Security: How Secure is Your Apartment?

_{CMHC Fact Sheet - About Your Apartment - General Series}

Various methods are used to keep apartments and apartment buildings secure from trespassing, theft and vandalism. Security devices, such as deadbolt locks on doors, window locks, controlled-access entrances and well-lit common spaces all contribute to a secure building. Familiarize yourself with your building and apartment’s security measures. The following sections discuss typical apartment building security features.

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Apartment-Corridor Doors

Your apartment door should have a good deadbolt lock. One feature to look for is lock throw — the length the locking bolt protrudes from the door into the surrounding door frame when placed in the full lock position. Test this by locking the door while it is open — a good deadbolt lock protrudes 35 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) or more when fully extended. A strong deadbolt lock also has a jimmy-proof strike plate (the part of the lock assembly mounted in the door frame to receive the bolt). The strike plate should be secured to the door framing by screws at least 50–75 mm (2–3 in.) long. This ensures the strike plate is fastened to the structure of the wall and not just the door frame.

Locks only work if you use them. Remember to lock your apartment even when you step out for a moment to check the mail. In fact, it is a good safety habit to keep the door locked at all times — even while you are in the apartment. Chain-type locks, which are easy to break, offer very little resistance to forced entry.

Install a door viewer (peephole) in your entrance door, if you do not already have one. If you have children, consider installing a peephole at their level.

Balcony Doors

Intrusion is not just a ground floor or corridor door threat. Always lock balcony doors when you are away from home. Equip balcony doors with the same type of deadbolt locks recommended for corridor doors. There is special hardware to secure sliding balcony doors but a simple, effective, inexpensive solution is a sturdy piece of wood in the door’s track to prevent the sliding door from opening. Make sure the sliding part of the door can’t be lifted from its track.

Items on the balcony are also vulnerable to theft. If thieves see valuables on a balcony — such as bicycles — they will climb a ladder to steal them. Conceal and secure items you cannot store inside. Lock bicycles.

Windows

Make sure all windows close fully, that the locking hardware is in good condition and that it is easy to lock the window when you shut it. Ensure that a thief cannot lift a horizontal window out of its track. Even on upper floors, a thief can get into your apartment through an open window overlooking a balcony.

Storage Room

If you have a separate locker or storage room, store items out of reach and up off the floor. Cover them. Often, locker walls are chain-link fencing or wood slats. This means anyone can see what is in your locker and that your belongings are exposed to spills or floods. Also, ensure that door hinges and screws of the locking system are covered when the access door is locked. This will prevent a thief from getting into the locker by unscrewing the hasp or hinges.

Building Entry System

The front door entry system of most apartment buildings allows a resident to remotely let guests into the building. These systems are only effective if the front door locking system functions and intruders cannot take advantage of an open door to enter the building.

When you activate the front door entry system, make sure you know who is asking to come in and remind them to close the door behind them. If you have young children or children visit often, ensure they know how to correctly operate the remote entry system. Would-be intruders will sometimes buzz different apartments until someone lets them in. Always be sure that you know the person before you let them into the apartment building. If you are unsure, notify the building management of the entry request so they can handle it.

Elevator Security

• Look and see who is in the elevator before entering. If you feel uncomfortable, do not enter the elevator, wait for the next one.
• Stand beside the control panel in the elevator and know how to use the emergency alarm button.
• If a suspicious person enters the elevator, leave before the door closes.

Parking Garage Security

• If possible, use the parking garage during periods of high use when others are around.
• Watch for suspicious persons as you enter the parking garage. Drive back out if you are concerned.
• Park near exit doors or the elevator foyer, if possible.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Walk in the centre of the garage.
• Ask building management to install security cameras and alarm stations if the garage has a history of theft or security problems.

Building Security

Tell your building management if you have problems with closing or locking windows and doors. Report burned-out and broken lights in common areas, such as corridors, stairwells, garbage rooms, laundry areas, parking garages and outdoor areas. If your building is equipped with security cameras or alarm stations, make sure you know where they are and how to use them in emergencies. Report any suspicious or unfamiliar people loitering inside or outside the building to the building management.

Neighbourhood Security

The safety of your neighbourhood has an effect on your building’s security. To find out if your building and neighbourhood are safe, contact your local police department at its non-emergency number. Many police departments have web sites with information about criminal incidents. Police departments will review your building’s security. Get involved with a neighbourhood watch-type program or start one yourself — it is good protection and helps builds a sense of community. Sometimes, if conditions warrant, it may be necessary to hire a security company.

Security Responsibility

The landlord or the condominium corporation (often through a property manager) is usually responsible for building security. Typically this involves:

• ensuring that security systems meet or exceed security requirements for apartment buildings, such as deadbolt locks on doors, good lighting and window locks;
• ensuring that security systems provide reasonable protection for all residents — in their apartments and in common areas, such as parking garages and elevators;
• conducting regular inspections to spot and fix security problems, such as broken locks or burned-out exterior lights, and asking residents to submit security concerns or suggestions as part of continuing maintenance;
• dealing with complaints about dangerous situations, suspicious activities or broken security items.

_{CMHC Fact Sheet - About Your Apartment - General Series}

Read Full Article "Improving Your Security & Safety"