Home Alarms Systems

Home Security Systems:  How Safe is your Apartment ? Part II

We often hear about home safety, and how we can implement good security measures for our homes, yards, garages etc.  However, it is easy to forget that good security measures should be taken into consideration when it comes to apartment buildings, condos and even duplexes or triplexes for example.

Just because you may live in a high rise complex, doesn’t mean that you are 100% completely safe. There are many basic things that you can do to maximize your personal security without spending alot on a home security system.

Sometimes good common sense may be a better deterent than an expensive home alarm system.

Lets start with the building entry system, nowadays most building front doors will be locked and have an intercom system installed. Anyone entering the building must first ‘buzz’ the occupant , and the occupant must then allow the visitor in by ‘buzzing’ them back.

Although it may sound obvious to make sure that you know the person who is ringing your bell, you would be surprised how many inturdors succeed in entering buildings by simply buzzing many aptartments until someone actually lets them in.

This is one drawback to apartment building security.You never know who is going to let a stranger with criminal intent into your building. Thats why practicing good security common sense such as always keeping your doors and windows locked even when residing on upper levels is always important.

Also if you have children that need to enter and leave the building frequently, it is important that they know how to use the building’s remote entry system properly.

Elevator security

Elevator security is another important factor to consider. Make sure that you are familiar with the elevators security system, such as knowing how to activate the alarm on the elevators control panel. If someone in the elevator looks suspicious to you, then do do not enter and wait for the next one. If you happen to be in an elevator when a suspisious character enters,leave immediately.Rapists and muggers have been known to
target their victims in these confines.

Garage security measures.
One of the most targeted areas by burglars in an apartment complex is the garage. This is especially true for more luxurious buildings where there are more expensive vehicles and items to steal. Even though most buldings have locked garage doors and security cameras, a large percentage of burglaries still occur in the garage.

Do not leave expensive items on your car rack such as bicycles or surf boards etc. Even car racks have been stolen !

It is always a good idea to have a good car alarm system with GPS tracking such as a Boomerang system installed. An expensive car in a secluded area such as a basement garage is a prime target for thieves.  A steering wheel lock is always a great deterrent for would  be car thieves as well.

A few last garage security measures is to always keep a wary eye out for suspicious characters lurking about.  If at all possible , park near entries or exits, and or well lit areas, also it a good idea to walk in the middle of the garage, never walk near where cars are parked , because thay can provide excellent hiding places for any crouching figure waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting victim.

General building security.

If you notice any doors or windows that have problems closing, then alert your building’s management at once. Report any lights not working such as in corridors, laundry rooms, and garages. Learn to know where security cameras or alarm stations are located in the building and familiarize yourself how they operate if possible.

Report all suspisious characters to the bulding management or even the police if you feel it is neccesary.

Again although these ideas may sound like obvious security measures, knowing about things  and doing things are a different matter. Its always better to be safer than sorry.

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