If you have limited parking space at your home, are attending a large event like a concert, or need to drive to work regularly, you may need to rent a parking area. A well-designed garage safeguards vehicles and protects against injuries. Here are some safety features to look for when choosing a parking garage:
Surveillance Cameras
A parking garage should have cameras with high-resolution coverage for real-time monitoring. Managers of the garage should be able to remotely access the cameras with the help of motion detection features so they can quickly detect security breaches. Check if the cameras are strategically placed and if they undergo regular maintenance.
Footage from the camera should go to a cloud storage system for later use in case of an incident. Effective cameras have anti-vandalism casing and come with low-light capabilities to monitor vehicles in the garage, even at night. They should also have an integrated alarm system that can alert law enforcement in case of car theft or related incidents. While the cameras monitor the garage, they should comply with existing data privacy laws by not infringing on privacy.
Bright Lighting
Bright LED lighting is used to secure garages because it uses less energy than regular bulbs, is long-lasting, and provides clear visibility. The motion sensor increases light brightness if movement is detected, using less energy than bulbs that are always on. Rust-resistant materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, or powder-coated finishes keep the lifespan of lighting systems high and corrosion-proof. Tamper-resistant setups include locking covers, anti-theft screws, and concealed wiring to avoid unauthorized access to a component.
Emergency Call Stations
Emergency call stations in garages must have easy-to-spot colors and enable two-way audio. Users should be able to use the system with the help of a simple push-button system. Most emergency call stations integrate GPS location features and are housed in a tamper-proof setup. Check if the instructions of the emergency call station are clear and enable instant alert notifications. The garage should also make sure that users get helped immediately after the push of a panic signal feature.
Clear Signage
All the signage in the parking garage should use reflective materials and be large enough to see easily. The use of universal symbols and easy-to-read fonts makes the signage highly visible and more effective. Signage needs to include directional arrows, parking level markings, emergency exit signs, and reserved spot indicators. Speed limit notifications and loading zone markers must also be clearly visible. Other types of signage to expect are warnings of any existing hazards and markings of prohibited areas. The garage signage should have visible pedestrian crosswalk signs.
Secure Entry and Exit Points
Entry and exit points must be secured with automated gate systems, such as radio frequency identification. Users should only access the garage with the help of a keycard to prevent unauthorized entry. Some garages implement number plate recognition systems to monitor the entry and exit of vehicles. Exits and entry points typically have reinforced barrier materials and tailgating technology to prevent unauthorized access.
One-way spike strips secure vehicles within the garage. The use of timed-access settings, where car owners can only access their vehicles at a specific time, can help boost the security of the garage. Other things that secure entry and exit points are real-time access logs.
Regular Patrolling
Heavy and visible security presence can help deter criminals. The garage should employ uniformed personnel who conduct random patrols and have training in conflict resolution. They should include professionals with first-aid training who conduct regular safety drills to identify any security weaknesses within the garage.
Garage should maintain patrol logs and enforce anti-loitering measures with the help of the guards. The guards can provide vehicle assistance, address suspicious behavior, and undergo regular performance evaluations. The patrolling shifts should rotate frequently, and the guards should be encouraged to interact with the garage users to identify suspicious individuals.
Find a Secure Parking Garage
A secure parking garage has advanced security measures, such as fire safety measures or camera systems, to protect your vehicle from various dangers. Other measures to protect your vehicle are flooring with textured surface coatings and slip-resistant materials to prevent vehicles from sliding during the colder months. Contact a garage today to learn more about their security measures.