Facing The Real World In A High Rise---Part Two

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

20 May 2007 04:29 PM

In my previous blog I told you about my cousin's new high-rise apartment. He just graduated from college a few weeks ago and this is his first "real" apartment. He used to live with five other classmates in a house just off campus, but now for the first time ever he is on his own trying to make the most of his new home in the big city.

I don't blame my aunt for being worried about him--I'm sure I will feel the same way when my first-born gets her first apartment. But, the fact is, if my cousin follows some common sense safety tips I'm sure he (and my aunt) will find that high-rise living in Chicago can be safer than they (okay, more my aunt) think.

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

It's not a bad idea to get to know your neighbors. You don't have to set a weekly date to have tea, but at least get a general idea of their schedules, and agree to look out for each other. My sister-in-law used to live in an apartment building that had laundry facilities in the basement. Whenever she had to do a load of wash in the middle of the night she would ask a neighbor to come with her because she was too frightened to go down alone. Lucky for her she had very accommodating neighbors and she only ran laundry at night when she absolutely had to.

"WHO IS IT?"

Never open your front door without having the person on the other side identify him or herself. If you have a peephole--use it. If you don't have one, ask the person for some form of ID. If you're still unsure who the person is call security, they should be able to verify the person's identification.

ELEVATOR SAFETY

Before you enter your high-rise's elevator check out the inside first. If you see someone you don't recognize, and your gut tells you there's something creepy about him or her, wait for the next elevator. Also, whenever I get on an elevator (anywhere) I stand by the emergency button in the event that someone enters the elevator and tries to harm me.

BE ALERT

If you use the underground parking garage remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Don't walk with your iPod on or with your head down. Also, never leave valuables in your car within full view. And carry your cellphone in a place that is easily accessible should you need to use it for emergency purposes (you don't want to be fishing through your purse for your phone when you need to call 911).

Related Articles:

Facing The Real World In A High Rise

Door Locks: Not As Effective As You Think

Driveway Dangers

Household Survival Tips--Fire

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger