Safety measures in an apartment society
Living in an apartment can cause unique security concerns. Since living in apartments has increased over the years, home invasions and burglaries are on the rise. Burglars usually target apartments which are empty, apartments which have an easy access and one with good escape routes. Every apartment owner should consider the apartment safety rules and regulations as an important aspect. Due to the increased crime in apartments in India, there are various measures being initiated by every apartment society. Here are some tips to be followed for apartment safety;
Security tips in an apartment:
Door safety:
The very first thing you need to do after renting an apartment is to make sure that all door locks are changed. There is a chance that the previous tenant can have a copy of the keys. Install an additional deadbolt lock. Deadbolt your door when you get home. Never leave a door unlocked for friends or roommates. Every apartment door should have peephole viewers. Use your peephole to make sure you know your visitors. You can request deadbolts, peepholes, security chains, and other security devices from your landlord. Install an alarm system in an individual apartment unit with the permission of your landlord. Be careful while opening door to strangers. In case if utility/repair men come, ask them to show their identification. If there is no peephole, the repairmen can slip their ID card from under the door.
Window safety:
Lock your windows when they’re closed, and use security latches when they are open. Sliding glass doors and windows should be secured with pin locks or other mechanisms that prevents them from being opened or removed from their respective tracks. Opt for windows with grills. Having a hidden window is a concern and an intruder can easily target the apartment.
Security devices:
Apart from motion sensors, you can use timers for radios, televisions and lights so that the home looks occupied when you are away. When you go out leave lights and a TV on. Leave bathroom and bedroom lights on. You can install timers to turn lights on automatically.
Fire/other facility security:
Every apartment owner should have a regular routine check-up for fire and other facilities in an apartment. This will ensure that every facility in an apartment is functioning well and cannot cause any harm. One can have smoke detectors and cameras in their apartment and common areas. One should avoid being alone with a stranger in an elevator.
Lighting in the apartment:
An apartment with lots of lights is rarely at risk. One can have an entryway and the sideways flooded with lights which will make it easier for anyone to recognise strangers. Put the highest wattage bulbs and keep them on all night. You can also have solar powered lights.
Neighbourhood and building safety:
Keep all the common areas lights on and the fire stairs should be locked from inside. All the mail boxes should have sturdy locks. Make sure that your name is not written on your mailbox. Just put the apartment number or your first name with a last initial. If a person has your last name and where you live they can search and find your information. Trash should be disposed regularly and the shrubs should be trimmed. In order to get renters insurance, take photos of all the items that you have. Write down serial numbers for all the valuable items. Keep receipts for the stuff that you buy so you can show its value. Maintaining good relationship with your neighbours will help you solve various apartment related issues.
Vehicle and pathway security:
Make sure that the traffic is followed uniformly in the apartment premises. Speed limit should be set within the apartment and vehicles should be parked only in the parking areas. Don’t leave any valuable items inside your vehicle. Doing this will lure the thief.
Children safety in an apartment:
Childproofing Your Balcony:
A serious risk area is balcony. Around 30% of the children/toddler deaths all over the country occur due to an unsafe balcony such as gap between railings, leaping from balcony, suffocation, falling from balconies or windows etc. Consider installing childproof gates, doors and windows.
Safety at Swimming Pools:
It is one of the leading causes of death in children. Every swimming pool or any other water body with a depth of 300mm or more should have safety equipment’s in and around.
Apartment safety against domestic robbery:
Domestic robbery is a term used to describe the theft of belongings in a house by a domestic helper. Domestic help has become a vital part of every household these days and in many cases shelter is given to the maids/servants in our own houses. In this situation, servants learn how the home functions and the pros and cons of the head of the family.
