Home Security

September is getting close, there’s a lot to think about over the course of this month. If you’re living in a college dorm or plan to be, your college dorm essentials might be the most important thing on your mind. There’s one essential that really is the most important of all. I’m not discrediting the rest of your college dorm checklist; I’m simply setting a priority. Personal safety and dorm room security, and that applies to off campus dwellings too, needs to be the top priority. Think about how much it would ruin your experience living at school if you had to suffer a break in, an assault, robbery, or worse still, a sexual assault. 

The CDC, Center for Disease Control, has reported that 20% to 25% of women in college will experience an attempted or completed **** during their college years. This is a scary big number, but it doesn’t mean that you have to be scared. Being aware of what you can do to protect yourself and even avoid a bad situation is the best way to make sure you are not a victim. This college dorm essentials kit is called the Extreme College Survival Kit because it has the information and certain self defense tools that can really make the difference when it comes to surviving these extreme circumstances.The most important thing in this kit is The Extreme College Survival Booklet, containing these safety reports, College **** Report, College and Campus Safety Tips, How to Secure Your Dorm or Apartment, Roommates, Safe Dating and it even has useful information for parents. Remember that knowledge is power, so the more knowledge you have the more power over your situation you have. 

Some other college dorm essentials in the kit are what are known as personal safety and self defense tools; this includes an electronic whistle, a really loud one, to attract attention to your situation. Most attackers will run away when you sound this off, because everyone nearby will want to know what the noise is. For those who won’t scare away there are several different pepper sprays, so you can always have one handy. Pepper spray is a very affective personal protection product. It will stop even the biggest and strongest attacker, affecting their breathing and their vision. You get enough time to get away from them, but remember to run away and call the police as soon as you use it. The effects wear off after a while and the person sprayed will feel fine again, so you don’t even have to feel guilty that you’re hurting anyone. 

There are also a few other alarms to be used in securing your dorm room or apartment. A motion detecting alarm that will make a lot of noise if someone breaks in to you place, a doorstop alarm that lets you keep the door open a little but will stop the door from being pushed open and will set off an alarm when the door presses against it. There is also the nap alarm, a device that wakes you up when your head starts nodding. It’s meant for preventing a driver from falling asleep behind the wheel but it will work well when you’re falling asleep at your desk too. Another security item in this college dorm essentials kit is the book safe, it looks like a real book, just remember to remove the promotional dust jacket so it doesn’t say book safe on the spine. It’s not a safe in the usual sense, but it will let you hide some of your valuables. There’s even a flashlight that can stick on the back of your cell phone so that you’re never left in the dark.



By: Phillip R Davis

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Millions of college students every year are faced with the prospect of living in a dorm room with at least one roommate whom they have never seen before. You want to think they are honest but you may never know until it is too late-until something has been stolen. College dorm security has always been a big issue. That is where safes such as hidden safes, portable safes and diversion safes come in.

Most security professionals will tell you the best place to hide something for safe-keeping is in “plain sight”-right in front of everyone. That is the idea behind diversion safes. They are most commonly items that people are used to seeing all the time and think nothing of seeing them. Some examples are soda cans such as Seven Up, A&W, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch and fruit cans or coffee cans. There is even one that is a shaving cream can. You get the idea!

Those types of diversion safes are good for small valuables such as money or jewelry.

One of my favorites to recommend to moms and dads for dorm security is the hanging closet safe. It looks just like a regular cotton shirt. The best use is to layer it under another shirt to really hide it. Inside are nine zippered pockets that can hold valuables such as documents, money, jewelry and more. Need a place to hide your passport? This will do the trick.

There is a portable safe that will work well for dorm room security called the surge protector hidden safe. It looks just like a surge protector that every college student uses. Inside is a small compartment to hide valuables. It does not work as a surge protector but once it is turned on the red light glows adding to the realism.

The most popular of all hidden safes for dorm security is the large book safe with combination lock. It looks just like a book but inside is a metal compartment that measures 3″x 8″ x 9″ with a three digit combination lock for more dorm security.

Another popular model is the hidden wall safe closet light. It is a battery operated closet touch light with a hidden compartment that is 8″ in diameter. No one would ever suspect a hidden safe inside a touch wall light.

Whatever you do, give your college student an edge when it comes to dorm security of their valuables with a hidden safe. It will give you and your student peace of mind.



