You move into a high-rise, and you’re safer than you were before, right?
How could you not be with a doorman, a lobby that looks like a hotel, elevators that need a fob, and a package room that’s so organized it could put actual mailrooms to shame? It seems like the building itself is looking out for you.
But the glossy brochure that sold you on this didn’t show the full picture.
The more you live there, the more you notice seemingly small things like the delivery guy slipping behind someone, and nobody blinks an eye, or the gym door that never quite latches. You ride the elevator with a complete stranger who gets on without a key and gets off on a residential floor.
None of these signals safety, but it also doesn’t necessarily mean that your building is unsafe. But the truth is, real safety isn’t where you think it is.
Big buildings move fast, and when people are always coming and going, some things are bound to slip through the cracks.
The Security Gaps You Don’t Notice
High-rises should make life feel smooth and effortless.
Doors open for you, elevators are fast, you get a ton of perks, and most areas are designed so you can get where you’re going without slowing down. That’s great when you’re late to work, or you’re coming home with groceries, isn’t it? But this also means that the priority is easy movement, not strict control. There are many perks, but there are also downsides.
When everything is focused on being effortless, how can you notice who’s walking in behind you or getting access to private spaces?
The amount of foot traffic in a high-rise is huge because it’s not just the people who live there. You have delivery drivers, cleaners, contractors, repair crews, real-estate agents, dog-walkers, guests, and people who tour units. All of them use the same hallways, elevators, entrances, and areas you do.
You probably assume that all the cameras and alarms are keeping up, but how well do they really work?
Most residents trust the systems because the building looks modern and/or feels expensive enough that ‘someone must be taking care of it’. But security systems are reliable only when every single component is working. If there’s a single door that doesn’t latch right or a single blind spot on the camera, it affects the entire building.
Another thing nobody ever thinks about is who is even installing and maintaining these systems.
It’s different depending on the state, so, for example, Tennessee has a very structured approach to it, where they have set requirements for the Tennessee alarm systems contractor licensing program, such as education, exams, ongoing training, etc. Kansas doesn’t have a statewide license requirement, and every city/jurisdiction sets its own rules.
The point is that security starts with trained professionals.
What Can You Do as a Resident
It’s all about small habits; they’re the ones that make the biggest difference.
The simplest way to start is to just pay attention to who comes in behind you. It’s normal to hold the door for people in everyday life, but if you’re in a building with hundreds of units, you don’t know everyone. Glance at the person behind or, better yet, ask them if they live here.
You’re not being rude; you’re keeping the building secure for everyone who lives there.
Also, get in the habit of checking whether doors close and lock behind you.
Sometimes a latch sticks or a door catches on a rug. If something seems off, report it; don’t assume that someone has already done so. Small issues like this have a way of becoming problematic down the line, especially in buildings where people come and go literally every day.
When it comes to making your unit safer, there are things you can do there, as well, and the great thing is that you have way more control there. If the building allows it, you can add a door sensor or a peephole camera.
A smart lock is another good idea that can give you extra security without changing how you live.
In addition to all this, you might want to ask building management a few basic questions.
Can’t hurt, right?
Now, don’t interrogate them. The idea is just to find out how often they check the access systems, who’s responsible for maintaining them, and what the building’s policies are like for anyone who doesn’t live there. A polite word will do the trick.
Most people will never think to ask these questions, but if you’re clear on how the building operates, you’ll feel safer living in it.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to live in a high-rise, then it’s in your best interest ot know what goes on behind the curtains.
Think about it – buildings run on both habits and on routines. This means that it’s best to pay attention to what’s happening around you (e.g., that shiny lobby, the fast elevators, cleaning, maintenance, any lawsuits from tenants, etc.).
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions (politely).
