Memphis Apartment Security
Feb 27th, 2008 by Memphis Apartments
It is in our human nature to search for a place where we can feel completely safe. Being completely safe is virtually impossible but there are ways to increase the sense of security in your Memphis apartment.
Security problems vary according to location. But no Memphis apartment has a definite immunity to theft. We’ve heard the same story even with relatively low-risk areas: they discover an intruder in their apartment!
A Memphis apartment owner may take two general precautions: locks (and other mechanical means of keeping strangers out of your unit) and habits—simple and consistent acts that lower security risk.
If you live in a building that has a number of other Memphis apartments, it will take the cooperation of your neighbors to lower security risks. Some Memphis apartment buildings share common front and back doors which all of the tenants need to secure. Tenants must agree on security ground rules:
1.) Do not automatically push the unlock button when someone buzzes you. Use the intercom to identify the person outside. A common modus operandi of burglars is to buzz every apartment until they get someone to open the door for them.
2.) When walking through the common door, reach back and make sure that it has been closed and locked properly. If you find that the door is damaged, contact the superintendent immediately.
3.) Make sure that the lights over common doors are working. If you fin that these have gone out, report it to the superintendent immediately. Burglars work best in the dark.
4.) Should you notice a stranger walking around in the building, ask that person politely what he is looking for. Burglars usually do not give a satisfactory answer and often do not go on with their plans since they have been identified.
If tenants agree and adhere to these simple rules and tips, the risk of burglary in your building will be greatly reduced.
There are ways to increase the security of your own Memphis apartment.
Take a look at your doors. Before fussing about locks, see to it that the door itself is in good condition. Secure hinges in the wood and tighten them regularly. Make sure that your hinges are inside the door. Otherwise, hinges could be removed from the outside a thief would be able to access your apartment by taking out the door entirely. Ensure that the door itself is sturdy. Do not use hollow wood as your main door, which can easily be broken down. Install a peephole in your door. This way, you can see who’s knocking at your door before you open it.
Install at least two kinds of locks on your door. Use a deadbolt in addition to the standard door-handle lock. Should you move into a Memphis apartment where there are past tenants, install new locks. It is possible that a past tenant may have a copy of have given a copy to another person.
Widows are greater security risks than doors. Windows usually have flimsy locks aside from the fact that windows are made of glass, which can easily be broken. If you live in a high-risk area, consider permanently installing decorative grillwork on your windows with the permission from your Memphis apartment landlord. The problem with this method is that it creates a firetrap. With regards to the glass, you may install shatterproof windows. They are relatively more expensive than normal glass windows but definitely more secure. (An additional advantage would be better insulating capabilities.)
Install burglar alarms. There are different alarm systems available in the market: from battery operated gadgets on doors to the high-tech motion sensors.
No building can claim that it is perfectly safe but through vigilance of both landlord and tenants, security risks can go down dramatically.