Apartment Safety Tips to Feel Secure at Home

Tip 1: Secure Entry Points

Your doors and windows are the main entry points into your apartment, so they should stay locked whenever you’re asleep or away. Don’t forget patio and balcony doors, too. Make it a habit to check every lock before you leave for the day or go on vacation. You can also add renter-friendly security products. Just check your lease or ask your property management team before you install anything.

Here are some options:

• Door security bars: Adjustable metal braces that wedge between the doorknob and floor
• Portable deadbolts: Compact locks that fit into the door frame from the inside for added protection while you’re home

Tip 2: Get to Kow Your Neighbors

There’s power in numbers, which is why getting to know your neighbors can help you feel safer in your new apartment. When you know the people around you, it’s easier to notice when something seems out of place. Friendly neighbors are also great contacts in an emergency or when you need someone to keep an eye on your place or grab a package.

Tip 3: Research Your Neighborhood

It’s just as important to get to know your neighborhood. That includes nearby residential and commercial areas, outdoor spaces and community spots.

You can research safety information on these websites:

• Columbus Police Department crime map
• Ohio Attorney General eSORN
• LexisNexis Community Crime Map
• CrimeGrade

Tip 4: Pay Attention to Lighting and Common Areas

Keeping a few lights on in the evening, even when you’re out, helps your home look occupied. Put lights on timers that switch on before sunset and close your curtains or blinds for privacy. If you don’t have an exterior light, consider solar-powered or battery-operated alternatives to illuminate your entryway, porch and balcony. Notice the lighting in shared areas like parking lots, stairwells, sidewalks and laundry rooms, and report burned-out or dim lights to management. Knowing the best-lit routes helps you move comfortably through your community day or night.

Tip 5: Add Renter-Friendly Security Devices

Portable door alarms: These battery-powered devices can hang from doorknobs, wedge under doors or attach to windows. They sound an alarm, alerting you to when a door or window opens. They’re also easy to install and pack for travel.

Video/smart doorbells: These Wi-Fi-connected doorbells send live video and audio to an app on your phone. Many models mount with adhesive instead of screws, but check with management before installing one. You can watch for visitors and check for deliveries without opening your door.

Motion sensor lights: This type of light switches on when they sense movement nearby. That’s helpful if you’re trying to find your keys in the dark. Motion sensor lights also let you know when someone approaches your door or patio.

Tip 6: Prepare for Ohio’s Seasonal Safety Challenges

Central Ohio brings all four seasons, so it pays to prepare for weather-related emergencies.

Keep these tips in mind:

Spring:

• Sign up for severe weather alerts and download a local weather app.
• Know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning.
• Keep a flashlight within reach.

Summer:

• Unplug sensitive electronics or use surge protectors to guard against lightning.
• Report AC problems before a heat wave.
• Bring patio furniture and décor inside before summer storms roll in.

Fall:

• Test your heat before temperatures drop.
• Make sure windows and doors close and lock tightly.
• Stock a power outage kit with batteries, chargers, blankets, water and snacks.
• Replace burned-out bulbs indoors and report any outside to management.

Winter:

• On very cold nights, open cabinets under sinks and let faucets drip to keep pipes from freezing.
• Clear snow from your patio or balcony.
• Wear shoes with good traction.
• If space heaters are allowed, keep them three feet from anything that can burn and never leave them unattended.
• Notify management of unplowed parking or walkways.

Tip 7: Know Where to Get Emergency Information

If something unexpected happens, knowing whom to call saves you from scrambling for help. Your leasing team can share a list of local contacts, along with where to find fire exits and tornado shelter areas in your building.

Here are some Columbus resources to know:

Columbus Police (non-emergency): 614-645-4545

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (anonymous crime tips): 614-461-8477

Columbus Division of Fire (non-emergency): 614-221-3132

Columbus 311 (city services): 614-645-3111

AEP Ohio (power outages): 1-800-672-2231

Columbia Gas of Ohio (gas leaks): 1-800-344-4077

Comfortable Apartment Living at Ardent Communities

Looking for an apartment in Columbus, Ohio, with strong security features? Schedule a visit at any Ardent Communities location. Each has ample exterior lighting, video-monitored common areas and on-site staff who help manage deliveries and greet guests. Learn about our communities.