Apartment Security Measures and Burglary Prevention
Living in an apartment complex provides various advantages that stem from a higher concentration of people in a small area. Social contacts and fun activities create a sense of community. Unfortunately, there are some risks presented by apartment living that must be addressed. Every tenant must learn the finer points of apartment security measures and burglary prevention. Careless actions cause significant damage to the property if not everyone makes the effort to secure the premises and watch for strangers. The apartment managers will impose certain “rules of living” that must be followed to reduce the risks and create a safe environment for everyone.
Prior to selecting an apartment for the family, the complex must be evaluated for the basic features that will provide a secure setting.
• A boundary fence
• Security personnel
• Rails of proper height on balconies
• Safe sidewalks
• Locks on gates, exterior doors and common areas
• Secured storage areas
• Surveillance cameras strategically-placed around the property
A tenant cannot create a secure personal dwelling without the existence of security features on the entire property. Wise apartment hunters will notice important security features of the various complexes that are visited. Some people prefer interior corridors for the safety offered. Other people select exterior entrances because of the risk of being unable to exit quickly if a fire starts.
Securing the Individual Apartment
An apartment complex with broad security measures will offer important security devices for each apartment, including: controlled-access doors, sufficient lighting in corridors and on the exterior, deadbolt locks on entry doors and windows. Constant use of these features is the responsibility of every tenant because the safety of everyone depends on it. Apartment security measures and burglary prevention becomes a habit for those who realize the risks of ignoring important actions.
• Secure corridor doors – The door into the apartment should be locked at all times. The deadbolt and doorknob work together to prevent unauthorized entry. An unlocked door is an invitation for anyone to enter the apartment. Children should be trained to lock the door as soon as they close the door upon entering the apartment. The habit of carrying a key will develop quickly for all inhabitants of the apartment.
• Balcony doors – On every floor, the apartment dwellers should use the locks and bolts on the balcony door. Some apartment dwellers take the extra step of placing a rod in the track of a sliding glass door. Entry from the balcony might seem impossible, but anyone with the intent to break in will stop at nothing to enter.
• Windows – A window screen will not stop someone from entering through a window. Locks on the windows must be in place whenever the windows are closed. An open window must be closed prior to leaving the apartment.
• Fire prevention – The news has too many stories about apartment fires that were started through carelessness. Cigarettes, grills, stoves and fireplaces present an increased danger in an apartment setting. Every tenant must take extra precautions when using appliances. Rules against outdoor grills are enforced to prevent fires.
• Prevent falls – Reducing the risk of falls from the windows and balcony is an important part of safe apartment living. Any furniture that can be climbed by a small child must be kept away from the windows. Kids are too brave for their own good, so parents must be aware of the ways that a fall could occur. A window screen is not sufficient protection against falls.
Personal Safety and Security
Many different common areas will be traversed as the tenant moves from the car to the individual apartment. Awareness of the surroundings is essential for anyone who wants to implement apartment security measures and prevent burglary.
• Building entry – All tenants must refuse to let a stranger into the building. Americans are remarkably friendly people, and criminals take advantage of this societal norm. New tenants must refuse to allow others to follow them through doors until the neighbors are familiar. A kind remark about security will let the other person know that the new tenant is not attempting to be rude or uncaring.
• Storage room – Some apartment complexes offer an additional storage space for personal belongings. These cage-like compartments have see-through walls. All contents should be covered to prevent too much interest from others. All locks should be secured. Gate hinges and bolts should be out of reach from the exterior of the cage.
• Elevator security – Prior to entering an elevator, notice the people inside. Refuse to enter an elevator if something feels out of place. Strangers should be reported to the management. All tenants must be aware of the people who should be inside the building
• Parking garage – A well-lit parking garage with a constant security presence is important for those who will return to the apartment alone at night. All tenants must be willing to help others keep the parking garage safe. The smart tenant will notice strange vehicles and unwelcome individuals in the garage. Exiting the garage without parking is an important option for anyone with concerns. The parking spaces near the exits and elevator foyer offer the safest places to park. Walk down the center of the aisle away from the cars for safe passage.
Security Responsibility
Everyone plays a different role in the security of an apartment complex. A tenant with concerns about security on the property should know whom to address to resolve the issue.
• Existence of security systems is the responsibility of the owners or managers of the complex. Sufficient security measures must be in place to prevent the types of crimes that could be committed. Various areas of a city will require additional security measures.
• Safety measures must be designed into the buildings and grounds. The presence of service people conducting repairs or completing construction projects will introduce additional risk if the management does not require certain preventative measures to be taken.
• Repairs to security systems, including gates, locks and windows, must be conducted promptly after the maintenance request has been filed. Reminders to the management will ensure that the work is completed quickly.
• Tenants are responsible for watching out for each other. A nosy neighbor is an important addition to any apartment complex. One person who watches every move outside her window will prevent mischief.
• Every person must refuse to allow an unknown individual into the building. The apartment complex should have a reputation for protecting the people who live there.
Create a Presence
Multiple apartment doors will be visible to the tenants who live on the same floor. A tenant who is gone for an extended period will be noticed. Each person should take valuable measures to create a presence even while absent.
• Flyers, newspapers and mail should be collected on a regular basis. Neighbors can perform this important task for each other as trust builds.
• Lights on timers create visual indicator to those who live across the complex with view of the windows. The timers can be used when the occupant is home to create a consistent pattern.
• A radio that plays periodically is important since other tenants expect to hear some sounds in the apartment.
• Answering machine greetings and social media pages should never mention that the tenant is out of town.
• For those with a central mailbox, have the postal service hold the mail at the post office instead of allowing it to collect in a box at the apartment complex.
Final Evaluation
Apartment dwellers must take extra precautions to implement apartment security measures and burglary prevention. Certain actions will feel unfamiliar at first, but the importance of denying entrance to strangers and being over-protective of belongings will yield dividends. Most tenants living close to the careful apartment dweller will begin to adopt some similar actions that enhance the safety level for everyone.
Secure premises are created through cooperation between the management and all tenants. Carelessness is the primary cause of major incidents that are reported on the news. Attention to strangers and the potential risks presented by a high concentration of people will prevent small issues from escalating.
From the youngest child to the adults who live in apartments, the security of the complex rests on everyone.
To learn more about the best ways to secure an apartment, visit www.homesecurityconcepts.com.
