Security issues in R.E. management: Measures to keep buildings leased and investments secure

With terrorism in the conscious of the public security measures are not to be taken lightly. Tenants and customers alike want to feel they are in a safe environment. Landlords cannot ignore the changes of society at large. America is changing daily at a rapid pace without resistance. Tenants' security requirements for office space and medical suites are extremely elevated. Tenants are cautious and want to know that safety guards are in motion to ultimately minimize any casualities and injuries that may arise in the event an emergency. Yes, Americans at large live in fear. It's unfortunate, but I believe fear can serve Americans by Americans getting smarter and proactive. Tenants now are asking potential property managers and landlords the right questions. Tenants will more than likely refuse to lease office space that landlords haphazardly ignore security devices and techniques. Landlords and property managers, this is the 21st Century and we do not have the option to sit on our laurels, but we must act now, before we loose a quality tenant to our competitors. Firstly, as landlords and property managers our conscious should dictate that security safety strategies should be implemented for the benefit of our society and communities. Secondly, security safety measures do keep our buildings leased and help secure your investments. Relatively simple procedures can be performed and may also be cost effective and beneficial for all parties. Cutting edge technology can be utilized, but may not fit the budget. Simple solutions may be a good alternative. Increased lighting interior and exterior especially parking garages is absolutely a necessity. Large interior mirrors in common hallways installed where blind corners exist. When hiring an electrician, please use a reliable contractor to ensure the illumination for exterior lighting remains solely on your property. Today local laws are stronger then ever to protect surrounding properties from light pollution. Surveillance cameras installed in strategic locations throughout building is a good deterrant and a great tool to reduce any crimes or other annoying incidences. Surveillance cameras are utilized nearly throughout every building the Dove Organization, Ltd. manages and cameras when installed correctly help reduce negative incidences from day to day operations. Local police departments are now reviewing CDs back ups and it's been reported they have made some arrest on the information ascertained. Surveillance cameras are relatively inexpensive and basic inexpensive cameras work effectively. Tenants embrace the concept of surveillance cameras in commercial office buildings. Today surveillance cameras can be monitored off-site from your iphone or laptop. With activated surveillance camera system the property is always being monitored 24/7. Surveillance cameras can be utilized during a fire alarm emergency call to verify a fire, putting ones' mind at ease until property is visited. Security guard services in lobby's entranceways are also gaining some momentum in recent years. Having a security guard in the lobby of your building is a key strategy in reducing the day to day negative incidences, mostly stemming from tenants contained in building. Tenants sometimes are your biggest offenders with littering, parking illegally, smoking in front of doorways and this kind of behavior can be a huge deterrant for prospect tenants and have a negative impact on the overall appearance of building. Security guards will even assist traffic flow in your parking field reducing the aggravation of early influx of traffic. Security guard service usually get acquainted with your tenants on a first name basis building confidence and safety. Security guards should require each visitor to sign in a recorded booklet format. Providing your employed guard service operates sufficiently this can be extremely effective and more then likely the cost of service can be passed through to the tenants as part of their common area maintenance charges. "The most frequently asked question by our customers are security based. We advise our customers on all of the security benefits of the properties presented to them" Marie Zere, president and CEO, Zere Real Estate Services. Entry doors to any office building should automatically lock as early as six o'clock each weekday and reopen at dawn. Intercom services for various tenants after doors are locked become a key part in gaining control and keeping a secured building. Again the expense of installation of such device is relatively inexpensive. By implementing the foregoing it will bring most any building into a safe environment given your tenants peace of mind and a level of comfort they deserve. Patrick Caroleo is the president and CEO, The Dove Organization, Ltd, Ronkonkoma, N.Y.