Commercial security is a bit different than residential security, especially if you’re a landlord. You’ll need to take specific, actionable measures to protect your properties from criminal elements. Here are just a few tips for getting started.
- Install Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras serve multiple purposes. For one, they can provide video evidence of burglars, vandals, and other criminals. Even more importantly, they can deter those criminals from seeing your building as an easy target in the first place. Decreased liability and preventing lawsuits is also a great benefactor of cameras. With the gathering of information in real-time, you’ll be able to collect footage in case of a slip and fall or any situation that occurs in front of the cameras.
- Upgrade Your Doors
It might sound simple, but according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, more than 50 percent of burglars enter through the front or back door. If you have filmsy doors that would splinter under the force of one good kick, it’s time to replace them with something made of durable hardwood.
- Smart Technology
“Smart” technology uses wireless signals to control lights, locks, and other home features from the comfort of your smartphone. It can be a valuable investment with the right kind of building, so you might want to look into your options and see if it’ll meet your own needs as a landlord.
- Let There Be Light
Bright lights are another way to signal to the world that your property is being taken care of, so don’t cut corners when it comes to outdoor security lighting. Make sure that you’re arranging them to avoid blind spots, too.
- Educate Your Residents
It’s hard to believe, but a staggering number of people still use fake rocks to hide their spare keys. You might want to send out a mass email to your local neighborhood that warm them of common mistakes and provides tips, tricks and techniques to prevent burglary, and how to become proactive in a fire or medical emergency.
- Secure Your Windows
Reinforced glass can prevent breaks. Anti-theft bars and screens can deter burglars. Window sensors can set off alarms if anything is shattered. There are many ways to upgrade your windows, so don’t allow them to become an easy access point into your building.
- Know Your Danger Zones
Where are most of the crimes occurring? Is it your parking lot, laundry room, utility room, front lobby, or first floor apartments? Focus the bulk of your attention where it’s needed the most.
- Install Fire Alarms
Thieves aren’t the only thing that you have to worry about as a landlord. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are almost 100,000 fires in apartment structures per year, and they cause an estimated $711 million in damage. Make sure to have a licensed, reputable company to evaluate the best solution for you.
- Invest in an Alarm System
Last but certainly not least, if you want the very best protection for your property, install a professional alarm system. It will allow you to track, monitor, and record everything that happens around your building and grounds, so you’ll never be caught unaware by criminal elements. These are just a few tips for commercial security. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an old hand at managing properties, it’s important to protect your investments as all costs.