Safety

Living in any apartment can pose a risk of security, but by becoming more conscious, exercising common sense, and taking precautionary measures, you can make an active effort to stay safe.

Tips for Staying Safe

  • Trust your instincts. They are the most reliable guides
  • Always lock your apartment door even when you are home
  • Never open your door to anyone you don’t know - ask for ID
  • Never leave your valuables in plain view. Always lock your car and/or bicycle
  • Keep windows locked when you are not home or sleeping
  • Keep emergency numbers by the phone or refrigerator
  • Know your neighbors. Choose someone in case of emergency
  • When walking, stay in a well-lit area and know where you’re going
  • Avoid traveling alone, if possible. Be aware, confident and cautious
  • Utilize MGH Police, Security, and Outside Services - available to Building 199 (parking garage) or Building 149 for students leaving the Institute at night. The MGH Police, Security and Outside Services of the Charlestown Navy Yard will respond to a request for an escort called into the lobby desk (617) 726-0528.

However, there may be a time delay due to the ability of the Police and Security Officer to respond immediately. Please call in advance. Escort services are not provided to North Station, MGH Main Campus or outside the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Fire Department

The Boston Fire Department responds to emergencies including fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, medical assistance, and large scale events held in the city. Learn more about the Boston Fire Department, and how various divisions in the city work together.

Home Fire Risk Questions

  • Are fueling-burning space heaters and appliances properly installed and used?
  • Are all space heaters placed away from traffic? Are children and elderly persons cautioned to keep their clothing away?
  • Has the family been cautioned not to use flammable liquids, like gasoline, to start or freshen a fire (or for cleaning purposes)?
  • Is the fireplace equipped with a metal fire screen or heat-tempered glass doors?
  • Since portable gas and oil heaters in fireplaces use up oxygen as they burn, do you provide proper ventilation when they are in use?
  • Are proper clearances provided between space heaters and curtains, bedding, and furniture?
  • Do you stop members of your household from smoking in bed?
  • Do you check after others to see that no cigarette butts are lodged in upholstered furniture where they can smolder unseen at night?
  • Are matches and lighters kept away from small children?
  • Do you dispose of smoking materials carefully (not in waste baskets) and keep large, safe ashtrays wherever people smoke?
  • Do you have a qualified electrician install or extend your wiring?
  • Are there enough electrical outlets in every room and special circuits for heavy-duty appliances such as space heaters and air conditioners?
  • Are all electrical cords out in the open — not run under rugs, over hooks, or through door openings? Are they checked routinely for wear?
  • Is the right size fuse in each socket in the fuse box, and do you replace fuses with ones that are the same size?
  • Children get burned climbing on the stove to reach an item overhead. Do you store cookies, cereal, or other "bait," away from the stove?
  • Do you keep your basement, closets, garage, and yard clear of combustibles like papers, cartons, old furniture, or old rags?
  • Are gasoline and flammable liquids stored in safety cans (never glass jugs, discarded bleach bottles, or other makeshift containers) and away from heat, sparks, and children?
  • Is paint kept in tightly-closed metal containers?
  • Are furnace, stove, and smoke pipes far enough from combustible walls and ceilings, and in good repair?
  • Is the heating equipment checked yearly by a serviceman?
  • Is the chimney cleaned and checked regularly?
  • For safety against chimney and other sparks, is the roof covering fire retardant?
  • Do all your appliances carry the seal of a testing laboratory?

Police

The Boston Police department works in partnership with the community to fight crime and improve the quality of life throughout Boston's many neighborhoods.

Do you know anything about a crime that has happened, or a crime that could happen? Call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS, or text the word "TIP" to CRIME (27463).

Tips for Home Security

  • Use safe locks. Adding quality deadbolt locks is a great idea because they can’t be ‘popped’ the way spring-latch locks can.
  • Don ‘t buzz people into the building without knowing who they are.
  • Thieves use many disguises and some- pose as someone that they are not.
  • Strangers should be questioned as to their business in a building.
  • This can be done in a polite way and is essential.
  • Lock your windows.
  • When you are not at home, always lock your first floor windows.
  • In a single family home or a multi-dwelling building, the outer hallway door should be locked. If a thief has access to the inner hallway, he now has a cover from the public’s eye and extra time to break through the front door without being noticed.
  • Introduce yourself to your neighbor. Consider having a neighbor or friend watch your home when you’re on vacation.

Emergency Alerts

Sign up for emergency alerts from the City of Boston. You can sign up for alerts in 11 of the City of Boston's most-spoken languages. To manage your account, visit the Alert Boston portal.