Getting Ready: Essential Items for Student Safety
1.) Social/Nightlife and Out & About
Pepper spray and personal alarm — Both are small, easy to carry (available as keychains), range in cost from about $10 to $25, and can not only help alert others to a need for assistance, but deter/delay or fend off physical altercations/attacks and unwanted physical contact. NOTE: We suggest testing both for ease-of-use, particularly any pepper spray items – which, if used incorrectly, can cause more harm than help.
2.) Social/Nightlife and Out & About
“Nightcaps” or “StopTopps” — These little toppers for bar beverages are available in reusable or disposable forms. Typical cost is $10 for a reusable version (usually comes with small pouch for keeping and slot on top for drink straw), or $10 for 25 disposable tops (think: yogurt lids that fits a typical pint or rocks glass, with puncture-ability for straw). These are easy to carry out for an evening, and can help prevent “dosing” and associated dangers, to ensure a safe, fun night out. See the video below for a quick demonstration of “NightCap”…
3.) Emergencies / Outages
While we hope you or your student are spared any sort of short or long-term emergency outages (power, water), they happen. And our first recommendation is simple: Water, canned goods, and “staples” with shelf-life. These can take on many forms, but we recommend a dedicated supply of water – several large gallon jugs or 2 cases of bottled water, canned goods that range from healthy to “fun” (tuna to Spaghettios), and, prepackaged snacks (protein bars or tuna with cracker packs), as well as “staples” such as peanut butter and crackers.
4.) Emergencies / Outages
Of course, power outages come with a whole slew of discomfort and security concerns. We say – let there be light! Battery-powered or rechargeable lanterns, preferably with handles for carrying or hanging, are one “must have,” and we recommend convenient light sources such as headlamps or sports caps with brim lights, as well, that can light the way wherever you or your student goes. Additionally, flashlights of varying sizes are good – not only for light, but security, too. Larger flashlights for home can also help as defense weapons (in fact, some offer built-in defense features), and smaller flashlights that can be carried at all times help shine light on the way to the car or while walking in unlit areas. Finally, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can be key toward staying informed of changing conditions and instructions from emergency authorities.
5.) Home Security
Whether you or your student are living on-campus in a dormitory situation, or off-campus in an apartment, we have one throwback suggestion – light! And, one addition – sound. Light: Keeping a couple indoor lights on, while perhaps not environmental, can help send the signal that someone is home – but, particularly for off-campus students, extra outdoor lighting and security lights (for example, with motion detection) are known to deter break-ins. Sound: For students on or off-campus, we highly recommend a small but effective device – door and window sensor alarms, which are easy to install and pack a high-pitched punch (see video below for quick look at installation and function). Additionally, they run on batteries (get extras!) which means, continued protection during outages. And, with outages in mind again – solar lights lining pathways to doors or surrounding off-campus housing will also continue to provide lighting when the lights are out.
6.) Home Security
Although best-suited for off-campus dwellings, wireless smart video doorbells not only provide the ability for you or your student to screen who is at their door while they’re home or away, but can also deter unwanted guests from approaching. These devices tend to be larger and thus, often considered for off-campus dwellings, but smaller digital video devices are available that offer added security for dormitory doors (with a less awkward/outdoor feel!).
7.) Power Outages
For power outages – we suggest, power banks! Power banks of all shapes, sizes, and charging capacities. Smaller power banks, usually USB-rechargeable, are not only suggested for power outages, but also everyday life and for car travel to ensure cell phones stay charged. Mid- to Larger- power banks can include “gadgets” with multi-function, such as portable vehicle jump starters and tire inflators that double as power banks, or portable power stations. Both often offer various means of recharging (plug-in at home, or, using a car’s auxiliary outlet – “cigarette lighter”), and many power stations also come or offer add-ons for solar charging, as well. These devices can not only keep cell phones charged, but also re-charge lighting devices, radios, and other safety & “stay-in-the-know” informative tools.
8.) Power Outages
It should be noted, that power outages are becoming more common along with extreme weather. Storms, extreme heat, and other more frequent phenomena continue to strain and disrupt the systems that keep us in the light, and also, in comfortable conditions. Depending upon where you or your student live, we recommend buying items that can protect against heat exhaustion or cold/freezing temperatures. These include battery-powered or rechargeable portable fans, “cool rags” (look ’em up! they work!), and more standard items such as coolers to keep ice for beverages – but also, for First Aid (we’re getting to that next!). In cold temperatures, we suggest the “standards” (warm socks, blankets, etc.) but also some “outside-the-box” items, such as rechargeable neck warmers, battery-powered heated blankets, and, in conjunction with power banks (and used safely!) portable heaters.
9.) First Aid
First Aid items are a must. From emergency situations that can cause lack-of-access to regular medical facilities, to just, well … injuries resulting from stunts that students can be known to pull. There are several options: Premade First Aid kits, Homemade First Aid kits, or, a little bit of both – consisting of premade kits with “add-on” items for a more complete kit. Regarding premade kits – bigger isn’t always better. Yes, it can seem like larger kits offer larger safety, but, it is more about what is IN the kit that matters.
