Securing High-Rise Buildings in Miami: Challenges and Best Practices for Safety

• Heightened Security Risks:

The visibility and accessibility of high-rise buildings is what increases their security risks.

Vandalism and other criminal activities such as burglary are far more common in inner-city areas with these types of structures. Criminals who operate in cities with large volumes of skyscrapers are also more in tune with how to gain access, so security needs to be an ongoing priority.

What’s more, because these types of buildings have various access points, it’s necessary to secure them from the ground up – even the rooftop can be a security risk if steps aren’t taken to secure it.

• Evacuation and Emergency Response:

Emergencies such as fires and natural disasters are always a possibility and a high-rise building can be particularly dangerous in these situations.

Ensuring that any security measures will not hinder the efforts of emergency services or impact routes to safety for occupants is also essential.

• Intricate Access Control:

Commercial high-rise buildings almost always come with complex access control, which will often call for more strategic and advanced security measures.

Along with the main entrances and exits, lobbies, parking lots, and service areas also need to be considered to avoid any weak points.

At the same time, you want to ensure that you aren’t unnecessarily restricting the movement of maintenance staff and employees, which is why careful planning is imperative.

• Conduct a Comprehensive Security Assessment:

Before making any decisions on security measures, it’s important to conduct a full assessment of the building as well as its surroundings – Quickly Locksmith Miami can assist with this.

We are experts on all things related to residential and commercial security in Miami so we know exactly what to look for.

By assessing access points, blind spots, and access permissions, we can identify any building vulnerabilities.

We would also look at your current security measures, whether they’re still sufficient, and where upgrades need to be made.

• Install Integrated Access Control Systems:

Advanced access control systems are the best way to manage the complex entry points of high-rise buildings. They can also be integrated with larger building management systems for centralized control and real-time monitoring and response.

Some of the key components of an integrated access control system include:

Authentication Devices. These could be anything from biometric and smart card readers to keypads and pins. These devices ensure that only people who have been pre-approved can access your building.

Access Control Software. This type of system works with centralized control software. It’s what allows administrators to set user permissions, define access levels, and monitor system activity.

Door Controllers. This device manages the access permissions for specific doors and entry points. A door controller is what connects to the authentication device.

Electronic Locks and Hardware. Integrated access control systems generally use electronic locks and other hardware to secure entries and exits. Not only are they more secure, but they have remote control capabilities.

One of the other benefits of these systems is that you can access detailed reports that tell you who accessed a specific area and when. These systems are also more scalable than others, which means as your staff count grows, you can easily improve your security too.

• Upgrade Your Video Surveillance:

Video surveillance goes a long way in keeping your Miami high-rise more secure.

High-quality surveillance cameras that are strategically placed throughout the building are not only deterrents but aid in rapid incident response too. There are even some systems that can be set to automatically detect suspicious activity.

24/7 monitoring by security professionals can further strengthen your security, providing a proactive approach to potential threats. You could even communicate with local law enforcement to find out more about area patrols.

• Limit Key Control:

Developing key control systems and processes is another best practice for securing a high-rise in Miami.

It’s important to ensure that only authorized personnel are able to duplicate keys and authorize access to a building.

Implementing access protocols is also essential. For example, employees and maintenance staff should be prohibited from sharing pins or access cards. Should a pin or card be lost, the relevant manager should be immediately notified, allowing them to remove it from the system.

• Develop a Detailed Emergency Evacuation Plan:

Before you finalize the installation of any new security measures, it’s important to have an emergency evacuation plan in place.

It’s highly recommended that you collaborate with local emergency services or professionals such as Quickly Locksmith Miami to ensure that any security systems will not pose a threat to the safety of your building’s occupants.

All employees should have a copy of your evacuation plan and clear signage should be installed in common areas.

Regular drills and training sessions will also ensure that everyone is prepared in the event of an emergency.

Don’t forget to also evaluate your fire and medical emergency systems at the same time.

• Train Your Employees:

Employee training is the final best practice you should adhere to following the installation of any new security systems.

Staff should know what access protocols have been put in place, how to report potential security issues, and what steps to take in the event of an emergency.

All of your security protocols should be well documented to ensure a smooth onboarding process for new employees and an exit process for staff that are leaving.

• Wireless Locks by Assa Abloy:

Assa Abloy has developed a range of wireless locks for both residential and commercial buildings.

Not only are they easy to install but they’re highly scalable and can be integrated with any existing access control systems you currently have in place.

These wireless digital locks can be fitted to both internal and external doors and use advanced encryption technology to keep your building secure.

• Electronic Locks by Salto:

These impressive locks use RFID technology and wireless connectivity to provide contactless access and a simpler installation.

Building owners can easily monitor building access from their chosen mobile devices for added convenience. The system also performs regular audits and offers real-time monitoring for better security management.

• Smart Locks by Schlage:

Schlage is a security brand that has been around for years and for good reason. Trusted by homeowners, schools, and businesses, these interconnected smart locks are secure, flexible, and easy to install. They can also be integrated with existing access control systems.

Some of the unique features of these locks include built-in alarms and tamper detection, making it that much harder for intruders to gain access to your building.

The interface is also one of the most user-friendly, making it easier to manage.

For high-traffic commercial buildings, the Schlage NDE Series comes highly recommended. It comes with additional features such as remote monitoring and lockdown mode.

• E-Plex 5,000 Series by Dormakaba:

Ideal for a standalone or networked operation, the E-Plex series of locks by Dormakaba are used by airports, high-traffic commercial spaces, and the hospitality industry.

You can set these locks up to work with either a pin or access cards, depending on your preferences. These locks are also fitted with tamper alarms and have lockout capabilities for enhanced security.

• nexTouch Wireless Locks by Yale:

Specifically designed for commercial buildings, nexTouch wireless locks communicate wirelessly and can easily be retrofitted onto most doors and integrated with existing access systems.

These locks support codes and proximity access but authorized users will also be able to grant mobile access. The touchscreen interface allows for user-friendly operation.

• iClass SE by HID Global:

If you would prefer to install something more advanced, there’s the iClass SE range from HID Global.

These access control systems work with advanced encryption and authentication technology. The system also supports multiple credential types, including smart cards and mobile devices.

Keep in mind that these are just a handful of the digital locks you can install inside and outside of your commercial high-rise. It’s best to consult with a professional locksmith first to ensure you’re making the right choices based on your specific security needs.

• Advanced Locksmith Services. 

We aren’t your usual team of locksmiths. We offer a comprehensive range of locksmith services that are tailored to your specific needs as a commercial building owner or tenant. From installing high-security locks to securing the perimeter of your building, our solutions are designed to enhance the overall security infrastructure.

• Detailed Security Audits. 

No locksmith should be updating your commercial security measures without first conducting a thorough assessment. This pertains to both the exterior and interior of your building. Once we know what we are dealing with, we are able to develop a customized security plan that addresses the unique challenges of high-rise structures.

• Emergency Response and Lockout Services.

When your security is compromised, you want to be able to get up and running as quickly as possible again – this is where we come in. Our team is available 24/7, ensuring your building is always protected.

• Expert Recommendations. 

Choosing the right security systems for a commercial space can be overwhelming. Not only is there so much to consider about your building and its surroundings, but there are thousands of products available on the market. We know what works and what doesn’t, so you can rely on us for expert product and security protocol recommendations.

• Building Management Collaboration.

If need be, we will gladly collaborate with your building management team to ensure any security upgrades go as smoothly as possible. Many high-rise buildings are home to more than one tenant, so it’s often necessary to collaborate with everyone involved.