Safety and Security 

Police, Fire, and Ambulance Phone Numbers
Emergency: 911
Police (Non-Emergency) (614) 645-4545
Fire Department (614) 221-2132

• No matter what, you can become a victim of crime, thieves do not discriminate. Please keep blinds closed and valuable objects from plain sight. Do not give thieves the opportunity to steal your belongings, especially in your vehicles.
• Remove all visible valuables such as CD’s, cell phones, books, and even loose change from your vehicle. Also, make sure you hide cigarette lighter adapters and replace the cigarette lighter, as these are both signs of valuables somewhere in your vehicle. If you suspect illegal activity, please call the police at 645-4545.
• Remember: never open your door to a stranger, always demand to see proper identification from all sales people or utility workers. Make sure you look to see who it is at the door before opening it; while this is common sense, it is very easy to overlook.
• Holidays, spring break, and move in time are times of heavily burglaries, please do not leave anything in plain sight and if possible take any valuable belongings from the home. Make sure all windows and doors are locked and the thermostat is set at 60 degrees before you leave for your vacation. Putting multiple lights on timers will give the appearance that there is someone at the home. Having your mail held at the post office and not telling too many people your plans are also good ideas.

Safety at the Door
Remember: never open your door to a stranger. Always demand to see proper identification from all sales people or utility workers. Make sure you look to see who it is at the door before opening it. While this may sound like common sense, it is very easily overlooked.

Be Smart:
• Stand tall and walk confidently. Always look where you are going and be aware of your surroundings.
• Stick to well lighted and busy streets. Walk with friends and avoid shortcuts through dark alleys or deserted streets.
• If harassed from a car, walk quickly or run for help.
• Don’t flash large any amount of money. Only carry the money that you need for the day and always have change for a pay phone.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, and call if you are going to be late.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your car. Don’t risk fumbling around in your pocket or purse looking for your keys.
• Alter your routine. Change your daily patterns if possible. Take different routes to work or school. Even parking in different places can keep you from being victimized.
• Secure all valuables and packages inside your home. Cell phones and CD’s are high theft items and they can be sold easily. Anything left in your car in plain view can be turned into cash by a thief.
• Install a mechanical locking device, commonly called a club, collar or j-bar, that locks to the steering wheel, column or brake. These devices aren’t fool proof, but often the thief will look for an easier target.
• Park in well lighted areas
• Always roll up your windows and lock your doors

When Jogging or Biking
• Go with a friend and take a familiar route.
• Try it without your headphones, as it is safer to remain alert of your surroundings.
• Don’t jog or bike at night, and never alone.

If You Are a Victim of Crime:
• If someone attacks you, try not to panic. Look at the attacker carefully so you can give the police a good description. Try to remember the important characteristics like: age, race, build, clothing, height, weight, hair, eyes, and any unusual features.
• Report all crimes to the Columbus Police 614-645-4545.
• If the attacker had a weapon and only wants money or possessions, don’t fight back. Your money can be replaced…your life cannot.
• If a gang of people is harassing you, make your way to an open store, gas station, or any well-lit place with lots of people.
• Finally, NEVER GIVE MONEY TO THE HOMELESS. As charitable as it may sound, this can go badly a number of different ways.  If you are interested in helping the homeless here locally, do some research into qualified charities who know which people are in the most need.