Protect Yourself At Home

 

You take steps to protect your vehicle with alarms and other devices and insurance, but how well protected are you at home –especially if it is a condominium or apartment building that might not be in the best part of town as developers nowadays try to revitalize run-down sections of the city with new residential and commercial buildings?

Some of the things you should be looking for after a careful assessment of your neighbourhood to see what potential dangers surround is the building itself. Does it offer things such as:

• 24-hour concierge
  
• Security cameras
  
• In-suite alarm systems
  
• Protected underground parking facilities monitored by cameras and or a security guard
  
• Friendly observant staff who are concerned about your welfare who will come to your assistance in an emergency.
  

These are all good reminders from Laura Malloy writing in New Condo Guide published by home Trader.ca March 11, 2011 in Vancouver, BC.

If you are living in such a building just remember to become familiar with all of the security features, services and personnel and make good use of them to protect yourself. This includes remembering to wait until the parkade doors reclose before moving on – whether you are entering or leaving; you'd be amazed at how many people do not do this making it easy for somebody to sneak in behind you.

Another thing you can do (whether you are living in a condominium or apartment – or a single family home is to install your own security cameras at entry points (as well as the outside perimeter if your live in a single-family home).



When installing camera systems around your condo or single-family dwelling you, of course, have the option of posting a sign to warn others that you do have such a system. This can be a big deterrent in itself. Or you can have hidden cameras with lens no bigger than the end of a pencil if you want to keep your system secret.


Just remember to have either type of system mounted in a way that does not interfere with the privacy of your neighbours.   It could be a good idea to work with a professional installer so you keep everything not only effective but also legal.