The physical nature of security is all about deterring the potential intruder from gaining access to your property. As a first line of defense against an intruder or unwanted individual or individuals, it is highly important. Your aim will be to leave nothing to chance when trying to prevent physical access to your property and theft of belongings.
This can be as simple as having secure locks on all of your outside facing doors/windows to security screens or high security gates. Advisors on security have previously used materials that are not so suitable such as wood for window boarding. It may be a cheaper option, but in the long run it will degrade quicker and be easier to penetrate after a while.
When considering the security of your home, there are several layers or tiers of physical security that are worth attention. It may include objects designed to delay an intruder from house breaking, for example: an alarm system, CCTV or a decent amount of lighting. Two main layers of physical security are:
- Environmental Design
- Mechanical Security
Environmental Design
Environmental design is the initial layer of physical security for a property and is generally more for commercial properties but could be employed in a residential dwelling. These can include deterrents such as barbed wire, spikes installed on top of walls, concrete barriers, metal barriers and warning signs. Concrete barriers by definition are insurpassable, but need a professional organisation to advise on the installation and eventual removal.
Mechanical Security
This layer is concerned with mechanical aspects of security. These include steel security doors, gates, locks, windows. Approved access through a gate or a door can be via a metal key or an electronic key or digital keycard. In larger buildings, the management of door access is more efficient with an electronic key rather than having to monitor a physical metal key. Biometric access control, using thumb print readers is another form of physical security which is gaining support.
Tags: communal doors, concrete barriers, security doors, steel security doors, Steel security screens
