For many students Thanksgiving break may be the first time they’re going home to see their families for the semester. For others, it’s still great to get home, rest up, and eat hearty. But we can’t run off to our different ends of the country so quickly, there are just a few more things you need to handle before you hop on that bus to Detroit Metro, drive home, or hop in the car with family/friends, that will make it a bit easier to come back for class on Monday.
1. Save Energy!
Even though Halloween was so last month, have you heard of “vampire power”? Your electronic devices can continue to suck power even when they’re not in use, simply because they’re plugged in. Longer breaks are perfect times to unplug some things around your house and apartment; most likely no one’s going to be there to use them anyway, Who knows, you may even save a little bit on your next DTE bill, just in time for the holidays! You can unplug printers, microwaves, tv's, and other appliances that won’t be touched over the long weekend. Do your part in helping our planet.
2. Clean up!
The last thing you want to return to after a weekend of swimming in gravy is fruit flies. Lots and lots of fruit flies. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to simply do your dishes, don’t leave empty bottles and cans sitting out, and be sure to not leave fruit or vegetables sitting out over the weekend either. Fruit flies are also attracted to mops, dish rags, and trash containers. Not only is it nice to come back to a clean apartment or house, but you also won’t be dealing with some sort of infestation.
3. Protect your home and belongings!
Since the whole town of Ann Arbor does not empty during the week of Thanksgiving, it is important to keep your house or apartment and your belongings safe. Thefts do occur during such long weekends. Be sure that windows are closed and locked, and close your blinds and/or curtains as well. Take such valuables as laptops, tablets, jewelry and watches with you for the weekend, and keep other valuables out of sight. If you have a car on campus that you are not taking home, park it in a safe location, lock it, and clean it out. Last and certainly not least, lock your door(s). If you live in a large house with many roommates, organize and figure out who will be the last to leave, and be certain that they will lock up the house. Many thefts occur because the victim simply left the door unlocked- don't let this happen to you!
If you are staying in town during this time, keep an eye out for your neighbors - if you see something, say something!
Have a safe and restful break!
Contributed By: Meredith Ray