Members of our Waterfront Pearl Safety and Security Committee have worked hard over the past while to identify our property’s biggest security weaknesses, both for buildings and for the garage. It should come as no surprise that, as the people who live here, each of us holds the responsibility to increase our own efforts to be aware of our surroundings. We cannot rely upon a hired service or blind luck to protect our own property. Because we should all want to keep our residences and neighbors safe, here is a list of what we’ve found that will have the biggest impact.

Bear in mind that we will spend about a quarter of a million dollars on security personnel and equipment, this year and in the coming years. Yet none of these services can do anything to stop the following six common situations.

Strangers Enter Our Buildings

• Don’t let strangers into the lobby just because they dress well or speak nicely to you.
• It’s certainly great to be friendly with strangers and visitors, but don’t risk our property.
• Anyone you let into the building must be either someone you know or who has their own WFP fob.
• Direct everyone else to the call box or to the concierge desk.

People Access the Garage

• We have garage entry procedures. Follow them.
• When entering, stop. Watch the garage door close behind you.
• Your goal is to ensure that anyone entering behind you uses their own garage entry fob.
• It’s a little harder, but try to do the same thing when you leave the building.

Suspicious Activities

• If you see a suspicious person or behavior, contact the concierge desk immediately. The desk staff know what to do.
• Add the desk number to your cell phone contacts right now: 503-710-8668
• If you want to assist the desk staff, wait for them and point out the person who concerns you.

Keep Your Condo Safe

• Keep hall and patio doors locked at all times.
• Be sure your stove is off when you leave your unit.
• Get a flood alarm for under your utility room and another for under your refrigerator.

Keep Your Car Safe

• Your car is less likely to be broken into when it is locked.
• Some residents don’t bother to lock all their car, which presents an obvious opportunity for thieves.
• Keep any valuables in your trunk or glove box; don’t leave them where they are visible.
• Don’t leave your garage fob where it is visible and preferably take it with you.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Accidents sometimes occur in the garage when returning home from a night out. Appoint a designated driver, or use a service such as Lyft, Uber, or Radio Cab. These are convenient, inexpensive, and safe ways to get you home and to keep insurance costs down.

 

Remember: we are the ones who can be the most effective in assuring our safety.