The new school year is fast approaching, and you’ll probably be moving into a new dorm or apartment. The most important thing for you to do upon move-in is to make sure it’s a safe place to live in. The last thing you want is damaged or stolen property, or even worse, injuries. There are some measures you can and should take to make sure your place is safe to live in.
1. Make sure the locks work: If you’re living in a dorm room, anyone on your hall can have access to your room if your door doesn’t lock. To prevent burglary, which can be unexpected and difficult to trace, it is imperative that your door locks and remains locked.
2. Check electrical wiring: A frayed extension cord or other electrical wire can cause more damage than it’s worth, including fires and electrical shock. Also be sure to check if there is any exposed wiring from walls, ceilings, or fixtures, and to deal with that if there is. Count the number of outlets in each room as well. If there is only one, it can be easily overburdened and can heat up, potentially causing a fire.
3. Check the batteries on the smoke detector: It’s super important to make sure that the smoke detector will do its job and alert you when it detects a fire. If you accidentally leave a candle on before you go to bed, a working smoke detector is necessary to alert you to the danger before it’s too late.
4. Find the emergency exits to your building: In case of an emergency evacuation, you’re going to need to know the quickest way out of the building, as well as an alternate route. Remember, it’s never smart to use an elevator in the case of a fire, so take note of where the stairways are.
5. Check for mold: If you’re living on-campus, this hopefully shouldn’t be a problem, but those living in off-campus apartments or houses should check dark, moist places for signs of mold. Mold, when allowed to grow, can cause allergic reactions and can even be toxic.
If you’re living in an apartment or a dorm, it’s smart to have renters insurance. Renters insurance can help protect your expensive belongings from fire, theft, or other damage, as well as protects you from the costs of damages you may unintentionally cause to your living space, like smoke damage from a kitchen fire. Stay safe this semester and consider renters insurance for extra financial protection!
