It’s not just free-standing homes that get burgled in Miami, apartments are targeted too. It’s important to feel safe when you come home and if you are worried that your apartment is not as safe as it could, these tips will help change that.
How to Improve the Safety of Your Apartment
Property managers are in charge of the security of your apartment building, but you are in charge of how secure your individual apartment is. Here are a few things you can do to enhance the security of your apartment.
1. Check the Lighting
If there are areas of your apartment building that you feel are poorly lit and that make you feel unsafe, bring them up with the property manager or your landlord. This includes parking areas, waste management areas, stairwells, and hallways.
2. Invest in a Security System
Security systems don’t need to be bulky and expensive to be effective. There are a number of easy-to-install security systems available at affordable prices. Just make sure that you get into the habit of arming your system when you leave home and before you go to bed. It’s also essential to be careful about who you give passcodes to. It’s best not to divulge your code to any staff doing work at your apartment as this creates a security risk.
3. Upgrade Your Locks
If the locks of your apartment are outdated or they’re giving you problems, it’s time for an upgrade. A faulty lock is simple to fix and replace, so make this a priority. If you are looking to upgrade your locks, consider high security locks and/or deadbolts. Keyless entry is also an effective security measure, provided you remember to lock your apartment every time you leave or come home.
4. Secure Your Windows
To start, many apartment owners and renters forget to install curtains and blinds when they move in. Not doing so gives intruders a view of what they can potentially steal should they manage to break in. Do this as soon as you move in. If you want to secure your windows even further, install locks and/or sensors that alert you when a window is opened.
5. Secure Any Sliding Doors
If your apartment has a sliding door, make sure it can be secured from the inside. Intruders will see your balcony and sliding door as a potential entry point. Adding a bar to the track or a lock to the top of the door will prevent it from being opened from the outside. As an extra preventative measure, you could also install a small security camera on your balcony to deter criminals.
6. Get Insurance
Even if you take every possible step to secure your apartment, a break-in can still occur. This is where renters or homeowners’ insurance comes in handy. The building’s insurance won’t cover anything that’s inside your apartment such as furniture, jewelry, or electronics, even if the damage is caused by fire or floods.
7. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Knowing your neighbors means you have extra eyes on your apartment. Take the time to introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors. This way, you can let them know if you will be away from home for extended periods of time. You could also consider joining any social media groups for your area or apartment building.
Securing Your Apartment with the Help of a Professional
If you determine that you need to upgrade your locks or you would like to install a security system, we can assist. If you’re not sure what your best options are, one of our professional locksmiths can assist you with an audit and product suggestions.
Contact The Security and Lock Corporation Miami on (305) 846-9360 or [email protected].
