Home for the Holidays - Safety Tips from Your Cal Poly Police Department

Finals, group projects, the upcoming holidays. We know you have a lot on your mind and packing your belongings as you prepare to leave for the next five weeks is perhaps not on the top of the list. The holidays have traditionally been a time of travel, therefore the Cal Poly Police Department has prepared some tips for making sure you are equipped to travel safely as well as leave your residence so that it is secure until your return in January.

1. Limit your interactions to only those that are essential 14 days prior to going out of town.
2. Consider getting a COVID test or a free flu shot from the Health Center before departing.
3. Bring electronic devices such as computers/laptops/tablets and gaming devices home.
4. Unplug devices and power strips. This includes TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, lamps, curling irons, etc. This will help save energy and ensure nothing is left on for five weeks.
5. Close all windows, blinds and curtains. This includes locking your windows and turning off all lights.
6. Clean up before you leave: throw away old food, no one wants to return to month-old moldy food! Do not unplug your refrigerator. Wash your dishes and take the garbage out.
7. Make sure you don’t have any packages arriving to your on or off campus housing. You can also put your mail on hold for up to 30 days through the post office.
8. Lock your dorm or home before you leave!
9. Travel responsibly, wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains and other vehicles with others present.
10. As always, wash your hands and stay at least 6 feet apart from other travelers whenever possible.

As a reminder, all university offices will be closed from 5 p.m. Dec. 24 until 8 a.m. Jan. 4. However, CPPD will be on campus and available to assist 24/7 and may be contacted at 805-756-2281. With the ongoing pandemic, please ensure you are traveling safely during the holidays and continuing to follow physical distancing guidelines. For guidance from Cal Poly regarding COVID-19, please click here.

From all of us at your Cal Poly Police Department, we hope you have a safe, and happy holiday season. We’ll see you in the New Year!