Your apartment should be a peaceful, comfortable retreat—not a source of worry. Whether you’re moving into your first place or have called Cambridge Place Apartments home for a while, taking a few smart precautions can make a big difference in your safety and peace of mind.
Here are some simple, practical tips to help you stay safe and secure in your apartment.
1. Choose a community with secured access
When looking for an apartment in Iowa City, one of the most important features to check for is secured building access. At Cambridge Place, our controlled-access entry system helps prevent unwanted visitors from entering the building. It’s one of the many ways we prioritize resident safety.
We also have security cameras located in indoor common areas and throughout the property exterior to help monitor activity and further enhance safety. From the hallways to the parking lot, you’re covered.
When touring any apartment complex, ask about security features like key fob or code access, hallway cameras, and lighting in common areas.
2. Toss or repair damaged items
That chipped drinking glass might not seem like a big deal—until it breaks in your hand. Even small cracks in glassware or damage to appliances can lead to injury or fire hazards.
- Throw out cracked or weakened dishes and glasses
- Stop using small appliances that spark, smoke, or trip your breaker
- Replace frayed cords and avoid using any item that shocks you or overheats
If something doesn’t seem safe, it’s better to let it go.
3. Eliminate tripping hazards
Falls are no laughing matter—especially in small spaces. Common culprits include shoes, rugs, cords, or even stacks of books. To reduce your risk:
- Keep walkways clear and uncluttered
- Use non-slip rug pads or anchor rugs with furniture
- Report any loose carpet or flooring to maintenance
- Use motion-sensor lights or nightlights to light the way during nighttime trips—though at Cambridge Place, every bathroom includes a built-in nightlight feature in the bath fan, so you’ll always have soft lighting when you need it
Bonus: Every Cambridge Place apartment comes with extra storage, so you can keep your space tidy without sacrificing your stuff.
4. Fire safety starts at home
It only takes a second for a small accident to turn into a big problem. Prevent fires and stay protected by:
- Testing your smoke detectors monthly and reporting issues to maintenance right away
- Keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen—especially important with cooking-related fires being the top cause of apartment fires
- Using space heaters responsibly: keep them 3 feet away from anything flammable
- Never running extension cords under rugs or overloading outlets
5. Get to know your neighbors
Safety starts with community. Even a friendly “hello” in the hallway can make a difference. When you recognize your neighbors, it’s easier to notice when something—or someone—is out of place.
And here’s an important rule: don’t hold the door for someone unless you know they live there. Secured access only works when everyone uses it properly.
6. Lock it up
Whether you’re heading out for the day or turning in for the night, make it a habit to:
- Double-check door and window locks
- Secure your patio or balcony door
- Lock up even when you’re just running a quick errand
Even in a secure building, locking up adds another layer of protection.
7. Keep valuables out of sight
If you’re on the first floor or have windows facing a public area, don’t leave valuables like laptops, jewelry, or cash in plain sight.
- Use creative hiding spots for smaller valuables
- Keep curtains or blinds closed when you’re not home
- For irreplaceable items, consider storing them in a safe deposit box
Why Cambridge Place Stands Out
Safety, comfort, and convenience don’t happen by accident—they’re built into everyday life at Cambridge Place Apartments. From secure building access and on-site storage to well-lit common areas and responsive maintenance, our community is thoughtfully designed to help you feel at home and at ease.
Looking for apartment rentals in Iowa City that combine comfort and peace of mind? Cambridge Place offers quiet living, secure entry, extra storage, and a welcoming community environment.
Contact us today to check availability and schedule a tour. We’d love to show you around your future home.