Building owners taking the risk factor out of the equation.(Security)

In the post 9/11 environment, building security is more evident than ever before. In most large cities--and in New York City in particular--visitors are required to show identification, sign in and receive approval from the person they are visiting.

However, basic building security goes beyond the entryways and has a significant impact on liability issues.

Keeping building security and safety measures up-to-date is an important precaution for property owners seeking to limit their liability if an emergency situation should arise.

In both residential and commercial buildings, owners are required to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition, and to maintain minimal precautions and security measures to protect the public from foreseeable harm.

Certain buildings face more risk than others, based on a variety of issues, including their proximity to transportation or business centers, government offices or religious organizations. It is also important for property owners to evaluate whether the occupants of the buildings themselves may require greater security--diplomats. high-ranking executives and celebrities are a few examples of individuals at high risk.

Property owners should consider working with a reputable security-consulting firm to identify a building's appropriate security needs. However, once a consulting firm issues a report with action items, those action items must not be overlooked. The simplest, but one of the most crucial, security measures is to prohibit unauthorized people from gaining access to the building. A security guard, in addition to a doorman or front-desk attendant, can help enforce this building regulation. An owner may want to consider running a minimally invasive background check for those tenants who are authorized to enter the building to ...