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surveillance cameras at laundry facilities, parking lots, public walkways, mailboxes, etc.
CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION SECURITY CAMERAS: DIGITAL VS. ANALOG
There are two types of closed-circuit television (CCTV) security camera setups: digital and analog. Digital setups are more expensive and require more storage for data, but the result is a clearer picture that makes it easier to identify perpetrators. On the other hand, analog CCTV setups (aka tape) have been used by large and small businesses alike for decades. They are easier to install and run and less expensive than digital. Still, they offer a lower- resolution picture and must be wired to your recorder. You’ll have to figure out what fits your security needs and budget before making a decision.
Always consult a lawyer before putting up security cameras and be sure to follow local laws and regulations.
3. INSTALL THERMAL SENSORS OR MOTION DETECTORS
Let’s look at two alternatives to traditional video surveillance: thermal and motion cameras. Thermal sensors can be used in residential, commercial and self storage settings, offering a simple yet high- tech way to monitor activity in public spaces. They produce images from heat, so they may not work as well for the purpose of identifying a thief, for instance.
However, the heat sensor will let you know when someone is on the premises. While you can’t install security cameras inside someone’s storage unit (obvious, right?), you can monitor whether someone is accessing a unit. This would let you know if storage space is being used inappropriately as living quarters.
Motion detectors respond to movement, but they don’t produce video unless the sensor is connected to a thermal or CCTV camera. This can help save energy and storage space by activating only when something is happening. That way, you don’t need to scan hours of footage to spot trouble.
4. DON’T ADVERTISE YOUR RENT DROP-OFF POLICY
If you use Yardi Breeze or Yardi Breeze Premier, collecting rent is a cinch. Residents simply set up automatic payments or log in to their tenant portals to pay each month. However, some tenants still prefer to pay by cash or check.
If you have a rent drop-off location, do not advertise it. That would practically invite strangers to break in. Text or email tenants where they can leave their payment.
5. HAVE A UNIFORM POLICY FOR YOUR STAFF
Some property managers are lucky enough to have staff. Small business owners will sometimes have a dress code, but we recommend going one step further. Have a uniform policy. It could be as simple as a company polo with jeans or khakis.
Your tenants should be able to identify your employees. It’s scary to have a stranger come up to your door, asking to be let in to look at something on the property. Put your staff in uniform, so everyone can tell immediately that they belong on the premises. Follow this safety tip to instantly bring peace of mind to your tenants.
6. HAVE A PLAN FOR MAINTENANCE EMERGENCIES
Can tenants contact you or a dedicated after-hours staff member at all times? If they get locked out of their apartment or have an urgent maintenance issue, someone needs to take that call. Post your after- hours contact information around your properties.
7. POST SAFETY TIPS IN A PUBLIC SPACE
It’s a good idea to keep a safety tips bulletin board in your laundry facilities or front office. These are areas with high foot traffic, and a bulletin there will increase the odds that your tenants get the information.
In addition to after-hours contact information, post safety information that will help tenants take care of themselves when you can’t be there to assist. Post a natural disaster preparedness plan if your properties and residents could be at risk.
And of course, use your property management software to send important information. Create a document listing local emergency numbers. Include a number where you and/or an appropriate staff member can be reached as well. This is a great document to upload to your tenant portal if you have one.
8. PERFORM A THREAT ANALYSIS
By analyzing potential threats and weak points in your business, you can reveal which security measures will work best for you. Security experts can be hired to perform this analysis. They’ll look at
APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE - APRIL 2022 CS-33