City of Athens provides home safety tips for off-campus students leaving town for winter break

The City of Athens has provided the following home safety and security tips for community members and off-campus students who are planning to leave Athens at any time during the approaching winter break period:

• Lock all doors and windows (including garage and basement).
• Take your portable electronics with you.
• Place a hold on your mail and deliveries, or ask a friend/neighbor to collect them.
• Use timers on lights so it looks like someone’s home.
• Keep your valuables out of sight.
• If you have a cold spot near water lines, leave a faucet on a small drip to help prevent pipes from freezing.
• Ask friends who are staying in town to stop by and check on your home.
• Unplug non-essential electronics and secure sheds/outbuildings.
• Avoid posting your travel plans on social media until after you’ve returned to town.

A complete version of the City of Athens’ press release is available online. Please enjoy the holidays, and travel safely!