By: Dave Artman


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The Microwave has often been called the college students survival stove because it fits easily into the dorm and provides the student with the capability of fixing warm foods. It is a safe unit so there is no fear of forgetting it and starting a fire. The unit shuts itself off automatically and operates on a timer. Microwaves come in a variety of sizes and are capable of not only warming up food but cooking foods making delicious meals and snacks. In today’s supermarkets prepared foods are easily obtainable and then all you need do is heat them in your microwave. Most college students enjoy making those late night snacks especially when they are studying for exams that are why a microwave is their survival stove.

Many college students who need to prepare their own foods enjoy the use of a microwave in order to save on their food bill. You can find foods for your breakfast, lunch or a full dinner that are prepared and set to be heated in an instant. The foods are normally placed into a container that looks much like a regular plate and is reusable. A college student does not need to buy plates etc. for his foods instead the microwavable plates are very handy and can be used for other foods as well as the microwave. The foods are normally fully prepared and then frozen making it very easy for anyone to prepare whenever you are ready to eat. Quick, easy and not too expensive, keep this on your list when supplying your dorm room with goodies.



By: Tom Tessin

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With the summer season coming to a close, the time to think about the approaching school year is now. For some, it may mean that boxes will be packed up and moved in to a college dorm room. This may be an exciting and frightening thought for parents and students alike. But even more concerning for parents is the safety of the college campus that their daughter will now call home.

While students are interested in the academic achievements of the college, the extra curricular activities offered and the nightlife in the surrounding area, campus safety is one of the top concerns of parents when their children are ready to enter the next chapter of their education.

As unfortunate as it is, the night life on college campuses is often one the main reasons students (especially the female students) feel the need to carry some type of self defense product with them. The good news is that many of these safety items are inexpensive and are easy to obtain (check local & state laws on legality).

There are a large variety of self defense products that are small enough to carry comfortably without interfering with day to day activities. One of the most popular of these personal protection items is mace or pepper spray. These can be easily added to a key chain or carried in a pocket or purse. With no training needed, and the effect of the spray being instantaneous and disabling these easy to use products give you the chance to get to safety.

Another simple option are stun guns. Easy to use, battery operated and with sizes varying (some can fit in the palm of your hand) these inexpensive devices are growing in popularity. The main idea of this type of electrical device is to momentarily immobilize the attacker without causing any long term damage.

Tasers are becoming another extremely popular self defense product. The Taser actually shoots electrodes at an attacker from a distance. The advantage of this is that the attacker does not have to be very close for the device to become effective, however, it can be used up close also much like a stun gun.

Self defense videos and classes are also an excellent way to effectively protect yourself. Friends may choose to take the class as a group to help relieve some of the anxiety. Some colleges and community centers may offer classes at little or no charge.

By: Cherie Litchfield

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When first arriving at college and first walking into the barren dorm room, new students may realize that they still have a lot of shopping to do in order to decorate those blank walls and actually DO something with the place. Sometimes this task may even take a lot of the year and then by the end…it’s time to take everything down. Better preparation is the key.

The first step in getting that dorm room in a livable fashion is to contact your roommate if you haven’t already and take a little time to get to know them and to find out what exactly they like on their walls. It is also a good idea at this time to get the dimensions of the room so you can properly plan out what to bring. This information may be online, but if not, then just contact your college or university and they will be glad to help in most cases.

Once you contact your roommate, you will both have to decide on a color scheme and theme for the room. There is nothing worse living with a roommate than a really bad decorator you are afraid to say anything to the entire year because you know it may very well hurt their feelings. Get things out in the open about what you want the dorm room to look like early on in order to help alleviate these disagreements. Remember, you will be living in very close quarters for an entire school year.

Next, find out what the college dorms do not allow in the dorm rooms. This is normally limited to candles or other fire-breathing items as well as such things as halogen lamps which COULD start a fire if something is laid on top of it. The limitations may seem a bit extreme but it is only for the safety and well being of ALL the students living there.

Once you have figured out what you both want and what the limitations at the dorm are, collect the items that you can use among both or you as well as just yourself and compile a list of items that are still going to be needed. It would be a good time to buy these items ANYTIME before the school year begins as there will be a lot of things going on at the university that you may gave to miss out on just to get your dorm room set up and shopping for stuff like extension cords.

Through decorating the dorm room together, this helps you and your new roommate actually start talking and helps alleviate those anxieties of living with a complete stranger in a small dorm room. Sometimes friends will request each other and become roommates, not bad. But in most cases, students living in the dorms are given a random roommate and will have to learn to live with the person whether they talk first or not. So why not give it a try and get that dorm decorated and set up the way that BOTH of you want it to be. And if they are a very passive person who says they don’t care what it looks like, try to get SOMETHING out of them as they will ultimately have to live with it too in the long run.

