How to Make Sure Your Housing is Safe and Secure

Why is safety and security important in Boulder?

• Crime Rates: While Boulder has relatively low crime rates compared to many other cities in the United States, it still experiences criminal activity like any other urban area. According to data from the Boulder Police Department and the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program, certain types of crime, such as property crime or drug-related offenses, may occur at varying rates within the city. The most common types of crime in Boulder include: car break-ins, house break-ins, strangers caught loitering around porches/ront doors late at night, etc.

• Natural Disasters: While not specific to Boulder alone, Colorado as a whole is prone to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and occasional severe weather events like blizzards or hailstorms. These events can pose risks to residents' safety and property.

• Unforeseen Issues: Boulder is known for having a lot of older/non-remodeled houses that students rent from. Due to this, many students run into issues that come with older houses that have not been treated well including (but not limited to): Locks on doors and windows that don't work well, fire and CO2 alarms not being checked regularly, heat not working well due it not being regulated regularly, and other things not being up to code.

• Lock Doors and Windows: Develop a habit of locking all doors and windows whenever you leave your house or go to bed.

• Check Peepholes: Before opening the door, use the peephole or window to verify the identity of visitors.

• Share Your Schedule: Let trusted friends or roommates know your whereabouts and when you expect to return.

• Have Important Safety Conversations: Talk with your roommates to make sure everyone in the house is aware of the importance of locking doors and the above routines.

• Door Jams: Install sturdy door jams or door security bars to reinforce entry points.

• Window Locks: Keep all windows securely locked, especially those on the ground floor.

• Deadbolts: Ensure all exterior doors have deadbolts installed and use them consistently. This is not a necessity but can be a great security feature.

Ring Doorbell Camera

• Install a Ring or similar doorbell camera to monitor who approaches your door. These cameras come in a variety of prices and offer immense security. There are also non-wired options and an option to just have a camera so that there is no damage when installing these cameras. Features of Ring Doorbell Cameras include:

  • Enhanced Security: Ring Doorbell cameras provide an extra layer of security for your home. They allow you to see who is at your door, whether you're at home or away, and receive alerts when someone approaches.

  • Deterrence: The presence of a visible camera can deter potential intruders or burglars from attempting to break into your home. Many studies have shown that visible security measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of a burglary.

  • Convenience: With a Ring Doorbell camera, you can see and speak to visitors from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. This is convenient for times when you're not at home but still want to communicate with delivery drivers, friends, or family members who come to your door.

  • Package Theft Prevention: Package theft is a common issue, especially with the rise of online shopping. A Ring Doorbell camera can help deter package thieves and provide evidence if a theft does occur.

  • Peace of Mind: Having a Ring Doorbell camera installed can give you peace of mind knowing that you have an extra layer of security for your home and can monitor your property even when you're not there.

Smart Locks

• Consider installing smart locks that allow you to control access to your home remotely. Smart locks are electronic locks designed to provide homeowners with convenient and secure access control to their homes using technology such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These locks can be operated remotely through smartphones, tablets, or voice assistants, allowing users to lock and unlock doors from anywhere with an internet connection. Here are some popular brands of smart locks along with their notable features:

  • August: August smart locks are known for their easy installation and compatibility with existing deadbolts, making them a popular choice for retrofitting existing doors. They offer features like keyless entry, remote access, and integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

  • Yale: Yale offers a range of smart locks with various features such as touchscreen keypads, keyless entry, and compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Zigbee and Z-Wave. Their locks often come with options for both keypad and traditional key access.

  • Schlage: Schlage smart locks are known for their robust security features and compatibility with a wide range of smart home platforms. They offer features like fingerprint-resistant touchscreen keypads, built-in alarm systems, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

  • Kwikset: Kwikset smart locks offer features like keyless entry, remote access, and customizable user codes. They often come with traditional key access as a backup option and can be integrated with popular smart home platforms.

  • Lockly: Lockly smart locks are known for their unique touchscreen keypads with randomized numbers, which help prevent unauthorized access through code guessing. They also offer features like fingerprint scanning, remote access, and compatibility with voice assistants.

Motion-Activated Lights

• Lights: Install motion-activated lights around the exterior of your home to deter intruders. Motion-activated lights for houses are a type of outdoor lighting system that automatically turns on when motion is detected within their range. These lights are commonly used for security purposes, as they can deter potential intruders or alert homeowners to any movement outside their property. They are also used for convenience, providing illumination when you approach your home at night without the need to manually switch on lights. Here is a list of some popular brands and their notable offerings:

  • Ring: Ring offers a range of motion-activated lights, including floodlights and spotlight cameras. Their lights are often integrated with their home security ecosystem, allowing users to monitor and control them remotely via a smartphone app. Ring lights typically offer adjustable motion sensitivity and customizable motion zones.

  • Mr. Beams: Mr. Beams specializes in wireless LED motion-sensor lights. Their lights are battery-powered and easy to install, making them suitable for various outdoor settings. Mr. Beams lights often feature a wide detection range and provide bright illumination when triggered.

  • LITOM: LITOM produces solar-powered motion sensor lights that are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. These lights harness solar energy to recharge their batteries during the day, ensuring they remain operational throughout the night. LITOM lights often offer multiple lighting modes and adjustable settings for motion sensitivity.

  • Sunforce: Sunforce manufactures a range of solar motion-activated security lights designed for outdoor use. Their lights are equipped with solar panels for charging and typically feature durable, weather-resistant construction. Sunforce lights often come with adjustable settings for illumination duration and motion sensitivity.

  • Maxsa Innovations: Maxsa Innovations offers a variety of motion-activated lights, including floodlights, wall sconces, and pathway lights. Their lights are known for their durability and weatherproof design, making them suitable for outdoor environments. Maxsa Innovations lights often feature adjustable settings for sensitivity and duration.

• Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any suspicious individuals or activity in your neighborhood, report it to the Boulder Police Department immediately.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for local crime alerts or neighborhood watch programs to stay informed about safety concerns in your area.

• Know Your Emergency Exits: Familiarize yourself with all possible exits from your home in case of a fire or other emergency.

• Protection Measures: If necessary, have any protective items on hand

• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including the Boulder Police Department, local hospitals, and trusted neighbors.

Renters insurance is important for college students for several reasons:

• Protection of Personal Property: College students often have valuable items such as laptops, smartphones, furniture, and other personal belongings in their dorms or off-campus housing. Renters insurance can help protect these belongings against theft, vandalism, fire, or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Off-Campus Housing Requirements: Many landlords require tenants to have renters insurance as part of their lease agreement. This requirement helps protect both the tenant and the landlord in case of unforeseen events.

• Affordability: Renters insurance is generally affordable, especially for college students who might be on a tight budget. The cost of replacing stolen or damaged belongings can be much higher than the cost of renters insurance premiums.

• Coverage for Temporary Living Expenses: In the event that a student's rented residence becomes uninhabitable due to a covered circumstance, renters insurance can help cover the cost of temporary living expenses such as hotel bills or alternative accommodations.

• Liability Coverage: Renters insurance typically includes liability coverage, which can help cover legal expenses and medical bills if someone is injured while visiting the insured student's residence. For example, if a guest slips and falls in the student's apartment, the liability coverage can help cover the resulting expenses. All Insurance Policies are different so make sure to check what your policy can cover.