Pick up complimentary personal safety devices from Ohio State Student Life
June 28, 2023
You’ll never leave home without it.
Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE) offers complementary personal safety alarms to Ohio State students, that, when triggered, create a loud noise that can be heard a couple hundred feet way.
The devices are small and lightweight, perfect for a keychain or backpack. They are also easy to use. Setting off the device by pulling out the pin triggers an alarm that is at least 100 decibels and can be heard up to 175-225 feet away. When the student feels safe, the device can be reconnected, and the alarm stops. The loud alarm may deter a potential threat and let those in the area know that a situation is occurring. The user does not need to be in close proximity to a possible attacker to utilize the device. These personal safety devices are also travel safe and can be taken anywhere including on an airplane.
OCCSE also offers complimentary home safety devices for students, including door and window alarms.
Audible alarms can deter burglars from attempting to enter a student’s home. Window and door alarms are powerful deterrence devices that create a loud ringing sound when triggered. A burglar is less likely to enter a home when a loud alarm alerts residents and neighbors of the burglar’s presence. A burglar is also less likely to target a home that looks occupied.
These devices, for personal and home safety, are available free to students through Student Life’s OCCSE. To pick-up your safety devices, please contact OCCSE directly at 614-292-0100 or by email at offcampus@osu.edu. More information is available on their website.
Each Ohio State student can reserve a maximum of five window and door alarms and one personal safety device.
The university offers many other safety resources to students.
Among the resources is the Lyft Ride Smart program. It provides a safer way to travel in the university-designated service area after hours. The program now includes rides to and from the Short North area.
In addition, Rave Guardian is a free app that allows you to select friends or family as a virtual guardian to follow you via GPS tracking, using a destination-based timer. If time expires, your virtual guardian will be alerted and encouraged to make appropriate follow-up. Rave Guardian also includes faster delivery of Buckeye Alerts and safety notices via push-notifications.
You can find safety information on the OCCSE website, and more tips, resources and procedures for staying safe in various circumstances on the Ohio State Department of Public Safety website.