7 and students must have a key or access card to gain entry to external and internal doors. He urges students to avoid or report "tailgaters" -- people trying to get into the halls behind them without a key or access card.

Smiggen says one of the biggest mistakes students make is leaving their room door propped open and valuables in plain sight. Parents should also check their homeowner's insurance policy to determine how a student's property at school is covered.

Lt. Matt Carmichael of the UC Davis Police Department (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

Safety, security sessions for students

The UC Davis fire and police departments, the Cowell Student Health Center and the Campus Violence Prevention Program have joined together to conduct safety presentations in every residence hall on campus and, on request, for groups of students living off campus.

One of the first things Carmichael tells students is to take a look around, pretend to be a thief, identify security weaknesses and adjust accordingly. He suggests that students put their driver's license number on items such as laptop batteries, iPods and bikes. The numbers can be etched in at the police department and are often instrumental in helping an owner recover stolen property.

Wes Arvin, assistant fire chief and fire marshal with the UC Davis Fire Department, says students should familiarize themselves with exit locations in their residence and know at least two ways out.

"The fire department responds to every alarm as if it is a real fire -- students should too," he says.

Quick tips for added safety

A few additional tips for students living on or off campus:

• Program cell phones with the business phone numbers for campus police (752-1230) and city of Davis police (747-5400) departments.
• In case of fire, get out and stay out.
• Never hesitate to report theft, no matter how small.
• Always ask for identification before opening your door. Check with the resident adviser to verify a scheduled service appointment. Off-campus students should have the business and emergency phone number for the apartment manager.
• Look out for neighbors; be aware of surroundings.
• Don't post your schedule on your residence room door.

More information about safety and security services is available on Aggie Family Pack's Safety and Security page.

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