Concerned about the safety of new students in Dane County, property owner Dave Wood recently launched a campaign increase safety education. .
Joining forces with the Madison Police Department, Madison Fire Department and Madison Property Management Inc., Wood has created informative posters and brochures to increase safety awareness.
“I have developed laminated posters, which we have put up in all the common areas of our apartments, covering safety topics and procedures,” Wood said.
The posters and brochures concentrate on ensuring personal safety as well as taking safety precautions against building fires.
Through his safety campaign, Wood said he wants students to gain common sense and the knowledge of basic safety precautions.
He said many students are living on their own for the first time and it is important for there to be an increased awareness regarding safety procedures.
Additionally, Wood said the purpose of his campaign is to assure the safety of Dane County residents. His poster campaign allows people to take responsibility for their own well-being through safety education and good judgment.
He hopes his campaign will reach 4,000 to 5,000 students.
“Property owners can follow all the government-set safety standards, but it won’t do anything unless the tenants use common sense,” Wood said.
As part of their real estate leasing policy, MPM requires all real estate agents to review Wood’s safety posters with their potential clients. MPM also includes a brochure outlining safety precautions in their lease packets and have their tenants sign a form with their lease to certify their understanding of the safety precautions outlined.
Wood said the steps MPM is taking helps ensure the effectiveness of his campaign.
MPD is also in support of the campaign.
“We wholeheartedly embrace what he is doing,” MPD spokesperson Joel DeSpain said.
He added the police could not warrant safety without help from outside sources.
DeSpain also said MPD appreciates Wood’s actions and supports the pamphlets and posters Wood has created to highlight safety policies and procedures.
“While some of the messages may seem straightforward, there are new students coming from small towns and elsewhere, and it is very important to reinforce these messages,” DeSpain said.
Campus Advantage Housing, a company that provides off-campus dorms for UW students, is also amending its safety procedures.
The Statesider and Towers — two Campus Advantage dorms — have staff at the front desk at all hours of the day and security cameras installed throughout their living facilities to guarantee residents’ safety.
Eric Orsbon, area manager for the Statesider and Towers, said staff members also walk throughout the building during the evening to make sure residents are safe.