Home Alarms Systems

Home security: how safe is your apartment ?

The average condominium and apartment building is safe, however you should periodically review the security and safety of your building.

The owner or landlord of a rental building is responsible for the security. However for condominiums the security is the responsibility of the individual owner. As far as the building as a whole is concerned, the security for the common areas, such as the exterior windows and doors to individual apartments is the responsibility of the corporation that runs the premises. You can always make your apartment more safe for you and your family regardless if you own or rent. if you have concerns, and realize after reading this article that your apartment or condo has any security issues, you can always discuss them with the building management or landlord.

To keep apartments and buildings secure from theft or vandalism, there are various methods you can implement to prevent trespassing or unwanted visitors. The use of dead bolts,controlled access entrances, window locks, and well lit common areas all contribute to a much safer building. Its always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the building security measures.

You should have a good dead bolt lock on your apartment door. A very important feature to recognize is what is called “lock throw”. This is the length of the bolt that extends into the catch in the door frame. The ideal dead bolt should protrude no less than 1 1/2 inch into the frame. It is a good idea to install a “jimmy” proof strike plate with screws at least 2-3 inches long that will not only secure into the door frame , but also into the wall structure as well. Get into the habit of keeping the doors locked at all times , even when inside your apartment. Install a peephole in your apartments door as well, if you have children, consider placing the peephole at their level if they are to find themselves at home alone from time to time.

Another prime target for thieves is your balcony doors. Intrusion is not only a problem of ground floor apartments but some burglars have been known to climb up to 3 - 4 stories and commit break ins from those levels.

There are many types of security systems for sliding doors. One is to get the same type of dead bolt locks that you would install in your door frames. Also, a very inexpensive security measure would be to simply put a piece of wood in the doors track to keep the door from opening.

Do not leave any valuables on your balcony such as bicycles and or expensive barbques , you would be surprised as to what thieves and vandals will be attracted to. If possible, keep all “out door” valuables in a locker if you lack space in your apartment

For windows, make sure that they all close properly, and that the locking mechanism is in good working condition. Thieves will climb to upper levels if they can, so you should always keep windows in the upper floors locked when your are away.

If you have a storage room , or locker, try to cover your items as much as possible and keep them out of reach. Many storage room lockers are made of chain link fencing or even wooden slats, if it is an older building, making it easy for any would be thief or vandal to see your possessions. Also you should make suer that the hinges of your locker doors are on the inside, making it impossible for a thief to simply unscrew the hinges and make away with your belongings.

This is the end of part 1 of  home security systems for apartments and condominiums, stay tuned for part 2 where I will discuss securtiy measures  for garages, elevators and building management responsibilities .

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