Make your HOA Community Safer
One of the responsibilities of a Homeowners Association (HOAs) is to safeguard their homeowners and the HOA community. Providing a safe community and its assets ensures the quality of life the HOA promises and creates a secure and welcoming place for everyone.
Learn how to assess a security plan, optimize resources and improve community security to give the homeowners in your HOA the safest possible place to have their home.
The HOA’s Community Security Obligations
HOAs are obligated to make sure their community is a safe environment. Generally, the board of directors and property managers are responsible for the HOA security plan.
- The HOA develops safety and security policies by determining rules and procedures that maintain community safety and mitigate risks.
- HOAs are responsible for anticipating and controlling risks. HOAs should conduct regular security evaluations, assessing equipment ad property, identifying points for improvement and implementing any necessary security solutions.
- Establish and maintain physical security from the community entrance throughout the entire community. Security plans can include installing perimeter fences or walls, security gates, access controlled entrances, ample lighting and security surveillance cameras.
HOAs that fail to provide and maintain their security equipment or cut corners providing security for their community risk legal liability and decreased property valuation. Without effective security systems, HOAs put their homeowners and their HOA organization at risk for crime and injuries.
Simple ways to increase community security is to involve residents and create a culture of awareness and community safety. Six basic steps include (but are not limited to):
- Avoid using house numbers for parking space numbers, whether painting on the parking lot or posted on signs.
- Encourage homeowners to call the security company (if one is contracted) or law enforcement when they see suspicious activity.
- Establish lines of communications with your local law enforcement.
- Maintain the upkeep of your neighborhoods, common areas and buildings and overall community.
- Organize community events so that neighbors can connect and get to know each other and become involved in helping create a safe neighborhood.
Physical Security Measures HOAs Can Implement
Access control systems such as gates, barrier arms, key cards, or physical security guard stop are part of the first line of security to your HOA community. Installing a dual gate arm barrier system helps prevent tailgating. Any access control system increases security and deters unauthorized people from entering.
Adequate lighting is another crucial element in security. Reliable lighting should start from the community entry and parking lots, to streets and commonly used pathways and community areas. Maintain lighting equipment and bulbs to ensure maximum security.
Security camera surveillance systems are foundational to any security system. Choose security cameras that fits your needs and application, even if it means different cameras for different areas. Make sure the camera is high definition; you might also need a night-vision/thermal camera, or something you can operate remotely. All cameras should be compatible with each other and other security devices.
- Your HOA’s data retention policy may differ, but video footage should typically be stored for at least 30 days. HOAs should have a designate data manager who is responsible for safe storage.
Contracted Security Company
A contracted security patrol company can increase security and deter crime. Depending on the size of the community and property, a security company will often monitor access or operate a gatehouse, as well as patrol the neighborhoods and inspect property perimeter, fences and walls. Security companies will tailor their service to the HOA needs and budget, but the overall security is increased with marked vehicles and uniformed security guards.
Security officers authority differ from law enforcement because they are civilian personnel. Their main focus is to protect the community within HOA boundaries. They can deter intruders outside the HOA, but do not have enforcement authority on public streets or sidewalks outside the community. Private security’s patrols and visibility are effective deterrents to intruders as protectors of the community.
Encourage Community Involvement
As mentioned earlier, all community members should be involved in creating safe neighborhoods. Building a safe place to live is a shared effort and part of a comprehensive HOA security plan.
Whether your HOA participates in Rapid’s community-led neighborhood-based security program or a formal Neighborhood Watch Program, these programs help create a cohesive and safer community. Residents know the rhythm of their streets and neighborhoods and they know when something is “off.” Harnessing this community intelligence enhances security for everyone when neighbors report suspicious activity, unfamiliar parked cars, unfamiliar people hanging out in the parking lot, etc. Whether neighbors report their observations to their security company or law enforcement, they contribute to their neighborhood security.
HOAs can nurture these neighbor relationships by distributing community newsletters or sending e-newsletters, organizing community meetings and community events. Creating opportunities for people to connect with each other brings the neighborhood together.
With some effort and planning, HOAs can improve its community security as well as maintain or update its current security measures. Contracting a security patrol company, creating programs to involve residents or creating an e-newsletter with security tips all take time. Start with assessing your HOA’s needs and creating a plan for opportunities and options to improve community safety.
Rapid International Offers Community Solutions
Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.
Please get in touch to learn about our community-level security program – we believe the strength of collaboration and partnership make neighborhoods safer for everyone. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.
Security is not a gimmick or a gadget:
Andrew Calderone – Rapid International Security Services
it’s a state of mind.
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Photograph courtesy: LevelGreen