Good Afternoon -

This important newsletter contains a variety of reminders about living off-campus and what it means to be a good neighbor.

Please take a few minutes to review it in its entirety.
Safety and Security Tips for Thanksgiving Break

Many of you will be traveling home for Thanksgiving break. During this time of year, we typically see a rise in theft among off-campus homes. To protect your home, please follow these simple steps: 
 
  • Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked. 
  • If you have an alarm system, make sure it is set before leaving.
  • Close shades, drapes and blinds to avoid onlookers.
  • Consider taking valuables with you. 
  • If you leave valuables in your space, compile an inventory of your items including make, model, serial numbers, other detailed descriptions and photographs of the items for insurance purposes.
  • Make sure exterior lighting works properly.
  • Set lights, radios or televisions on timers to give the impression that your space is occupied.
  • Do not post your travel plans on social media!
  • Make sure trash receptacles are in their proper place
  • At least 20 feet from the street

Make arrangements for a trusted friend or neighbor to check your property and take care of pets, packages or emergencies.
Staying for Thanksgiving Break?

If you’re staying in Winston-Salem during Thanksgiving Break, click on the link below! We’ve included departments offering free food options, shuttles for dining and shopping, hours that ZSR Library and Reynolds Gym will be open, important information from Residence Life & Housing, Student Health Services, and University Counseling Centers, and links to campus and community activities.


Preparing Your Property for Cooler Weather
Drain the Pipes 

Water freezes when it expands, which can cause your water pipes to crack or burst. Drain any water from your outside faucet and sprinkler system. Drain and store your hose. Cover your outside faucets with insulators. In fact, make sure pipes that go through unheated areas like attics and garages are insulated as well.

Additionally, leaving the cabinets open below the sink is another great way to allow heat in around pipes.

Heat Check 

Your heater will be working extra hard in the winter. Make sure that dust and animal fur is not clogging up your filters. You can reverse the direction of your fans with the flip of a switch, making them go clockwise to help circulate the warm air. If you plan on using your fireplace, have a cleaner come out to make sure it’s not stopped up with soot or critters. If you don’t plan to use the fireplace, make sure to close your flue all the way to keep heat inside the house. 

Gutters, Windows, and Doors 

Failure to clean your gutters may lead to ice dams, which can melt and cause water damage. It would also help to make sure any offsite vents are clear. Look for any places your house might leak heat and seal those too. On that note, make sure to check the seals around your windows and doors. To help keep heat in, you can caulk your windows and add weather stripping to your doors. 

Information retrieved from:

Mantle Realty (n.d.). Preparing your homes for cold weather. https://mantlerealty.com/nc-homes-for-cold-weather/
As always, if you have questions or concerns please contact us at housing@wfu.edu or 336-758-5185.

Best -

Dana Muto
Off-Campus Coordinator
Office of Residence Life and Housing | Wake Forest University
336-758-5185 | housing@wfu.edu | rlh.wfu.edu