Building Management Hawaii - August/September 2012 - (Page 20)

Security FAQ’s Choosing the best security system for your building. By Richard Osborne, Jr. Camera surveillance systems are effective for high-rises with guards who monitor the cameras, and also townhouses that usually don’t have full-time shift security. O A: Regardless of the type of property, the first step is to assess your needs. What are your issues, for example, is it theft, parking control, building entry control or guest entry control? In many cases, it’s all of the above. Secondly, find out what type of system can address all of your issues. Talk to your peers at similar properties about their experience 20 August-September 2012 Q: How do you choose a security system? Do different types of buildings—commercial, residential, low-rise, high-rise—require different types of security? ur happiness and well-being depend on us being able to work and live in safe and secure environments. Yet, in a world increasingly full of risk, we need to focus more on our protection and security. But it’s important not to focus too much on the negative, as every security challenge offers an opportunity to unlock hidden benefits that can serve everyone in your building. There are many things to consider when contemplating a property security system. So I thought I might touch on few frequently asked questions. with security precautions and system integrators. With that information, and with guidance from your property manager (if that’s not you), you can usually meet with the board of directors of your property or devise a security committee to come up with a plan. After that, a request for proposal (RFP) can be drafted based for either a professional security consultant or a system design. A: I don’t see neighborhoods determining the types of security you need … all neighborhoods have issues with a variety of crimes. Rather, the property should determine the type of system. For example, hotels utilize more cameras and standalone key locks, as they have housekeeping to manage the locks and security to monitor the cameras on a day-today basis. Also, since townhouses usually don’t have 24-hour security or full-time shift security, I’d again recommend the use of a camera surveillance system with a good recording platform. On townhouse and condo properties, it’s recommended to Q: Do neighborhood types dictate security? For example, a hotel in Waikiki vs. a townhouse in Mililani? sEcurity Q: How do you balance security with people? You want to protect tenants against theft and violence, but you don’t want a system so strict that tenants and employees feel uncomfortable. utilize access control or a keyless entry system. An access control system allows, restricts and tracks the movement of people through entry/exit points with programmable electronic keys or cards with readers. The system’s software can also manage schedules for communal areas such the pool, recreation deck or barbecue pits. The system can lock doors or gates, which only maintenance or security staff can open. The biggest advantage of a computer-based system is the actual control of the key fobs. If a tenant loses a key, then the resident manager can delete it or mark it as lost in the system so it no longer works. This eliminates a requirement to re-key the entire building or re-program all of the keys. A: That is correct, there has to be a balance. There is a fine line when balancing security and convenience. You want people to feel safe but not confined. When deciding on a security system and its configuration, it’s www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com BMH http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii - August/September 2012

Cover August/September 2012
Contents
A New Way to Ride
Going up?
Let There Be Light
Be LED, But Not Astray
LED Illumination
Plumbing Claims
Corrosion Clean Out
Security FAQ’s
Security Checklist
Raising The Bar for Security Guards
On Site: Empowering Employees
Ask An Expert: Shifting Soil
Association Updates
Movers & Shakers
Industry News
Resource Guide: Plumbing & Wastewater Maintenance

Building Management Hawaii - August/September 2012