With apartment and condominium living on the rise, the City of Clayton has underscored the importance of safety in shared living spaces; urging residents to adopt simple yet effective habits that can significantly enhance communal security. According to a recent release from the City of Clayton, starting with robust unit security is crucial—keeping doors and windows locked, utilizing deadbolts, and ensuring sliding doors are fortified with a security rod are some of the suggested measures.
As part of building and community safety, residents must avoid allowing strangers to tailgate into secure areas, report any malfunctioning locks or poor lighting without delay and be vigilant of their environment, especially in enclosed spaces like elevators and garages, now there's been no direct correlation made between these measures and a decrease in crime, a sense of responsibility to the shared environment is said to foster a safer living space for all. The city also emphasizes the importance of community connection, suggesting that getting to know one’s neighbors can make it easier to recognize when something is amiss and to look out for each other's safety.
Parking and common area security received specific mention, with recommendations to choose well-lit parking spots and to remove valuables from vehicles, furthermore keeping tabs on one's surroundings when walking to and from cars can serve as a deterrent to potential crime. Fire safety also features prominently, with advice to be familiar with emergency exits and evacuation plans; and an emphasis on regular testing of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within individual units.
For those planning to be away from their apartments or condos, the city encourages the use of timers for lights or televisions and arranging for the hold or secure delivery of packages to avoid them being left unattended which could signal an empty residence to opportunistic criminals. Lastly, should residents ever feel unsafe or observe suspicious behavior, they have been urged to contact the local police department or building security, providing clear and concise details of the situation at hand.
