As spring break rapidly approaches many of you will depart our campus during the next couple of days. The Department of Public Safety is reminding the University community to take the necessary steps to protect your residences and belongings before you leave.
For those of you who live on campus, please take the following steps to secure your space:
- Secure doors and windows.
- Close all curtains/blinds.
- Make sure to lock your door.
- Unplug all electrical items, except refrigerators.
- Do not give your keys out.
- Mark/engrave all items of value and keep a record including serial numbers.
- Do not leave credit cards, checkbooks, cash or other valuables readily accessible; these can be taken and used by a thief before you know they are gone.
If you live off campus, please:
- Make your residence appear occupied; consider buying a timer that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights at a predetermined time, or when there is motion.
- Be sure your outdoor lighting is working and sufficient.
- Lock sliding glass doors and place a wooden dowel or metal bar in the track of the door.
- Take anything valuable home with you, i.e. laptop computer, video game console, jewelry, etc.
- Do not leave any valuable items near windows.
- Take pictures of anything valuable and ensure that you have installed tracking software and documented the serial numbers of all electronic devices.
- Unplug all electrical items, except your refrigerator and timers.
- If you have a security alarm, make sure you turn it on when leaving.
If you see anything suspicious, for on-campus, please call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use the Orange Safe app or for off-campus, call the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111.
For those of you who may be traveling for leisure or an academic experience over the break, be mindful of a few travel safety resources:
- The Covid-19 pandemic can still disrupt travel plans. Be sure to consider where and how you will isolate should you test positive during your trip. If you are traveling internationally be sure to check local rules and guidelines. Please review traveler resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- As always, additional travel resources are available to you from our Global Safety and Support team on the student experience page.
Even during the spring break, the Department of Public Safety is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 315.443.2224 if you observe anything concerning.
As always, our recommended safety strategies can be found on our website.
Wishing you all safe travels and a restful spring break.