Winter Break Safety Resources
Students living off-campus leaving their homes or apartments during the extended winter break may take advantage of the following university resources and suggestions. Notify your landlord that you will be gone during the break period. Anytime you consider leaving your apartment or home for an extended time, follow these tips.
Parking
Students with a valid student parking permit may leave their vehicles on campus overnight for any period of time during the winter break in the Lake Lot or the Fischer Faculty/Staff Lot. Graduate students residing at Fischer Graduate Residence during winter break may continue to park at their Fischer Graduate Residence. Do not leave valuables in your car.
A valid student permit is required to park on campus during break. If you do not have an annual student parking permit, a temporary permit is available. To obtain a permit, stop into the Parking Services Office.
More information is available from Parking Services at their website. Students should also be aware of the Neighborhood Parking Guidelines in the City of South Bend if they are leaving for the extended break period.
Property Storage
Small property items such as computers, TV's and musical instruments may be brought to Hammes-Mowbray Hall (NDPD) during the break. Please contact NDPD directly regarding these policies.
Preparing for Break
Clean your apartment or house
- Let your landlord know when you will be gone and when you plan to return. Let a neighbor know your plans.
- Talk to your landlord about the correct temperature to set your thermostat. Ask for their recommendations to ensure that your pipes do not freeze.
- Unplug personal electrical items or small appliances from outlets like lights, chargers, and coffee pots.
- Clean your refrigerator, throw out perishable items, but do not unplug it.
- Tightly close dry goods like pasta or rice in your pantry.
- Empty trash and recycling. If large dumpsters are at the curb for pick up and you are leaving, ask a neighbor to bring them in if you will be gone.
- Remove all holiday decorations.
Security and Safety Tips from NDPD
- Secure living areas before leaving campus for winter break.
- Unplug appliances and clean out refrigerators.
- Secure and hide, if possible, any valuables being left. Better yet, take them with you.
- If leaving your vehicle, do not keep any valuables inside. Consider parking it on campus, see parking information above.
- Make sure all windows and doors to living areas are secure before leaving.
- For sliding glass doors, install a horizontal locking bar. A broom handle in the track at the bottom of the door can serve the same purpose.
- Never attempt to hide your apartment key outside the apartment. Burglars know the hiding places.
- Buy one or two inexpensive timers and program them to have lights in your apartment turn on and off during hours of darkness. It creates the appearance that your residence is occupied over break.
- Consider getting your mail delivery stopped during the long break. Resume delivery when you return back to school.
Traveling by car
- Check your vehicle’s fluid levels and make sure the tires, including the spare are in good condition and properly inflated.
- Have your route planned in advance.
- Carry emergency items in your car including a flashlight with fresh batteries, blankets, jumper cables and a flare or reflective triangle.
- If you become sleepy while driving, find a safe place to park for a short nap. Caffeine-containing beverages may improve alertness, but only for a short time.
- You should always allow yourself a quarter-tank of gas or more.
- When passing an exit, repeat the name of the exit showing on the sign. This will help you to remember the proximity of the nearest crossroad if you need to call for help. The easier you make it for the police or an emergency road service to find you the less time you leave yourself vulnerable.
Traveling by air
- Make sure you have your photo id with you at all times.
- Reconfirm your flight directly with the airlines 24-48 hours prior to departure.
- Plan to arrive at least an hour and a half prior to departure for your flight.
- Use luggage tags to clearly identify your bags. Use only your last name, first initial and phone number.
- Don’t pack valuables in checked luggage. Always carry valuables along with some overnight necessities in a carry-on bag.
- Never leave your luggage unattended.
- Watch out for “staged” distractions at the airport, e.g., people arguing, people asking you questions, “bumping” into you. These distractions create opportunities for pickpockets.
Updated 8.30.23