Securing your stay in a high-rise

High-rise buildings have to come to stay, thanks to the scarcity of land in urban centres and the need to use space optimally. Several multi-rise buildings have come up in the city as well as in its neighbourhood.

In fact, some owners prefer to live in flats rather than individual bungalows due to various reasons such as hassle-free maintenance, facilities for sports, library, club, gym, swimming pool as well as security.

Often, it is a self-contained set-up in  high-rises, that house several flats where such facilities are provided with a monthly maintenance charge or one-time
payment where even doctors’ services could be made available.

But security is taken for granted in such high-rise complexes. Most of them only boast of a security guard posted at the entrance, who at the most, checks the identity of anyone desiring to visit a particular resident in the complex. Unfortunately, conmen do find ingenious ways of cheating the system, which means, one has to be on guard all the time, especially if you live alone.

A security lock which could be opened by a secure key is a must. A peephole to find out who is at the door is necessary. If your neighbourhood has had recent
instances of crime, keep in touch with the local police station regularly. In fact, keep their contact numbers handy. If a simple lock and key doesn’t make you feel safe, go in for automatic electrical locks that are easily available today. Install an alarm
system at the front door. Many such systems come with a camera that shows you who’s at the door. One of the most popular safety measures people
undertake in their homes today is to install a home security system. This system keeps a check on all kinds of threats.

Whenever you leave your home, double-check that your windows are closed properly and if your home has a balcony, close it properly too. Keep your valuables out of sight. Get an electric safe and put all your valuables in it. Another smart option would be to store all the extra cash and jewellery in a safe deposit box in a local bank.Fire safetyFire hazard should be taken seriously. Each flat should have a smoke detector. It is imperative that each floor should have an emergency exit plan, like in any starred hotel, showing the floor plan and the exit. Fire extinguishers should be placed on each floor, and should be easily visible.

It would be useful if at least one member of each family is trained to use it in an emergency. The fire escape stairs should be in proper condition all the time. In case of fire, lifts should not be used.

Escape through the stairs only. Everyone in the society should know what to do in an emergency, like fire or earthquake or any other disaster.

Periodical fire drill exercises would prove useful. Also, check the efficacy of the disaster management system in place. Whether a hooter should be installed to warn of any emergency needs to be discussed with the members of the high-rise building.
As far as possible, fire-retardant material should be used in the construction of the flat. Storage of inflammable goods should be strictly regulated. Periodical checking of electrical wiring, especially in older high-rise buildings, would be useful in preventing accidental short-circuits. Old wires should be replaced before an accident occurs.
Adequate water supply to fight a fire would be needed through fire hydrants, which should be operational and at properly marked locations. Sufficient space must be available within the high-rise complex for fire engines to move in swiftly to carry out their operations without delay.

Lifts are essential for any high-rise building. But these should be of a reputed make, safe and reliable. Periodical maintenance is a must to see that the lifts are in working condition. A separate lift for goods and materials would be desirable. There should be an emergency drill to see that a lift, if stuck, could be brought back to the ground floor safely.

There are several positive features of living in a high-rise building. However, safety is always an important factor that needs to be kept in mind all the time.

An independent safety audit at regular intervals, perhaps once a year, by a
qualified expert consultant or certified organisation would be useful to check the efficacy of various factors that make life safe and secure in a high-rise building complex.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

 While appointing security guards for your complex, carefully screen them. Get all their details, including their previous employments, home address and phone numbers.

 Ensure you buy quality fire hydrants and extinguishers from reputed places. Sometimes, a faulty element can cost you your life.

 Get to know your neighbours. This will make you feel like a part of the community and will also help you when things go wrong.

 Make sure the complex is properly lit. Poorly-lit places are very inviting for robbers and other criminals.

 On a general note, be aware of what happens in your complex. Don’t fail to report any untoward movement or activity.

So, what are you waiting for? Get going and make your life a much safer and better place.