Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw calls new de-escalation training a priority and Safe and Sound – UNITE offer tips for student safety

[Video below]-Chief Danielle Outlaw addresses bureau trainers

Safe and Sound – UNITE offer tips for student safety
By: Nick Hill

When it comes to personal safety, it is also vital to check the property for potential defects or hazards before you sign a tenancy agreement. Doing your research on a property is time well spent, according to leading student accommodation provider UNITE. Shane Spiers, Managing Director of Property Management for UNITE, offers some basic safety guidelines which could make a difference. Safety-check in the home • Fire: Student landlords and private accommodation providers should provide automatic fire alarms as well as sufficient means of escape. Make sure your property has these features installed before signing an agreement. • Electrics: Any electrical appliances in the property should have an electrical safety test certificate issued by a recognised, qualified engineer. When visiting a property, also watch for signs of poor electrical standards such as cracked sockets, switches or light fittings. Reconsider any student property which is lacking in electrical safety. • Gas: Carbon monoxide can kill, so make sure your home-to-be has a valid gas safety certificate by a CORGI registered engineer. Also check that the documentation corresponds with the gas appliances in the property. Tactical Workouts  Revolutionary Tactical Strength And Conditioning Program Provides A Simple Training Blueprint To Help Cops, Soldiers, And Prepared Citizens Gain Tactical Muscle • Furniture: Second-hand furniture is often the ‘norm’ in rented accommodation, particularly privately owned housing. Check with your landlord that it complies with the necessary safety standards. Protecting your property • Lock it up: Many burglaries happen on the spur of the moment because of unlocked doors or windows. Make sure all the doors and windows have good locks before you move in. • Window of opportunity: When you move in, make sure your TV, computer, games console and other valuables can’t be seen from the window, and never leave cash lying around. • Get insured: Getting insurance is cheaper than covering the cost of stolen items from your own pocket. With insurers such as Endsleigh offering great student deals, getting cover for your belongings is affordable. Keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen. • Make your mark: Mark your important personal items (i.e. laptop, iPod) with the initials of your university and your student ID number*. This makes it harder for an intruder to sell stolen goods and could help the police return your goods *Source: Directgov • Easy entry: Don’t leave spare keys outside, or in a garage or shed. This is the first place an unwanted visitor will look. If you live with housemates, agree that everyone is responsible for their own front door key. Shane Spiers says: "There are lots of aspects to consider when first viewing a property, and it’s all too easy to overlook important details in the excitement of finding a place to live. Creating a checklist will make it easier to weigh up the pros and cons of each when it comes to making a final decision. "To ensure peace of mind, UNITE university accommodation benefits from a range of security facilities including secure door entry systems and CCTV. We also have dedicated Property Management Teams to ensure all properties run smoothly at all times." Students can browse, organise viewings, view virtual tours and book rooms online by visiting Unite-Students.com or find out more by calling 0800 783 4213. To find out more visit Unite-Students.com.