By: S. Michael Windsor

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Decorating a dorm room for the holidays can be a fun adventure if you take a little time to create a Christmas atmosphere. Holiday decorations don’t have to be overly dramatic or excessive in order to liven up your living space. If you are looking for a few simple and fun ways to decorate your dorm room for the holidays, then check out these practical ideas.

Best Advice: Play Holiday Music

The great thing about music is that it extends beyond the small four walls of your dorm room and creates an inviting atmosphere for the entire hall. It doesn’t have to be loud or obnoxious, but a soft tune in the background can be quite relaxing and entertaining. There is a vast assortment of Christmas CDs at almost any music store, so you can select the style that you like the best. In addition, you can continue to create this warm environment by buying a scented plug-in that has a cinnamon or apple aroma. This will surely welcome any visitors to your dorm room.

Share the Fun: Include Your Friends

Stringing popcorn can be a fun evening activity for everyone in your residence hall. This might be more appealing to girls, but guys might even jump in on this craft. Unsurprisingly, popcorn is a staple in most dorms and it is inexpensive, so use it to spread holiday cheer. Once the strands of popcorn have been created, you can hang them across windowsills and doorways. This activity provides a way to get into the Christmas spirit and socialize with your friends at the same time. For safety reasons, make sure that the strands of popcorn are not near any flammable surfaces or heat vents.

Design with Ease: Use Simple Decorations

A small Christmas tree with miniature ornaments can be just as cheerful as a big tree. Most craft stores offer these miniature trees in decorated form, so you can purchase the finished product if you don’t want to decorate it yourself. In addition, Christmas tree lights always create a vibrant holiday atmosphere. Many craft stores and discount stores carry peel off Christmas window stickers that you could adhere to your outside windows. Typically, they can be removed by just peeling them off the glass surface. You could also make big paper ornaments, Christmas trees, or snowmen and place them on the outside of each individual door room door. Your hall mates could take turns writing a favorite Christmas memory, song, movie etc. on each other’s paper door decorations.

By: Kristine Tucker

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College is supposed to be one of the best times in a person’s life. With so much to learn and experience, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement. But what about safety? Though they might seem self-contained and cozy, college campuses aren’t isolated from crime.

Know the facts about college safety
1) Rape is the most common violent crime on US campuses.
2) College students are victims of identity theft more often than other groups.
3) More college students are stalked than other groups.

Why is there so much crime on college campuses? When a bunch of young adults from all walks of life are thrown together, almost anything could happen.

Alcohol

Having a few beers with friends at a bar is one thing, but getting tanked at a frat house filled with strangers is quite another. Alcohol plays a major role in sexual assaults. In fact, more than 70,000 college students are victims of an alcohol-related assault each year. If you want to stay safety-conscious, stay aware of how much you’ve had to drink.

Date rape drugs

Your safety can also depend on who you know. Nearly all cases of date rape are instances where the victim knew his or her attacker. If you stop paying attention at a club or crowded college party, it’s easy for someone to slip an odorless, colorless date rape drug into your drink. Don’t be suspicious of all your friends, but keep an eye on your beverage.

Computer labs

Labs aren’t the problem. Students who are unfamiliar with computer safety precautions are. Many college students frequent campus computer labs to study and communicate with family and friends. Unfortunately, these labs are the perfect breeding ground for identity theft. You jeopardize your safety every time you enter personal information into lab computers. Use a private desktop or laptop to check your bank accounts, pay bills, and shop online.

Sour relationships

Campuses are a common place for stalkers to prey on their victims. When college relationships end badly, stalking can and does occur. Worse, campus stalkers are familiar with their victims’ daily routines. If you suspect you are being stalked, don’t wait for the situation to get out of control – notify the campus authorities immediately.

College safety guidelines

It’s important to have a good time and enjoy your college experience, but you have to stay smart about safety. Just exercise good judgment and common sense:

1) Lock everything from your doors to your windows.
2) Keep an eye out for suspicious behavior and be aware of people as they approach you.
3) Check your car as you approach for someone hiding underneath or on the passenger side.
4) Don’t carry large sums of money.
5) Travel in groups for added safety.
6) Stick to well lit areas if you have to walk on campus at night.
7) Yell “fire!” instead of “help!” if you are in danger, because people are more likely to respond to that.
Don’t hang around outside your car or dorm room too long before going in.
9) Beware of headphones when you are jogging alone. They drown out any noise an approaching attacker might make.
10) Let someone know where you are going and when you should be back.

These are all easy things that could make a big difference in your campus life. Don’t get so preoccupied with safety that it keeps you from having a good time, but keep your well-being in mind.

