Student Letter
Dear Students,
Welcome to your new home and to your new neighborhood. Living off campus provides exciting opportunities and experiences, but also brings great responsibilities requiring you to work together with your neighbors, your landlord and property manager (if you use one).
Here are some guidelines to make your off campus experience a rewarding one.
1. Carefully read your lease to see what is required of both you and your landlord taking particular note of prohibited activities and expected behavior.
2. Respect YOUR neighborhood. Treat the property like it is your own home. Keep the inside clean. Pick up any trash outside including old newspapers or tipped garbage cans.
3. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR! Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Give them your cell phone number and ask them to call you if they feel they are being disturbed. Take responsibility for your behavior and the behavior of your guests. Have mutual respect for your neighbors by keeping lines of communication open and keeping your guests under control. Get involved with the community and/or volunteer opportunities. Take pride in YOUR community.
4. Parties and social gatherings. Be aware of noise restrictions and ordinances. Be sure you know who comes through your door and do not open your home to people just passing by. Items have been stolen during parties in the past and uninvited guests can be hard to control. If guests will not leave when asked, call the police to assist you. DO NOT ALLOW underage drinking as you will be held liable for serving minors! If police arrive, be respectful and follow their directions.
5. Do not overcrowd decks as they can collapse and cause serious injury.
6. Be aware of parking restrictions. Police may tow cars in violation of parking ordinances.
7. If anything breaks in the home, immediately call the realtor (if you use one) or the landlord. Do NOT attempt to repair things yourself as this can cause additional damage.
8. Periodically test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
9. Do not overload electrical receptacles. Use surge strips with built-in circuit breakers. Limit the use of extension cords and never bury them under carpets or rugs.
10. Be aware of all escape routes in case of fire. Egress should be directly outside, not into another room. Check that your house has a fire extinguisher along with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If a fire occurs, warn your fellow occupants, leave the house immediately and call 911. Do not go back into the house under any circumstances.
11. During school breaks, keep heat at 60 degrees so pipes don’t freeze. Setting it too high may result in using more fuel, running out of fuel and pipes freezing. Take down decorations, discard perishable food, suspend newspaper deliveries, secure windows and doors, take valuables home and unplug computers & TVs. Install a timer on a lamp so the house doesn't remain dark while you're gone. If you have neighbors that will be home, ask them to keep an eye on your house.
12. Police are here to serve you and the community. Report any suspicious or disturbing activities in the neighborhood including out of control parties, vandalism, loitering or excessive noise.
TAKE ACTION BELOW: Be alert to awards and prizes for participation in helpful apps and websites.
13. ACTION 1: “Like” the Narragansett Police Department Facebook page as well as the Narragansett2100 Facebook page. “Follow” both organizations on Twitter. Both offer valuable and timely information on upcoming local events as well as safety tips.
14. ACTION 2: Go to the town’s website (www.naragansettri.gov), click on "Citizen Alert" on the left side of the page and sign up for Everbridge to automatically receive emergency announcements such as storm warnings, public safety alerts or evacuation directives.
Narragansett 2100, Inc.