If old man winter is blowing through your doors and windows this season, keep him out by winterizing your apartment.The Office of Off-Campus Student Services provides tips for keeping your apartment warm and safe from fire hazards during the winter. ‘We hear from many students that preparing for winter is difficult because of the lack of proper insulation,’ said Cynthia Newberry, graduate administrative associate in the Office of Off-Campus Student Services.First, inform your property manager about the poor insulation in your apartment. If your apartment is not at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit you can contact the Columbus Housing Inspector. If this isn’t an option you may have to resort to the student’s version of storm windows: plastic.’Plastic helps to keep the bills down in my apartment,’ said Patricia Kelly, a senior majoring in black studies.For improved insulation be sure the seal between the window and the plastic is tight. If all else fails, roll up towels and place them at the base of drafty windows and doors.’In one of my past apartments there was a gap between the door and the floor,’ Kelly said. ‘A towel under the door really helped to keep the draft out.’When using other heating devices, the following tips for keeping your apartment safe from fire hazards may be helpful.Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from everything. Turn them off before you go to bed and make sure the cord isn’t frayed or damaged.If you use liquid fuel heaters make sure the vents on the heater aren’t blocked. Smaller rooms add the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fireplaces should be used with fire screens made of sturdy metal to protect furniture and carpet from sparks. Burn only wood in the fireplace and never leave a fire unattended.When looking for your next apartment look for one that is well-insulated. Check for storm windows and good caulking around the windows. Also check to make sure the doors shut tightly and remember small apartments are best.For more information on winterizing go to the Office of Off-Campus Student Services at 104 E. 15th Ave. or call 292-0100.