February 25th, 2010 2:04 PM by AJ Gentry
With the Waldo rapist still on the loose, safety and security is on everyone's mind. While home's have multiple break in points -- sometimes up to 30 points of entry, condos and lofts tend to be more safe and secure often with one highly-monitored point of entry.
Here are a few tips to keep your condo or home ultra secure in 2010. Make sure your door has a deadbolt that protrudes at least 1.5 inches and has a jimmy-proof strike plate. And remember, locks only work if you use them. Always lock your apartment or condo door even if you're just going to get the mail. Don't forget to lock your balcony door, too.
Install a peephole in your entrance door if you don't already have one. Close your windows fully and keep locking hardware in good condition.
Don't buzz anyone into your building that you don't know or let someone slip in when you're entering the building. Ask your neighbors to do the same. If you see someone in your building you don't know, notify building management.
Do not enter the elevator if you feel uncomfortable with someone in it. Wait for the next elevator. Know where the elevator emergency alarm button is, and use it if necessary.
Watch for suspicious persons as you enter the garage. Drive back out if you are concerned.
Report burned-out an dbroken lights in commons areas, such as corridors, stairwells, garbage rooms, laundry areas, parking garages and outdoor areas.
The safety of your neighborhood has an effect on your building's security. Contact your local police department to learn about stats in your building or neighborhood. And, take the initiative to ramp up security like the condo owners are doing at Inglenook Plaza. Owners are contributing a voluntary $10 to the neighborhood Roanoake home's assosciation to increase police patrols of the area. In addition, the home association has approved the add'l expenditures of extra surveillnace cameras around the property.
Be aware, be alert, be proactive with your safety in 2010.