Your safety should be your first priority.  It’s basic survival instinct I’m talking about here.  You can’t relinquish your responsibility to your building manager or the police! These simple suggestions can go a long way to make your building a safe place in which to live. Security of the apartment building in which you live is only as effective as you make it.

Securing your apartment
a) When the buzzer rings, check the identity of persons seeking entrance before releasing spring latch or other security device.
b) Unknown or suspicious persons seeking entrance to the building should be referred to the resident manager.
c) Do not identify yourself on the callboard as a person living alone. First initials identify you so instead of D. Young ask to be noted as Young Family.
d) Change the locks when you move in.  Some properties will not allow this, but all at least in BC and Alberta the Landlord Tenant act is on your side so long as the lock is of the same calibre or better as is what is already in place.  If you do change the lock you MUST provide the building manager with a key.
e) Your apartment door should be equipped with good quality deadbolt locks, with a 1” deadbolt. Ensure a wide angle “fish eye” door viewer has been installed in the door.
f) Secure sliding doors on the balcony with “jimmy bars” or place a length of wood in the bottom track making sure it fits snuggly.

Elevator
a) Do not enter an elevator if you are suspicious of the occupants – wait for the next one!  Safety before being polite!
b) When in an elevator, stand near the floor button panel. In a difficult situation, push as many buttons as possible, particularly the Alarm button. Do not touch the emergency STOP button, as it immobilizes the elevator, perhaps between floors. If a telephone is available – lifting the receiver automatically activates the alarm.

Laundry Rooms
a) Do not do laundry when you are likely to be alone.  Make a friend down the hall and do laundry together.