Apartment SecurityAn apartment building with maximum security should have these features:
1. Around-the-clock doorman or security officer who announces all guests and requires proper ID of all visitors and callers.
2. Fire stairs equipped with one-way doors, which should operate only from inside the stairwell on the ground floor and roof and only from outside the stairwell on all other floors.
3. Garages equipped with self-closing outside doors, a guard or both.
Even a small, limited-budget building can have good security, including:
1. Door-opening systems with an intercom or closed-circuit television.
2. Self-service elevators with mirrors permitting a view of the car interior before boarding.
3. Entranced into attached or basement garages controlled by key or card and automatic door closing.
4. Adequate lighting throughout the building's common spaces.
5. Light fixtures located or protected so an intruder cannot get to them.
6. Roof doors operable only from the inside.
7. Well-lighted alcoves or other blind spots in corridors, with mirrors to prevent them from being used as hiding places.
You should consider adding a deadbolt lock to your apartment door, even if the superintendent doesn't have a key. Your landlord may object, but it's your life and possessions. The only down side is that if there's an emergency, police or fire personnel would have to forcibly enter your apartment.
Outside doors should be locked at all times. Doorplates and mailboxes should not indicate the gender of the occupant. If you have windows that open onto fire escapes, you must have lockable metal coverings on those windows to keep intruders out; keep the keys nearby to allow emergency exit, but not so close someone can reach in and get them. Never buzz someone into your apartment building unless you are incredibly sure who it is!! The mailbox area should be well lighted, and a security camera should be placed there. Don't ride in an elevator with a stranger, and be sure no one is lurking in the hallway when you are about to exit the elevator.
Be very cautious about trips to the basement and laundry room. If you have a terrace or patio, be certain that all windows and doors leading to that area are secured. The general list of apartment caveats:
1. Look for the security features described above.
2. On moving into an apartment, change locks.
3. Protect spare or emergency keys.
4. Equip outside doors with chain locks and peepholes.
5. Do not reveal gender on mailboxes or doorplates.
6. Protect windows.
7. Know your neighbors and work together for security.
8. Report anything peculiar - faulty equipment or an unusual incident.
9. If your building has a health club, secure your apartment. Do not take anything of value to the club.
10. Secure all windows and doors leading to a terrace or patio.
11. When renting, be certain all security equipment is in working order.
