General Safety Information

Being safe on campus is your personal responsibility. There are several preventative measures that you can take to help ensure that you have a fun and safe time on campus. Below are some simple rules to keep in mind while you're at Ohio State.

• Lock your door, even if just going down the hall.
• Escort your guests; that way, only people who belong in the hall (residents and guests) will be there.
• Do not leave messages on your door about when you will return or where you are.
• Keep ground level windows closed.
• Do not leave tempting valuables visible inside your parked car.
• Record serial numbers and description of valuable property. Utilize the Student Life Property Registry to register your valuables.
• Do not put your address on or attach your BuckID to your key ring.
• Avoid walking alone at night. Always walk in groups of two or more people.
• Always lock your car.
• Use well lit pathways at night.
• Use the campus escort service by calling 292-3322.
• Use the blue lights around campus when you need help. They provide a direct line to the OSU Police Department.
• Call 911 if you have a serious emergency.
• Carry your BuckID with you at all times. The residence halls are locked 24 hours a day so you'll need it to get in.
• Remember that residence hall staff members, RAs and Hall Directors, are always there to assist you. Make sure you contact them if you need help!

Fire Safety Information

University Residences & Dining Services is committed to maintaining a safe living environment for our residents. We have provided links below that provide additional, helpful safety and security information to help keep you safe while on-campus.

What the Office of Student Life Has Done and Will be Doing to Enhance Fire Safety in Residence Halls:

Over the past few years, University Residences & Dining Services has completed the following fire safety and prevention enhancements in the residence halls:

• 100% of residence hall rooms are equipped with a smoke alarm connected to a supervised fire alarm system.
• When a fire alarm is sounded in a residence hall, the entire hall staff responds to investigate and assist in evacuation. The alarm connects to the Columbus Fire Department and The Ohio State University Police, who respond immediately along with Columbus Fire Department. Should the staff discover that is it a false alarm, they call 911 and provide that information.
• Residence Hall staffs are trained in fire alarm operation/investigation techniques and evacuation assistance, as well as spotting fire hazards in the building, such as unapproved cooking appliances and smoking violations.
• Residents are given 2 hours of fire prevention/evacuation training per year, one hour in a mandatory meeting the day after the halls open for the fall, and approximately another hour throughout the year in the form of responses to fire evacuation drills, and safety messages communicated as part of other regular communication to residents. Fire evacuation drills are conducted quarterly in the residence halls in accordance with the Ohio Fire Code.
• All residence halls have new fire detection systems that are state of the art and also exceed code requirements. Features include detector devices in non-required areas, sounder bases in student rooms and 24/7 monitoring.
• Automatic fire sprinkler systems have been installed in Archer House, Neilwood Gables, the Worthington Building, the Neil Building, the Scholars Houses, Morrill Tower, Lincoln Tower and the Lane Avenue Residence Hall.

Related links:

OSU Campus Safety Information

Fire Safety Information