Risk Reporter for Senior Living Communities
Spring 2016 Vol. 17, Issue 1
Protection (buildings and grounds)
An ounce of prevention keeps buildings, grounds safe
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s especially true when it comes to security and protecting your senior living center. Not being prepared now could spell trouble later. To help avoid a potentially dangerous and costly situation, make sure you’re following these practices to harden your facility’s perimeter:
- Upgrade your outdoor lighting
Using the right size lamps and fixtures helps create a feeling of safety for staff, residents, visitors and volunteers. A good reference guide is the U.S. Department of Energy’s Exterior Lighting for Energy Savings, Security, and Safety. You can view it at http://tinyurl.com/zsrhwns.
Also consider replacing any incandescent lights with LED bulbs. LEDs are a little more expensive, but they last longer and typically are brighter.
- Install security cameras
Today’s digital cameras can connect wirelessly to a recording system in your main office or directly to your security provider. Install them near doorways and other high-traffic areas. Make sure your cameras are near a good light source so the images on your video are clear.
- Consider audible alarms
Many times, audible alarm systems are overlooked in favor of silent alarms. The sound of an alarm, however, is exactly what you need to signal an emergency. The sound also can alert the community to the potential danger.
- Install deadbolts
Deadbolts provide the best possible security of any door locks. You can get models that use letter combinations, passcodes or even your fingerprint to open doors.
- Consider an electronic keycard system
Many senior living centers today are replacing traditional key systems with keyless electronic cards. With a keyless system, you can:
- Manage a person’s access via computer
- Identify who used specific doors (and when)
- Deactivate a keycard when a staff member leaves
- Add safety curbs and barriers
If you think of your grounds as concentric circles, you want to be sure you have the right safety equipment in each area. In the outer circle, safety typically means controlling foot and automobile traffic.
Adding curbs around your grounds is a good way to direct the flow of traffic precisely where you want it to go. In addition, safety curbs or retaining walls offer excellent security benefits. Depending on the size of your barriers, you can use them to keep pedestrians from restricted areas too.
Terraces, raised plant beds, trees, planters, fencing, gatehouses and bollards also are good protective tools. Many senior living centers are using these types of alternatives to divert traffic, provide added security and beautify grounds.