Nevertheless, the best lock in the world cannot prevent entry of an unwanted person intent on theft or bodily harm if the lock is left unlocked. All off-campus residents should make certain that they have adequate locks and latches and should be diligent in their use. Additionally, several kinds of local door alarms are available commercially at reasonable. Such alarms can alert a resident to the entry of a thief or other unwanted person. The local emergency number to summon law enforcement officials and fire fighters should be posted on or near each telephone in the apartment or house.
Security awareness is also important.
These groups depend on local inhabitants who report suspicious person or activities to the proper authorities. Fire prevention is vitally important in off-campus living. Monthly tests of fire alarm systems and routine checks and servicing of fire extinguishers are performed in campus residence halls, but such care is often neglected in apartment buildings and private residences. All residence halls have sprinkler systems while most apartment buildings and private houses have none. Potential fuel for fire can be limited in private homes by good housekeeping practices.