Your college in the U.S. is sure to have a police department, security doors on all the dorms, and call boxes all over campus in case of emergency. But it is still ultimately your responsibility to take day-to-day safety precautions when living on any campus. Start with broad safety habits—such as carrying a personal protection device and routinely testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms—and then follow these tips for dorm dwellers.

Fire Safety

The same fire safety rules that you’ve been following your whole life apply to dorm living. Except in this case, you’re in charge of making sure your living area is always up to code. Here are some quick fire safety dos and don’ts:

Do:

• Opt for energy-efficient, fluorescent lamps that won’t overheat.
• Pay close attention when cooking food in the oven or on the stove.
• Sleep with your bedroom door closed (this will provide extra time to escape in the event of smoke or fire).
• Use appliances with automatic shut-off features.
• Invest in a fire extinguisher if your dorm is not equipped with one.

Don't:

• Overwhelm power strips and surge protectors with excessive cords.
• Stretch electrical cords across hallways or bury them under rugs.
• Puncture cords or expose them to extreme heat.
• Use extension cords for longer than necessary—they’re meant to be a temporary solution.
• Violate dorm smoking policies.
• Leave candles burning when asleep or away.

Crime Prevention

The saying goes that the best defense is a good offense, so take these precautionary safety measures against violence and theft while living on campus:

• Keep doors and windows locked and window shades drawn, especially when you’re not in your room.
• Practice discretion with valuable electronics and cash.
• Have your keys ready and in hand well in advance when returning to the dorms.
• Never allow unidentified visitors into your building or room.
• Use an inexpensive timer to activate dorm room lights when you’re out.
• Keep your backpack and other personal items locked safely away when your roommates entertain unfamiliar houseguests.

Other Safety Tips

There are thousands of additional ways to stay protected while living on campus, but some of the most important include:

• Avoid sitting or leaning on railings, especially if you’ve been drinking.
• Don’t hang out in dorms or cars with people you don’t know.
• Never eat or cook food that smells bad or has passed its printed expiration date.
• Let your roommates know your approximate schedule and when they can normally expect you to be home.
• Always keep a working, charged phone in your dorm room in case of emergency.
• Find out if there is an online or phone source for campus safety alerts and weather bulletins, and check it regularly.
• Report strange occurrences or suspicious behavior to campus security immediately, even if it doesn’t involve you; your vigilance could protect others from danger.