Holiday break security tips for off-campus residents
Houses
Let trusted neighbors or friends know you are leaving and ask them to keep an eye on your house.
Leave exterior lights on. Lock all gates, doors and windows. Close all curtains.
If you would like your home checked while you are away on break, the Spokane Police Department Senior Volunteers offer this service. Services are provided Monday through Friday for up to 30 days. All doors and windows are physically checked including any out-buildings on your property. Call the Vacation Home Check Information line at (509)622-5885 if you are interested in having this service provided to you.
Vehicles
If you live off-campus, you may want to park your car on campus over holiday breaks. The City of Spokane only allows parking on the street for up to twelve hours at a time. And, your car may be towed or blocked in by snowplows in the event of a snowstorm. Consider utilizing the free parking program offered by Campus Public Safety and Security at the Boone-Hamilton parking lot. No permit is required but you must sign up at the CPS&S office located in lower Welch hall. Parking is limited to the Green Lot and is on a first-come first-served basis. This service will run from November 19 to November 27 for Thanksgiving break and December 9 to January 17 for Christmas break. Campus Security is not responsible for any damage or theft to vehicles if you choose to utilize this program. Remember to lock your vehicle and remove all valuables that may attract unwanted attention.
Mail & Packages
If you will be gone more than two to three days, make arrangements to have your newspaper and mail deliveries stopped or picked up by a trusted neighbor or friend.
Whether you live on campus or off, you may rent a mailbox from the Gonzaga Mail Room for $35.00 per school year. Right now they are offering mailbox rentals for $20.00 for the rest of the school year. If you live on or off-campus and you have a mailbox through Gonzaga, you can have packages delivered to the secure mail room.
The United States Parcel Service offers the following service if you will be away from your off-campus residence for any period of time: https://holdmail.usps.com/duns/HoldMail.jsp