This giveaway is now closed. Congrats Louis #36, the winner!

I’m back!  I think it’s been at least five whole days since I’ve blogged, which is longer than I think I’ve ever gone.  And…I’m still in New York City so posting, etc. will be light this week.

If you have a student looking to keep their items safe, Master Lock has developed a list of tips as the school year resumes:

Back-up the backpack
Backpacks are a popular and practical tool for carrying books and supplies but can easily be targeted for theft.  Help deter theft with a secure backpack lock, such as Master Lock’s 1548 carabineer lock or 1533TRI mini combination lock. Students should also remember to keep their backpack and other valuables with them at all times.

Engrave valuables
Permanently marking items with a student’s first initial and last nmae makes them more difficult to pawn, easier to recognize as stolen and easier to identify and reclaim.

Keep personal information private
Limit the personal information shared on valuables, front doors, mailboxes, key chains, backpacks and other items. Your student should not share his or her address or complete name in order to avoid additional risk if an item is stolen or misplaced, or if your student’s living space is violated.

Keep money safe
Before sending college kids out on their own, teach them how to responsibly use a debit or credit card to allow them to carry less cash. When storing money and other small valuables in high-traffic areas, such as dorms and apartments, students should always lock them up in a cash or document box made of durable steel, such as the Master Lock 7113D cash box, 7143D drawer safe or 7142D security chest.

Lock personal items in lockers
Every student should be equipped with a high security padlock to keep his or her belongings locked safely in a locker whenever possible, whether at the gym or in the classroom.  There are a variety of padlocks available, including combination-alike locks so users don’t have to remember multiple combinations and set-your-own password locks so users can personalize their locks and create an easy-to-remember passwords, such as Master Lock’s 1500iD Speed Dial, 1590D Precision Dial or 1534D combination lock.

Safeguard bikes
Invest in one of Master Lock’s high security u-bars paired with a large diameter (3/8-inch or greater) cable. Use the cable to secure both wheels to the bike and the u-bar to anchor the bike frame to a secure, immovable object such as a cemented bike rack.

Always lock doors and windows
Teach students to always lock their doors and windows to prevent unwanted entry. To prevent someone from forcing their way in the room as well as protect against others who still have a key from previous years, students should invest in a door and window security bar, such as the Master Lock 265 security bar or 266D window bar and alarm.

Travel safely
Whether traveling by bus, train or air, a lock is imperative for keeping your student’s belongings safe throughout their entire travel route.  Invest in a TSA-accepted locking device — the one lock airport screeners won’t cut. These locks allow TSA screeners to inspect and relock baggage without damaging the lock. Students should secure both their checked luggage and carry-on bags with a TSA-approved locking closure, such as the Master Lock 4688D TSA-accepted combination lock.

Insure your student’s valuables
Check to see if your homeowners insurance covers your student’s belongings while they reside in either on- or off-campus housing. If not, consult with an insurance agent to determine what additional coverage is necessary.

Be aware and prepared, not scared
While it’s a parent’s job to be overprotective, don’t scare your student into thinking college is a completely un-safe atmosphere. Do teach them to be aware of their surroundings — walk with confidence and pay attention to what’s going on around them, and be sure to review the school’s safety programs and services during orientation or online. Preparation and awareness are the keys to safety in any situation.

Master Lock just launched an online video series and sweepstakes where participants can enter to win daily prizes including an iPod Touch or Master Lock combination locks.  The grand prize is a new iPad with a gift card for a two-year data plan.  For more information about the sweepstakes, just visit their website.

Win It! One of you will win a Precision Dial (offering a resettable combination feature) or Speed Dial (featuring a design that opens on directional movements)  lock of their choice. Simply leave me a comment with the name of a feature you like from either lock. Comments will close on September 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Visit Amanda and leave some comment love on her post.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  Items for giveaway were supplied by Master Lock.