Whether you choose to purchase a premade kit, put together a kit, or some combination of the two, some essential items include:
- Bandages, band-aids, gauze, wraps, adhesive tape, safety pins, disposable gloves, disinfectants (cleansers, liquids and gels/creams) for treating wounds. Tweezers and “surgical” scissors for removing debris from wounds and for cutting wraps, gauze, etc.
- Instant ice packs and compression wraps (with “butterfly” clasps if needed) for bumps and bruises, or sprains. Aspirin or non-aspirin for pain or fever. We also recommend hand sanitizer and masks to prevent illness in emergency situations (and in general), as well as a thermometer, and, antiseptic wipes not only for wounds but also larger ones for cleaning surfaces (remember! Sometimes water is not available).
- Other “off-beat” items include crazy glue (the uses are almost endless, but – “medical-grade” crazy glue can truly help with wounds), duct tape – again, useful in a variety of ways, an aluminum blanket which can help in both cold and hot temperatures, and even crutches for leg injuries if possible.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly – any medications or devices you or your student need for health conditions should always remain current, filled, and if needed, charged and refrigerated (“on ice” or in small cooling device). We also highly recommend a First Aid guide that can instruct students how to tend to wounds, injuries, and to some extent, illness. [For a more extensive list, including added suggestions such as bug spray, etc., see here.]
10. KNOWLEDGE
Here at disaster.guide, we preach preparedness – A LOT. And, we believe that the first step to being prepared, is KNOWING what to be prepared for, what information sources to pay attention to, and what preparedness supplies and plans coincide with your conditions and circumstances. Whenever possible, study campus guides on security measures, as well as, local guides and information sources pertaining to possible disasters and emergencies. We often end our online posts with #StayAware #StayPrepared #StaySafe — and, knowing what hazards affect your campus and your area are the essential basis toward choosing the correct safety items, and, making plans (such as evacuation or shelter-in-place) for emergencies and disaster events. We also recommend having an “offline” list of contacts – including campus friends, out-of-town family, and local emergency services, in an address book that can be carried with you.
“Lagniappe” (Extras) — “Go-bags”
… it may also be wise to keep a “go-bag” ready with a couple changes of clothing, essential items such as medications and First Aid, a power bank, a flashlight, an aluminum blanket, a few protein bars or other sturdy non-perishables, water, your contact list, and we suggest keeping important papers (health records, ID, etc.) in a place where they are easy to grab and add to your “go-bag.”
________________________
Other Tips and Safety Suggestions
1.) Speaking of #StayAware, one of the more simple suggestions is – stay aware of your surroundings. Well … it seems simple, but – our world today offers lots of (digital) distractions. For instance, we love listening to music and talking with friends and family as much as you, but – when walking to your parked car or to the library for a late-night study session or home from a late night of good times, it might be best to “tune-out” from digital devices and “tune-in” to what is happening around you – and, when possible, use the “buddy system” (walk with a friend!). This is particularly true should you or your student find themselves in post-emergency or post-disaster situations, when tensions can be high and people an act in ways that can threaten the safety of you or your loved one.
2.) Continuing with our using our usual hashtags, we will add – #StayPrepared. It’s one thing to HAVE the items, but, you may need to actually have them on you or ready-for-use – and understand how to use them. We mentioned testing out items such as pepper spray earlier, but, we also recommend being knowledgeable about all your safety and preparedness items, and further, keeping them in one central location for easy and quick access (helps particularly during power outages). Finally, knowing what is needed for what (items for a particular emergency/disaster, or, First Aid situation) can sometimes be crucial toward ensuring safety and well-being (so! don’t just keep the First Aid guide with your kit, but – maybe, give it a quick read, as well, for example).
3.) For our final tip, we are going to utilize that last one, #StaySafe – but, add that – staying safe doesn’t have to feel “un-fun” or stressful. In fact, staying aware and prepared has been shown to reduce stress among most people. Knowing that you have the information and ability to stay safe, and that you are prepared for emergency or disaster scenarios, can offer peace of mind. Yes! Stay aware of your surroundings, and, while it may seem unpleasant – understand possible unsafe circumstances by remaining informed of local conditions and having your safety items ready – but, view this as a practice that can easily become part of your routine and your everyday life. However! We want to stress that – if you are feeling unsafe about a situation or need help during an emergency, know who to reach out to, whether that be campus security, campus authorities, campus counselors, or local officials or emergency services – do not be afraid to speak up if something does not feel safe. Speaking up when something feels threatening or dangerous can sometimes be central to ensuring that you or your loved one remain safe, secure, happy and healthy during their college journey.
________________________
Sources / Additional Resources:
*NOTE: We strongly suggest searching the college/university site that you or your loved one(s) are attending for their emergency & safety protocols, for on/off campus security departments and measures, and for local disaster preparedness & response organizations, information sources, and procedures.
StLeo.edu — “7 Key Things for a College Student’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist”
Stow-Ma.gov — “Disaster Preparedness for College Students” [PDF]
Collegiate Parent — “Preparing for Emergencies on Campus”
Ready.gov — “Build a Kit”
Mayo Clinic — “First-aid kits: Stock supplies that can save lives”
SafeWise — “3 Personal Safety Gadgets for College Students”
B.C. – Public Safety & Emergencies — “Make a grab-and-go bag”
Collegiate Parent — “Important Health Forms for College Students“
