4 Safety Checks For Your New Condo
Safety should always, always be the priority when choosing a condo to live in. Here are a safety aspects that you should consider when looking for a place to stay.
1. Geographic Safety
As many people know, a large part of Metro Manila are right on top of a massive fault line, the West Valley Fault, that might cause a massive earthquake within our lifetime. Although it seems impossible to determine when it may happen, it doesn’t hurt to make lifestyle choices that will prepare you for any upcoming disaster.
AVOID
- Avoid choosing a condo that it is on top of the fault line. If it’s not possible, find one that is at least 5-10 meters away from the actual fault line.
- Avoid old condos which were built at the time there were no building regulations and are not built to withstand strong earthquakes. A rule of thumb is that a condo built after 1992 that followed regulations will be good enough.
PREFER
- Have preference over reputable developers who are known not to cheat regulations and building materials.
- Have preference over condo units nearer the ground floor. It must be at a floor near enough that you can run to safety within 2 minutes in case of an emergency.
2. Neighborhood Safety
You also have to consider the neighborhood or surrounding area of where your condo is located. You may want to trade off cheaper rent if you have to deal with the anxiety of walking home late, leaving your place alone and not feeling secure.
- Research on neighborhood crime rates. Check which routes should be off limits are certain times.
- Identify the safest route from your point of transportation to the condo. A good rule of thumb is that passing in front of full establishments, other condos with 24 hour security and banks are safer routes.
- Ask current tenants of histories of break-ins or hold-ups that they might have encountered in the area.
3. Building Safety
There are many hazards that may come with a new place that may be because of bad building practices or simply due to the building being old.
- Check fire hazards. If you find any open wires, get them fixed immediately.
- If your condo fire alarm needs batteries, make sure to change them regularly.
- Have preference over condo units near fire escapes and take note where the nearest one is to your unit. Check if the fire escape doors work.
- Check if elevators have a history of breaking down. Report any strange sounds and shaking to the management immediately.
4. Internal Building Procedures
Condos normally have security guards stationed in the building as an added protection for its residents. Not all buildings provide adequate working conditions or resources that optimizes security.
- Inside your building check if the guards in your building have shifting schedules that cover all 24 hours.
- Be observant as to how many guards are on duty even during odd hours in the morning. In case of emergency, there should be at least two. One to address the emergency and the other to focus on maintaining the normal function.
- Check if there are CCTV cameras that cover you all the way from the lobby to your unit door.
- Ask around how long their rotations are. Check your guards if they are are running more than 10-12 hours shifts. If they’re too exhausted, they might not perform their functions properly.
There you have it! A comprehensive list of safety checks to do before deciding to move out. If you have any more, let me know in the comments.
