Summer break has once again given way to another fall semester on the Plains.
The dread of classes starting, slowly but surely, takes a back seat to the excitement that the upcoming football season holds.
The freshness of the new semester also allows students to meet people and get involved in various groups and extracurriculars on campus.
In the midst of these activities, it can be easy to forget about an important aspect of life on a college campus: safety.
Even though college brings increased freedoms, students should not become careless in their decisions.
"People have to take responsibility for themselves," said Lee Lamar, Auburn fire chief.
When one person has a lapse in judgment, other people can be exposed to dangerous situations.
Many of the accidents that occur can be easily avoided, and there are simple things that can be done to prevent them.
"Don't overload power outlets," Lamar said.
In older places, overloading power sockets with electronics could blow a fuse.
Facilities built 40 years ago or earlier are at greater risk for tripping a circuit breaker.
Places with faulty wiring are the most dangerous, however, as the overuse of power sockets could cause a fire.
Homes should be checked for faulty wiring only by a professional electrition, as electric shock can cause injuries and potentially death.
This pertains to on-campus and off-campus residents alike.
For students who need to plug in a DVD player, an appliance and a television at the same time, a surge protector is a wise investment.
Lamar also mentioned the potential hazard that exists when people forget about food they are cooking.
Whether it's leaving on the stovetop or oven when finished cooking or forgetting about the food altogether, it comes down to being careless.
"Use good common sense," Lamar said.
Fire safety is by no means the only issue of which to be mindful.
Personal safety when on campus is also something to keep in mind.
"People must be aware of their surroundings," said Randy Cerovsky, Auburn's associate director of public safety.
When walking on campus, especially at night, pay attention to surroundings and what is going on around you.
"If you park in the resident overflow lot, make use of the night security shuttle," Cerovsky said.
Brook Barrow, junior in physical education, has used the security shuttle before.
"If I didn't want to walk from the library to the Village at night, I would call the shuttle," Barrow said. "It is a great and safe alternative to walking at night."
Another precaution that everyone can easily practice is locking doors when leaving apartments and dorm rooms. Theft is one of Auburn's most common crimes.
"It is a good idea to keep doors locked and windows closed," Cerovsky said.
Lamar said not to be shy when it comes to keeping this campus safe.
"If you see something that doesn't look right, don't hesitate to call."
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