A Safety Checklist for College Student’s First Apartment

College Kids, First Apartments & Safety
Your all-grown-up little girl is moving into her first apartment. She’ll be fine! But won’t you sleep better if you know she’s prepared for anything? Make her apartment safer with the following safety checklist:

Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be located on each floor of the apartment and in each bedroom. Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in hallways near bedrooms and near fuel-burning heat sources, such as furnaces, ranges, and water heaters. Make sure the CO alarms are not blocked by furniture or draperies. Install new batteries when you move in and test each detector.

Fire extinguishers. Keep one in the kitchen and on each floor of the home. Make sure she knows how to use the extinguisher!

Pilot lights. If any appliances (stove, furnace, water heater) have a pilot light, review pilot light safety with your teenager. For example, don’t store flammable liquids or materials nearby. Never use insect foggers or “bug bombs” in a home with a lit pilot light as it can cause an explosion. If a pilot light will not stay lit, it could be malfunctioning or leaking gas. If there are any urgent safety concerns regarding gas leaks, contact the gas department or the fire department.

Doors & windows. Make sure all the doors and windows lock properly and can be opened in the event of a fire.   If windows are painted shut, fix them. If the windows cannot be opened, make sure she stores a hammer or something nearby to break the window in the event of a fire.

Emergency numbers. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the main phone. Look up the local numbers for the police and fire departments to call directly in case calls to 911 are put on hold. In the U.S., call 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Control. Include emergency numbers for utility companies, including gas, electricity, and water. Don’t forget the number to report power outages. Include the number for campus police.

Cell phones. College students may want to program some emergency numbers into their cell phones. Good examples are the number for campus police or roadside assistance.

Security system. The best home security systems are monitored and provide peace of mind for your son or daughter in college and for you.  Let Allconnect help you compare monitoring companies in your area.

Cover this safety checklist with your kids going away to college to provide peace of mind for you and your new college student.