Tagged: Safety

Before you head home for winter break, consider how to secure your campus residence for the days or weeks you’ll be away. Take valuables, like cash, credit cards or electronics with you. Off-campus, lock all doors and windows and consider leaving outdoor lights on. Students can pick up free smart plugs in the Ohio Union (Room 3106) to have indoor lights come on at night while you’re away. Record serial numbers of electronics you can’t take with you and always report any missing items or crimes to police immediately.

As highlighted by The Lantern, The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety has some tips for students to safely secure their homes before traveling for the holidays. 

"Police recommend securing your campus residence for the days or weeks you'll be away," said Dan Hedman, director of marketing and communications for Administration and Planning. "Simple things like making sure doors and windows are locked and having outside lights on at night can help prevent crime." 

This Halloween weekend, keep the costumes spooky but take your personal safety serious. If you celebrate, please do so responsibly and be respectful neighbors. Police recommend sticking with your friends. If you go out together, come home together.

On campus, make everyone use their Buck ID to swipe into residence halls and do not allow tailgaters. If you see something suspicious, report it to University Police by calling 614-292-2121. Off-campus, call the Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545. Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies. 

Chief Kimberly Spears-McNatt and Chief Elaine Bryant are teaming up to share safety messaging with all Buckeyes! Whether you live on campus, or off, police and public safety are on patrol to enhance your safety. 

10TV recently covered Ohio State's most recent efforts to ensure student safety. The university offers students free window or door locks that set an alarm if the window or door is opened, as well as a smart timer. 

"Police tell us a lot of crime is crime of opportunity, so criminals are not looking for a difficult situation," said Dave Isaacs, communications and media relations manager. "So when you have that loud alarm go off, it is very likely it might deter them and send them elsewhere. That's what we are hoping for with these devices." 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide emergency alert test on October 4. During this time, wireless emergency alerts (WEA) compatible cell phones will receive a test message. This is not a Buckeye Alert, but many students, faculty and staff will receive the test message. The text will say “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System.

As featured by WSYX, OSUPD is hiring more police officers and expanding other safety resources. 

"We're trying and we will continue to try to provide safety layers, law enforcement, different cameras, more lighting and adding officers," said Chief Kimberly Spears-McNatt. 

The university is actively hiring five police officers, creating a total force of 75 officers, among other safety enhancements. The jobs posted last week and the agency is seeking qualified candidates. Apply online!

10TV recently covered Ohio State's efforts to expand its police force. The university announced an effort to hire five more OSUPD officers, bringing the full authorized strength to 75. The jobs posted last week and the agency is seeking qualified candidates. Apply online!