First Floor Apartment Safety

First-floor apartment residents must heed specific security precautions to lower their risk of burglaries and home invasions.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that approximately 10 million property crimes occurred in the United States in 2008. The most common property crimes included burglary, arson, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft. Living on the first floor of an apartment building can be very convenient. Not having to struggle up the stairs and having immediate access to the parking lot can be of great comfort. However, because of its easy access to the street level, first-floor apartment dwellers place themselves at a higher risk of becoming victims of crime.

Window and Door Security

It is imperative that first-floor apartments have secure doors and windows. Windows should remain locked during the night and when you are not home. Rods can be placed in the window tracks to reduce the risk of intruders gaining access to your home. When moving into an apartment, make sure the locks are new. Ensure that all access doors to your apartment have deadbolts and safety chains for added security.

Window Treatments

Embellishing your apartment with decorative window treatments will not only increase your home's aesthetics but will also provide a higher level of security. Criminals will find it much harder to see the contents of your home and will not be able to determine if anyone is home. Window treatments can also provide you with more privacy, since first-floor apartments are on street level.

Outdoor Lighting

Inspect the outdoor lights of your apartment building and determine if they are in working order. Having outdoor security lights will help prevent burglars from breaking into your apartment during the night. Security lights will allow intruders be visible to other apartment dwellers. If any outside lights are not in working order, contact your landlord immediately and ask for them to be replaced.

Know Your Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors can help protect your first-floor apartment against criminals. Neighbors can act as extra sets of eyes and help warn you of any suspicious activity that may be occurring when you are not home.

Outside Security Doors

Make sure that all outside security doors are always shut and locked. From time to time, other apartment residents might leave the security door open, increasing your risk of experiencing crime. First-floor apartments are the first line of attack, because of their easy access to street level. Getting all apartment residents to follow security procedures around the complex will heighten your protection.

References

• Federal Bureau of Investigation: Property Crime
• Tenant Resource Center: Apartment Safety
• Loyola University of Chicago: Apartment/Home Security