By: Ralph Winn

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One of the most annoying parts about trying to eat healthy food in college is that there aren’t a whole lot of things you can do with the cooking tools you can have in your dorm room. Here are a few healthy snacks that you can make with nothing but a hot pot, a microwave, and a toaster.

1. Bagels with cream cheese. This one’s pretty obvious, and it’s easy if you can have a toaster in your room. If you don’t have a toaster with extra-wide slots, pick up the miniature bagels that will fit in a regular toaster. Try flavoring your cream cheese yourself with honey or cinnamon.

2. Hard-boiled eggs. These are really healthy snacks when you need some protein to stick with you through a boring afternoon class. All you have to do is use your hot pot and put the raw eggs in gently when the water is boiling. You may want to slide a couple of eggs into a plastic bag first to control the mess if the eggs crack open before they’re done.

3. Oatmeal. This is a great snack when you have a carb craving, especially if you use the old-fashioned oats, which are a whole grain full of nutrients like iron. You can microwave even old-fashioned oatmeal. For a fruity kick, make it with apple cider instead of water, or make it with milk for a creamier flavor.

4. Trail mix. Buying actual trail mix can be pretty expensive, but you can buy nuts and dried fruit in bulk and mix up your own trail mix with the ingredients you like the most. If you need a treat, add some dark chocolate chips to the mix.

5. Ants on a Log. This fantastic elementary school snack is a good combination of fiber, protein, and carbs. Spread some peanut butter on a celery stick, and top it with a few raisins for ants.

6. Pita pizzas. This one is a little more complex, but it’s still easy to do in your dorm room. Stock your fridge with a small jar of spaghetti sauce, some chopped pizza veggies, and some Italian-style shredded cheese. Spread your sauce on a whole wheat pita, add veggies and cheese, and nuke it for about a minute.

7. Roll ups. You can make a roll up out of just about anything. Lunch meat is a cheap option for adding protein to your diet. Spread some hummus or whatever else you like on a piece of lunch meat, roll it up into a cigar shape, and enjoy!

8. Pudding. When you need some satisfaction for your sweet tooth, grab some pudding packets from the grocery store and make your own pudding. The low sugar varieties don’t have too many calories in them, and all you need is a bit of milk to mix up your own dorm room dessert.

These are all snacks that involve a bit of “putting-together,” but you can keep a lot of other snacks in your room that don’t need any work on your part. Pick up good cereals, whole pieces of fruit, veggies, and jerky for your dorm room so that you have a satisfying snack whenever you need one.

By: Crystal Galbus

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Enjoy a burning candle without worrying about your safety. Before you ‘light up,’ read the safety tips outlined below. Abide by them every time you light a wick and enjoy the ambiance and scented relaxation your candles provide over and over.

Safety tips for the conscientious candle user:

- Never place a lit candle underneath a vent. The air coming out could cause the flame to jump to nearby curtains, tablecloth, etc.

- Give that candle top billing in the middle of a table or atop a sturdy counter; don’t wedge it between flammable items. One reason that candles are taboo inside dorm rooms is the close quarters. If your area is also congested, consider lighting a candle somewhere else.

- Trim that wick. A high one is more exposed, giving the flame more room to ‘jump.’

- Always contain the wax that inevitably will melt over. For a votive, this means a sturdy glass holder. An obvious benefit of jar candles is that the jar contains the wax. If you do not want to be bothered to remember to use holders or trays, always choose a jar candle.

- If you or someone in your household has respiratory challenges, consider soy-based candles that emit no scent. These clean burning candles do not release the soot that traditional wax candles emit, leaving no airborne reminder that they have been lit at all. A note for the penny-pinching candle buyer: Soy burns slower than traditional wax, so these candles last longer.

- Use a snuffing instrument to extinguish the flame. Many people think that licking two fingers and pinching the wick is sufficient. It goes without saying that this practice can easily result in burns. The fire is often not completely extinguished, leaving the fire to sputter and emit a good deal of soot.

- If you are planning to light floating candles, make sure that there is nothing in that bowl of water that could catch fire. Sprigs of foliage are not a good addition here. If you are going to use floating candles, float them in the water and don’t add anything else to the bowl.

- When lighting any candle, use the correct lighting instrument. For an exposed wick, a cigarette lighter or match is fine. For mature candles that have begun to lose their wicks, use a lighter that lets you keep the flame away from your fingers.

A burning candle represents so much. Ambiance, heat, aromatherapy and an escape from the everyday stresses of life are just a few. Use your candle collection responsibly and enjoy all the benefits they have to offer.

By: Kevin Kaplan

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