{"id":783,"date":"2016-11-18T10:39:59","date_gmt":"2016-11-18T15:39:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/student-life\/?p=783"},"modified":"2025-09-28T18:29:47","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T22:29:47","slug":"thanksgiving-and-winter-break-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/student-life\/2016\/11\/thanksgiving-and-winter-break-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Thanksgiving and Winter Break Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With Thanksgiving coming up, and Winter Break right around the corner, be sure to keep your off-campus residence safe and avoid theft\/break-ins! Here are a few important tips to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Lock all of your doors and windows.<\/h3>\n\n\n
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First, figure out who in your house \/ unit will be the last to leave. That person should double check locks on all doors and windows, and make sure to leave curtains and blinds closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Do not leave hidden spare keys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you leave a spare key laying around outside, even if hidden, you are basically inviting intruders into your home!<\/p>\n\n\n

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3. Take your valuable items with you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Take jewelry, electronics, sentimental items, and other valuables home with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro-Tip: Take pictures of valuables you aren’t taking in case they are stolen, so you can later report it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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4. Do not announce travel plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Announcing your plans will let people know that your house will be vacant for a period of time. DO NOT leave a note on your door for postal service telling them that you will not be home.<\/p>\n\n\n

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5. Temporarily stop your mail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can stop your mail for a period of time by using the U.S. Postal Service Hold Mail Service<\/a>. This way mail and packages do not pile up, suggesting that you may not be home.<\/p>\n\n\n

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6. Keep lights on<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consider keeping a few exterior lights on, especially those around doors.<\/p>\n\n\n

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7. Use plug-in automatic timers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Automatic timers can be used to turn on interior lights to deter intruders from entering. Timers can be purchased at many stores, but you can receive FREE timers and door alarms on campus at the following locations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(M-F, 8am-5pm):<\/p>\n\n\n\n