Building Security and Package/Mail Theft
Package theft, though relatively rare, happens in all apartment buildings from time to time. For prevention and building safety, the most important guidance is to only let people into the building who you know are there for you. If you expect a delivery, ask the person who buzzes you for the full name on the package. You can also use a mobile app to get a live video feed of your building’s vestibule. (You can find app installation instructions in the Berkeley Welcome Handbook, on the Listserv, or by contacting the Communications Committee.) Never buzz in a stranger.
When you’re entering any of the buildings, never hold the door open for a stranger. They can wait to be buzzed in if appropriate. Please also make sure the garden gates to the street and basement doors are locked after you pass through. Never leave a building exterior door propped open without someone there to watch. If you see a door or gate propped open and no one is around, close it.
Recommendations for lowering the risk of package theft:
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Arrange for your packages (especially valuable packages) to be sent somewhere more secure, e.g., Amazon Dropbox, UPS Access Point, a mail service, your workplace if possible.
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Sign up for email and text alerts for your purchases, so you know when your package will arrive. Retrieve it as soon as possible after you’ve been notified of its delivery.
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Schedule deliveries with FedEx or UPS so you can be at home to receive them.
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Sign up for Informed Delivery with the US Postal Service to get a digital preview of your incoming mail and manage receipt of incoming USPS packages. After signing up, download the free USPS Mobile® App for cell phones and tablets. According to the USPS website, Informed Delivery allows you to view gray-scale images of the exterior/addressed side of important letter-size mail and tracked packages. For packages shipped via USPS, the service allows you to provide instructions for delivery, reschedule delivery, and set up notifications.
Fire Prevention Safety Tips
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It is required by law that you have one or more smoke detectors installed within 15 feet of all bedrooms. The most important thing is to make sure they work. The FDNY recommends new model smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with ten year batteries that cannot be removed. If your current alarm still uses removable batteries, be sure to change them twice a year. (A good way to remember is to do it when the clock changes for Daylight Savings Time.) Replace these alarms with ones that contain sealed 10-year batteries as soon as possible.
These resources may help you choose appropriate smoke detectors, extinguishers, and other fire-safety products:
Smoking
Under New York City law, smoking tobacco or other substances and the use of electronic cigarettes ("vaping") are strictly prohibited in all Berkeley common areas, including but not limited to the community room, laundry room, walkways, garden areas, hallways, and stairwells. You can smoke in your own apartment, but please take care. Never smoke in bed.
General Fire Safety Tips
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Keep flammables away from your stove.
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Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that could burn.
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Keep matches and lighters away from children's reach.
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Apartments with small children should have childproof locks on lower cabinets and gas oven knobs.
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Power strips and surge protectors should not be used for high-capacity appliances such as heaters or dehumidifiers. This type of appliance should plug directly into a wall outlet.
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Replace old damaged electrical cords.
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Never leave candles unattended. Blow them out when you leave the room.
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Buy a small multipurpose fire extinguisher or fire blanket and keep it accessible for use for a small, contained fire—never for a large or uncontained fire. Check extinguisher pressure once a year.
Escape Plan
Protect your family by planning and practicing a home fire escape plan. Know all the possible ways out of your rooms. Know where your fire escape is. Have a planned place to meet your family outside the building in case you get separated in the event of a fire.
In the Event of Smoke and Fire
Don't try to put out a fire yourself unless it is small and you have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket. Never try to extinguish a grease fire with water—it will only spread the fire. If smoke increases, exit the apartment, keeping as low to the ground as possible and with your mouth covered. Do not try to gather personal belongings. Very important: Close your front door on the way out to prevent the fire from spreading. Call 911 once you reach a safe location.