Spring break is quickly approaching, beginning after classes on March 22. Before leaving campus, students must properly secure their living spaces and vehicles for safety — according to Residence Life and campus police.
Student Life urges students to unplug all appliances, hide valuables that they plan to leave behind, secure non-perishable food, dispose of perishable food, empty all trash cans, turn off all water faucets, set their thermostats to 50 degrees, as well as lock all doors and windows.
Director of Residence Life Kristen Carrier said students should bring their keys with them upon departure from campus.
She also pointed out some of the most frequently forgotten steps for students to take before leaving their homes, apartments or dorms.
This includes students closing their windows before leaving campus for breaks, as they can cause moisture and odor — as well as pose security concerns — if left open.
Carrier said that students must also remember to secure plans for their emotional support animals if they cannot accompany them over spring break.
If you plan to return to campus before Sunday, March 31 at 10 a.m. when residence halls open, Carrier requested students contact Residence Life.
Communication among roommates and suitemates is also the No. 1 tool to ensure that everything is pristine upon return to campus, according to Carrier.
Joe Lemire, chief of campus safety and police, offered some additional safety tips. Students should lock their cars and take their car keys with them, as well as lock all doors and windows to avoid theft.
Lemire also advised that students traveling check travel advisories in advance.
“Anybody out there that was considering committing a crime, knows that Elon's spring break is coming up. So, they target that time period,” Lemire said.