Enhancing Safety Measures in Blocks of Flats

Sinead Campbell from Flat Living Insurance, discusses what resident management companies can do to improve safety and security in their blocks. This will be a benefit for their own sake and that of their fellow residents.

Feeling safe and secure in your home should be the expected norm.

But for those living in urban areas and in close proximity to multiple neighbours, safety can be a genuine concern.

Building managers should keep in mind the close link between perceived bodily safety and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and agoraphobia.

Helping residents feel safe in their homes and able to express their opinions on the running of the block, while alleviating any worries about theft and criminal damage, will go a long way to improving their quality of life.

Maintenance and Safety

Residents want to see their block looked after properly, and that must start with safety. Being open with residents about upcoming inspections and their outcomes can go a long way toward alleviating any fears around structural integrity or fire safety.

Residents are more aware than ever of the importance of above-board practice. With so many horror stories in the news about crumbling foundations, unsafe cladding and fire safety, being completely transparent is vital.

Make sure you are up to date with your obligations and publicly publish the results. Online forums or the building pinboard will do. Make sure your residents know you are taking care of the basics and that their home is safe.

Security and Safety

Coming in a close second for residents is building security. This is vital for all multiple occupancy buildings, but blocks in large towns and cities need to pay particular attention due to higher crime rates.

Basic security for blocks of flats should include:

• Access control for all entrance doors
• Appropriate lighting for communal areas and entranceways
• CCTV
• Speedy maintenance for security issues
• Frequent lock changes

Access control should ideally include a video entrance system so residents can view their visitor and allow access from their individual unit. It should be made very clear to all residents that no access should be given to strangers, and that ID should be requested from any contractors or delivery drivers before buzzing anyone in.

If you use key cards or fobs, tight control should be maintained over the system you use to give and deny access. Anyone moving out of the building should be immediately denied access once they have moved, and the fob or card should be returned.

Well-lit communal areas and motion-activated lighting for entranceways is ideal. No one wants to get home in the evening and be fumbling for their keys in the dark. Great lighting makes everyone feel safe and improves the look of the building- it also allows your CCTV to capture the best images possible (recordings of which should be kept well organised).

Main entrance locks should be changed every few years regardless, but essential maintenance should always be carried out immediately if door or window locks are showing signs of wear and tear. Changing the locks on flat door’s should be standard practice for all new leaseholders. They should not need to worry that the previous lessee and their acquaintances may still have a key.

Community and Communication

The management plays a crucial role in cultivating a sense of community within a block of flats, which is essential for residents to feel safe and secure. Neighbours who know each other, have healthy communication and look out for one another feel far safer than those who live entirely separate lives.

Encouraging resident groups and activities and providing several different means of communication will allow all demographics to join in. A sewing club, an exercise class, a social media group, or a simple suggestion box all actively foster communication and facilitate the building of connections.

As a manager of the block, directors should be aware of any vulnerable members of the block. This is so they can make sure to be checking in on them personally. Listen to concerns raised by residents. Get the wheels in motion for any ideas that could increase a sense of safety and security.

Summary

You can take simple steps to reduce concerns about crime and vandalism in or around your block. Adequate lighting and CCTV coverage is essential, as is listening to the concerns of your residents.

Taking care of practicalities of living in a city-centre block may well alleviate some of the stressors faced by residents. This can allow them to live as peacefully as possible and protecting their mental health.

Flat Living Insurance arranges insurance for self-managed customers only, call us on 0333 577 2044 to get a quote for your block today.