Safety and Security
Police (Non-Emergency) 614-645-4545
Fire Department 614-221-2132
Your safety is our highest priority. Although unexpected events can happen around your home, and we can never fully predict when a criminal might be nearby, there are many precautions that you can take to enhance your level of safety in and around your home. Below are the safety features we’ve installed in every single home we own. Additionally, we have included our strong recommendations to you as residents to make you more aware of the safety concerns that come with living on campus
Safety Features in Your Home
•To enhance your security, all of our homes have dusk to dawn LED security lights installed around the perimeter. These lights are costly to us, but they make the exterior of the home very bright, which can deter prowlers.
•We are currently enrolled in the OSU Off Campus Housing Excellence Program. This means we allow OSU and the Columbus Fire Department to thoroughly inspect all of our homes. This program is intended to increase safety, security, and sustainability for residents in the University Area. We have received a perfect score on every home that has been inspected.
•There are fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, fire escape ladders in all 2nd and 3rd floor bedrooms, smoke detectors in all bedrooms and outside of all sleeping areas.
•There are deadbolt locks and security alarms on all exterior doors and individual door locks on all bedrooms.
•In addition to all of these features, you will receive a monthly safety walk through of the home. During this walk through you will get a furnace filter change and we will inspect your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. We will also do a quick inspection to make sure that everyone is using the home in a safe manner. Sometimes you may be unaware of certain dangers and we will inform you when it is appropriate. We are unaware of any other rental property company on campus who offers such a vast array of safety features.
General Safety
•Please keep blinds closed and valuable objects from plain sight. Do not give anyone the opportunity to steal your belongings, especially in your vehicles.
•Holidays, spring break, and the move-in season tend to see an increase of burglary related incidents on campus. Do not leave anything in plain sight, and when possible, take any valuable belongings from the home. Ensure all windows and doors are locked and the thermostat is set at 60 degrees right before vacation. Consider installing timers on lights as this creates the appearance that someone may be home. Have the post office hold your mail while gone, and only inform your vacation plans to a select number of people. It is very unwise to post vacation messages on social media while you are on vacation. An untrustworthy person who recognizes that you are not home may take advantage of you and your absence.
Safety at the Door
• Never open your door to a stranger. Always demand to see proper identification from all sales people or utility workers.
• Make sure you look to see who it is at the door before opening it. While this may sound like common sense, it is very easily overlooked.
When Walking Around Campus
• Carry mace on your key chain.
• Stand tall and walk confidently. Always look where you are going and be aware of your surroundings. Appear like you know where you are going.
• Try to use only well lit and busy streets. Walk with friends and avoid shortcuts through dark alleys or deserted streets.
• If harassed from a car, walk briskly away, or run for help.
• Don’t flash any large amounts of money. Only carry the money that you need for the day and always a cell phone.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, and call if you are going to be late.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your car. Don’t risk fumbling around in your pocket or purse looking for your keys.
• Alter your routine. Change your daily patterns if possible. Take different routes to work or school. Even parking in different places can keep you from being victimized.
Fire Safety
• Test all smoke detectors monthly. To learn more about smoke detectors click here: Smoke Detectors
• Never remove batteries or disable the alarm. If a smoke detector is beeping because it needs a new battery please let us know and we'll replace it.
• Learn about your home's fire escape plan (on the refrigerator) and practice it.
• If any smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get out of the building quickly and stay out.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Cook only when you are alert and not sleepy, drowsy from medicine or alcohol.
• If you have to discharge a fire extinguisher use the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher. If you aim at the flames (which is frequently the temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good. To learn more about fire extinguishers click here: Fire Extinguishers
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Always sleep with your bedroom door closed. A closed door can alter the flow of fatal heat and toxic gases in a fire, giving you seconds or even minutes to find another way out in time.
• All of our homes are equipped with Fire Escape Ladders in each bedroom above ground level. To learn more about this please click here: Fire Escape Ladders
When Parking Your Car
• Secure all valuables and packages inside your home, never leave them in your car. Anything left in your car in plain view can be turned into cash by a thief.
• Install a mechanical locking device, commonly called a club, collar or j-bar, that locks to the steering wheel, column or brake. These devices aren’t foolproof, but often the thief will look for an easier target.
• Park in well lit areas
• Always roll up your windows and lock your doors
• Remove all visible valuables such as: CD’s, cell phones, books, book bags, and even loose change. Also, make sure you hide cigarette lighter adapters and replace the cigarette lighter, as these are both signs of valuables in your vehicle. If you suspect illegal activity, please immediately call the police at 614-645-4545.
When Jogging or Biking
• Go with a friend and take a familiar route.
• Never bike or jog while wearing your headphones, it is safer to remain alert of your surroundings.
• Don’t jog or bike at night, and never alone.
If You Are a Victim of Crime
• Report all crimes to the Columbus Police 614-645-4545.
• If the attacker had a weapon and only wants money or possessions, don’t fight back. Your money can be replaced…your life cannot.