By Richard Holtz
It is certainly not something that student
housing developers and property managers want to think about, but the tragic
events at Virginia Tech and similar institutions have demonstrated the need for
effective security and emergency communications for everyone affiliated with
the campus environment.
The lessons learned by public safety officials
following the recent mass-shootings around the country provide valuable insight
for developers and managers of student housing.
An article published recently by the Mass
Notification and Emergency Communications website highlights some areas of
focus for the multifamily industry.
The MNEC (Mass Notification Emergency
Communications) industry brings together integrators, codes, technologies and
customers. Over the last two years, NSCA (National Systems Contractors
Association) has been committed to educating and engaging integrators in this
emerging marketplace. The organizations
will work to educate end-users and government officials and further engage a
wider scope of integrators and manufacturers in this critical public safety
initiative.
The MNEC suggests that for multifamily
developers, the first step in evaluating emergency response is to focus on
communication. When property owners plan
and develop a proactive approach in this area, they can take logical and
reasonable actions that can deliver significant value to tenants. Understanding what means of communication
authorities will be using in an emergency and being prepared to assist
residents in receiving messages is vital.
Networked digital signage is an example of a
critical tool that is easy to implement and maintain on student housing
properties. In an emergency, as
information is often conflicting and chaotic, digital signage can be a key tool
in quickly reaching large numbers of residents in high-traffic areas.
Blue Light Phone Systems offer developers
another way to enhance emergency communications on their property. These brightly lit stanchions, equipped with
emergency telephones, cameras and broadcast speakers, can be strategically
placed in potential problem areas around the property. Emergency Blue Light Phones can prove
invaluable as initial-report tools, alerting proper authorities quickly and
directly.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is another
safety feature that takes on added importance in a time of crisis, and it is
essential that the cameras feeding these systems be of sufficient resolution. Security cameras need to be part of a system that
is able to capture high-resolution footage in order to take full advantage of capabilities.
Access Control systems with a common credential
provide a safe environment and instill that sense of security that residents
rely on. The presence of access control
will, not only deter potential threats, but improve residents’ comfort as well. A secondary benefit is having a historical record
of who went through an entryway.
While solutions for low-voltage technology
often focus on cable television, phone and internet as amenities for tenants,
that same infrastructure takes on a whole new level of importance when
considering resident safety. Be sure
your technology vendors and consultants have taken these valuable lessons into
consideration when assessing your needs.
