College Students and Parents: Expect the Unexpected

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Are you a college student or parent? A new college school year means a new apartment/house, new roommates and new adventures. College students aren't usually prepared to deal with unexpected disasters that come along with living alone in a new place, and far away from home. This could mean a fire, an overflowed kitchen or bathroom, or any other unexpected emergency. These events can be prevented with the right precautions and the right tools. Make sure to have the electronics plugged into surge protectors, especially here in Florida with those unpredictable thunderstorms. You’ll also want to make sure you have a plunger on hand, a mop and a fire extinguisher!

After properly equipping your place with these handy tools, the next step is to make a plan in the case of unexpected events occurring. Make sure to also draw a map identifying where the fire extinguisher, the circuit breaker, the plunger and the fire detectors are located. Share your plan and map with your roommates (if you have any) and post in a conspicuous location.

Now, for your quick tips and solutions:

• Electrical problems? Live wires or electrical surges? Shut off the circuit breaker.
•  Remember to unplug all heat producing electronics when you leave the house (i.e. irons, curling irons, hair straighteners and hair dryers).
• Overflowed bathroom? Close the water valve and mop up the water before furniture and carpets get ruined. Get the plunger and start unclogging.
• Make sure to clean off the stove before cooking something new; old food remains could help start a fire.
• Do not heat food in containers not approved for heating and take food out of aluminum containers.
• Expensive electronics in the house? Make sure to locate them in areas that don’t cause temptation for burglary. Keep the blinds closed and always lock the doors.

Since you are either alone or living with strangers in your new apartment/house, it's important to be ready for anything that might come up. New responsibilities arise with a new apartment and new roommates. The Salmon Agency also offers renters insurance that can help cover unexpected events! Call 407-365-1766 to chat with our team of experts about coverage for your new or returning college student.