Apartment Safety Tips

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 Kochi, there are various measures being initiated by every apartment society. Here are some tips to be followed for apartment safety:

Take that first pass through to make sure you like the place and it has the right “feel” but take a second pass through the unit and check it for safety.

1. Make sure all windows close fully and that the locks work.
2. Make sure the apartment has sufficient and working smoke alarms. There should be one in each bedroom as well as in your common area. If the unit has multiple levels there should be at least one smoke alarm on each level.
3. Make sure common areas like the pool, storage rooms, workout area, and laundry facility are secured and can only be accessed using a tenant or owner key.
4. Stalk the balconies. Are there grills on the balconies? There shouldn’t be. That’s a fire hazard and a danger to you and your property.
5. Contact your local police department using their non-emergency number and ask them about your potential building’s security.
6. Vehicle and pathway security: Make sure that the traffic is followed uniformly in the apartment premises. The 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.
7. Children safety in an apartment.
8. Check the lighting systems of the apartments. An apartment with lots of lights is rarely at risk. So be sure that your apartment contains less lighting.

You’ve thoroughly stalked your potential apartment complex and you’re ready to sign. Before you do there are a few more things you should demand and a few more items you should budget for.

11. Don’t be shy. Ask your landlord to provide a brand new lock.
12. Ask your potential landlord for permission to install a deadbolt and a peephole if the apartment doesn’t have one.
13. Look into renter’s insurance and talk to your landlord about what their policy does and does not cover.
14. If your apartment has a sliding glass door looks into a security bar, even if you are on the second floor. Sliding glass doors are inherently weak so they need extra reinforcement for home security.
15. Invest in a Portable Fire Escape Ladder. They make ladders that can reach up to 6 stories.
16. Install a security system. There are security systems that work for renters. These systems are wireless and do not require drilling. There are also options that do not require a contract so when your lease is up, you can decide to keep your security service or move on without fear of penalty.

For more details: Noel Projects