College Safety – Renters Insurance August 11, 2022 Back-to-school season is a time of new beginnings, especially for those going off to college for the first time. With excitement of the new school year comes a set of new worries and concerns for students and parents alike. Safety should be at the top of every new student’s college checklist. In this blog, we share some of our top tips, like having renters insurance, on how students can stay safe while living on campus. What is Renters Insurance? Renters insurance is one of the most important things you can invest in as a college student living on or off campus. This type of insurance will protect your belongings in the event that they are damaged or stolen. It can also provide liability protection that can cover bodily injury from an incident occurring on your rented property. This type of insurance protects a person’s belongings. While landlords or school buildings also have insurance, their protection generally only covers the building, not an individual student’s or tenant’s property. It is always important to know what your individual renters insurance covers in case of an emergency. Many landlords require their tenants to carry renters insurance, so be sure to check your lease agreement before signing anything. Tips to Stay Safe This School Year When it comes to personal safety in a new space, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your personal risk. Get to know your neighbors and build a relationship with them. This way, you will have someone to rely on if you ever need help or have an emergency. Having open communication with people that are in your daily life can make all the difference during a tough situation. Knowing you can reach out to someone close by can reduce the stress of being in a new environment. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Make note of the regular day-to-day flow of your neighborhood community, building or apartment complex. If something feels off, it will be easier to notice and you will feel more comfortable. For personal safety, the outside of your home is a vulnerable area, so be sure to stay alert until you are inside. If you have to park your car outside, be sure to lock it as you leave and check the surrounding area. Finally, make sure your doors and windows are locked at all times, even when you are in your home. Having a safety plan in place is always the best practice for any potential future emergency situations. By following these tips, students and parents can help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable school year. The best way to keep up to date on the most recently provided safety procedures is to go to the National Safety Council’s website and stay aware of your community guidelines on home and neighborhood safety. It could save your life, or the life of someone you love. We’re here to help If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs. Don’t forget to follow us on social media! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
