Advancing Apartment Security – What OCs and Owners can do to play their part

 

The safety and security of apartment living is one of the factors that attracts people to this type of living. But security isn’t a default, and Owners Corporations (OCs) and residents have a role to play in keeping fellow residents and their belongings safe.

Don’t wait until a break in or theft to implement these measures. Read on to learn how you can protect your community from these events occurring.

What can an Owners Corporation do to uphold security?

Remove Key Safes from External Buildings.

If the property has an intercom access system, key safes might be best installed inside the building, with contractors provided an access code for entry. This reduces the likelihood of key safe theft or break ins and gives the OC complete control of who has access and when.

Providing Access Codes to Emergency Services.

Ensuring updated building access information is provided to relevant emergency services in the case of after-hours emergencies. For example, intercom access codes or key safe codes to police, ambulance and fire services. Your Owners Corporation Manager can assist with this.

Explore Multi-Frequency Coding for Remotes

Most garage door remote systems are coded to a singular frequency. There are now technologies where multiple frequencies can be coded, allowing each remote allocated to a lot to be coded to a different frequency. The benefit of this is that if a remote is lost or stolen, just that frequency can be removed, rather than requiring all remotes to be reprogrammed.

Implement Annual Security Health Checks

Your OC could explore engaging a contractor to complete a health check on your security systems to ensure everything is working optimally. This may include a device audit, checking lift access controls, creating backup files for access control systems, checking and adjusting CCTV cameras, completing firmware updates and provision of FOB listings. Further, a health check might provide tailored recommendations for improvements.

Adjust Door Closing Timers.

One common weak point in the security for many buildings is the ability for unknown cars to ‘tail gate’ behind an authorised person, thereby gaining access without a FOB or remote. One way to reduce this can be to program shorter timers on your doors or gates, meaning there is less time for someone to follow behind.

Management and Upgrade of CCTV systems.

CCTV systems require access codes, like usernames and passwords to extract footage. When these details are given out a thorough record should be kept, and a policy put in place outlining who can be provided this information, and when. Generally, this information should not be given out to owners or residents.

When installing a CCTV system, signage should also be installed to signify its presence. This acts as a deterrent for intruders.

And finally, if your CCTV system is on the older side, an OC might consider upgrading their system so the control system is off-site and/or cloud-based. This reduces the equipment kept on-site, footage can be accessed and viewed instantly over the internet, and means intruders cannot break into the communications room and steal footage or damage the hardware.Read more…