Home security doesn't exclude those living in apartment buildings
or condos. Just as you would take special measures to keep your house
safe, there are important safety precautions you should be aware of when
living in an apartment building or condominium.
Here are some tips to keep you safe in your apartment.
1. Even if your building does have a security guard or night watchman, don't assume that your apartment is safe. Your home security depends on yourself. Don't rely on others to keep you and your belongings entirely safe.
2. When you first move into a new apartment or condominium be sure to change the locks. The previous owner could very well still have a copy, along with anyone else who might have needed access, e.g. maids, repairmen etc. Changing the locks is an easy task; you can even ask maintenance to swap out your old lock cylinder with a random empty apartment in the building. This is usually free and it will only take a few minutes of your time.
It's always a good idea to invest in a deadbolt lock. There are two types of deadbolts: internal and surface mount. The latter is easier to install, but internal deadbolts are actually more secure. Whichever you do choose to install, make sure to get permission first if you are renting the apartment.
3.Whenever someone comes to the door, use your peephole-that's what it's for. Ask for ID from delivery services, repairmen, etc. Never allow anyone to come in to make a phone call; instead offer to make the call yourself.
4.Don't buzz people up who you don't know. Don't let people you don't know into your building either. The
person who supposedly forgot his/her keys may turn out to be a burglar or worse.
5.Lock your door at all times, even when you're at home.
6.Don't leave a spare key under your welcome mat.
7.Be aware of the public areas. Make sure there are lights in the parking lot, laundry room, gym, rooftop, hallways etc.
8.Know who are your neighbors. Learn to recognize faces; look out for suspicious looking characters in and around the building.
9.Don't leave your windows open and put locks on them. Also, if you have a sliding glass balcony door, don't leave it open, even if you live on the higher floors. Burglars may actually scale the building with the help of a ladder. Also, always place a Charley bar or some sort of solid impediment in the door track to reinforce the lock.
10. If possible, just use your last name on your mailbox or door. You don't want people to be able to determine who lives there, what gender they are and how many people reside there. You should actually keep identifying items to a minimum. This goes especially for single women.
11.Finally, invest in a good home alarm system. Home alarms designed for apartments and condos are available too. Consider portable door and window alarms. Also, a wireless home security system works great and you can take it with you when you move.
Here are some tips to keep you safe in your apartment.
1. Even if your building does have a security guard or night watchman, don't assume that your apartment is safe. Your home security depends on yourself. Don't rely on others to keep you and your belongings entirely safe.
2. When you first move into a new apartment or condominium be sure to change the locks. The previous owner could very well still have a copy, along with anyone else who might have needed access, e.g. maids, repairmen etc. Changing the locks is an easy task; you can even ask maintenance to swap out your old lock cylinder with a random empty apartment in the building. This is usually free and it will only take a few minutes of your time.
It's always a good idea to invest in a deadbolt lock. There are two types of deadbolts: internal and surface mount. The latter is easier to install, but internal deadbolts are actually more secure. Whichever you do choose to install, make sure to get permission first if you are renting the apartment.
3.Whenever someone comes to the door, use your peephole-that's what it's for. Ask for ID from delivery services, repairmen, etc. Never allow anyone to come in to make a phone call; instead offer to make the call yourself.
4.Don't buzz people up who you don't know. Don't let people you don't know into your building either. The
person who supposedly forgot his/her keys may turn out to be a burglar or worse.
5.Lock your door at all times, even when you're at home.
6.Don't leave a spare key under your welcome mat.
7.Be aware of the public areas. Make sure there are lights in the parking lot, laundry room, gym, rooftop, hallways etc.
8.Know who are your neighbors. Learn to recognize faces; look out for suspicious looking characters in and around the building.
9.Don't leave your windows open and put locks on them. Also, if you have a sliding glass balcony door, don't leave it open, even if you live on the higher floors. Burglars may actually scale the building with the help of a ladder. Also, always place a Charley bar or some sort of solid impediment in the door track to reinforce the lock.
10. If possible, just use your last name on your mailbox or door. You don't want people to be able to determine who lives there, what gender they are and how many people reside there. You should actually keep identifying items to a minimum. This goes especially for single women.
11.Finally, invest in a good home alarm system. Home alarms designed for apartments and condos are available too. Consider portable door and window alarms. Also, a wireless home security system works great and you can take it with you when you move.
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