Crime Prevention Tips from the USC Dept. of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety at USC is a terrific resource for the university's students and staff.  We are thankful that we at Trojan Buildings are on the DPS Patrol Perimeter. 

We have the highest respect for all the officers.  Los Angeles is a big and sometimes dangerous city.  The DPS officers have some very useful crime prevention tips for students.  We have reprinted some of them here for you:  

What is Suspicious? ·   A person going door-to-door ·   Anyone forcibly entering a locked vehicle ·   Anyone being forced into a vehicle Confronting Danger ·   Trust your instincts ·   Know yourself ·   Show your anger, not your fear Getting around USC safely / Jogging safety ·   Stay alert to your surroundings ·   Know the locations of the Emergency Phones ·   Try to vary your route ·   Jog with a known companion ·   Jog in a familiar area ·   Do not jog after dark Auto Crimes ·   Be selective in where you park your car ·   Always lock your car ·   Don't leave valuables visible inside ·   Keep doors locked and windows up ·   Keep your valuables out of view ·   Travel on main road Bicycle Safety ·   Register your bicycle ·   Working brakes ·   Bike lights for night riding ·   Register your bicycle ·   Lock your bike to a stationary post or rack ·   Thieves look for easy opportunities

ATM Safety / Identity Theft ·   Be alert ·   Do NOT write your code on your ATM card ·   Stand directly in front of the ATM ·   Pay attention to your billing cycles ·   Minimize the identification information ·   Keep personal information in a safe place Acquaintance Rape / Ruffies and GHB -"Rape Drugs" ·   Listen carefully ·   Be aware ·   Remember that date rape is a crime ·   Don't share drinks ·   Don't leave your drink unattended ·   Call 9-1-1 if someone passes out Apartment and Residential Security ·   Unpack as soon as possible ·   Always lock your door ·   Recognize strangers Fire Safety ·   Alert the occupants and evacuate the building ·   Be prepared ·   Beware of False alarms

For the complete list of crime prevention tips, visit:

capsnet.usc.edu/dps/CrimePrevention/Specialntrest.cfm

Welcome back, Trojans!

Here you come!

Students are starting to return for another year's education at USC.  To all of you coming back for another year and all of you coming to Los Angeles for the first time-- WELCOME!

Get Help Furnishing Your Apartment

We have just come across a service that may be very useful to our Trojan Buildings' residents.  Need to get some furnishings, say from IKEA, but don't have a way to get there all the way across Los Angeles or to bring them back here to Trojan Buildings?  Contact Chris, the Trojan Spaces manager, and he will get you in touch with Full Service Furnishing.

For a small fee, plus the cost of the furniture you choose, they will do the shopping, delivery, and assembly of the furniture you need.  All furniture is new.  There are two deliveries scheduled for USC students.  You must place your order by either August 10th or 20th.  Call Chris at (323) 428-1687 for more information.

Another great way to get the things you need is to take a Zipcar.  There are 3 parked in front of Trojan Terraza and USC students get discounted membership!  And did we mention that they pay for insurance and gas?  It's a terrific value.  We placed a link on our Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trojan-Buildings/180666225287777 Go check it out!

Summer "To Do" List

Got any time to spare in Los Angeles this summer?  We found a list of 20 fun-filled activities (not on USC campus!) for you to try.  Between art museums, Disneyland, and Hollywood legends, something is sure to be the perfect way for you to spend a day.

Go to the Trojan Buildings Facebook page to see the whole list!

Easier Ways to Find a Favorite Food Truck?

Here's two new ways that we like:

http://www.foodtrucksmap.com/la/
This one has a map of the city that shows you where they are open or where they will be parking.  You can filter it by zip code, etc also.

http://www.findlafoodtrucks.com/
Don't want your entire Twitter account full of food truck news?  This site lets you browse them all in one place.  Yay!  Much easier......  

Check out our $10, Easy, One-Dish Meal Recipe on our Facebook Page!

Yum!  Fast, easy, and inexpensive cooking!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trojan-Buildings/180666225287777

Things You Should Know About Renter's Insurance: An article printed in the Daily Trojan

What exactly is renter’s insurance and why should you consider it?  While apartment buildings are insured against certain catastrophes, this coverage does not usually extend to personal property. Property crimes are common in the USC area, and renter’s insurance can help to mitigate your losses should you be the victim of theft or property damage. These are some common misunderstandings about renter’s insurance:

"I’m covered because my landlord has insurance."
Usually a landlord’s insurance covers only structural damage to the building itself—and a lot of policies don’t even go that far if the damage is caused by a tenant. For example, if you leave the tub running and it drips downstairs, damaging your neighbor’s couch, you may be liable for the whole mess. If your building caught fire, your landlord’s coverage would include repairs, but only to the building.  It’s too expensive.

Renter’s insurance can be as little as $10 to $20 per month. It depends on factors such as the type of personal property you’re covering, the size of the dwelling, the location and the deductible you want. Lower prices are offered for apartments that contain smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. For lower rates, you can raise the deductible; for more protection, you can pay more for replacement cost coverage.

"My neighborhood is safe."
Renter’s insurance usually extends beyond on-premise theft and hazards. If your luggage is stolen while you’re on vacation, you’ll often be covered. The same may be true with property stolen from your car. You’ll also likely be protected if someone slips and sprains their ankle at events you hold; you may even receive compensation for legal defense costs in the case of a lawsuit.

"I don’t own valuable things."
You might be surprised at how quickly all your books, CDs, and kitchen appliances add up. Even students can easily own thousands of dollars worth of belongings. Following is a list of common household items.  List each item along with its year of purchase and what you think it would cost to replace it today.  Types of  coverage offered personal property coverage:

Coverage varies by state, company, and type, but here are some basic examples of personal property to include in your inventory. Items not listed here may still be insurable; ask agents about customizing your policy with more options.
Property typically covered:
• Stereo systems, VCRs, and television sets
• CDs, DVDs, videos, and tapes
• Photography equipment
• Movable appliances, including microwaves
• Furniture
• Sports equipment
• China and glassware
• Clothing and books
Property covered with limitations:
• Home computers
• Cash, including coin collections
• Checks and traveler’s checks,
• Jewelry and watches
• Precious and semi-precious stones
• Comic books, trading cards, stamps
• Antiques and fine art
• Goldware and silverware (theft)
• Rugs, wall hangings, and tapestries
• Firearms (theft)
• Furs or clothing trimmed in fur
Natural hazard coverage:
Natural-hazard coverage varies by state and company, but most policies protect your property against losses created by the following:
 • Vandalism
• Water damage from failure of plumbing or appliances
• Frozen water pipes
• Hail
• Windstorm
• Smoke
• Explosion
• Vehicles or aircraft
For a higher premium, most insurance carriers offer options to add coverage for hazards not included in a standard renter’s policy:
• Earthquake, landslide, or other movement damage
• Water damage cause by an underground source or flooding
• Nuclear-hazard damages

Insurance is about your protection against unforeseeable circumstances. Even if you think it can’t happen, paying the price of one music CD a month might make the difference between an empty house and a replacement shopping spree.  A few pennies invested each day in renter’s insurance can pay for itself if your expensive belongings are lost or stolen.