House Security Systems
 

At our house corp meeting today, we had a discussion about house security. There has been an increase in break-ins and muggings around campus lately, so we really want to make sure that the women and the house are safe.

We discussed some sort of mechanism that beeps loudly if a door is left open for too long (apparently they have these in the dorms), or just limiting use of certain doors to daylight hours only, leaving only one door for late night entrances. With so many people going in and out, we're not sure that a full security alarm is a good idea. Fingerprint scanning technology is out of our budget :)

What does your house do for security? Alarm system? Designated doors for night use? If you don't want to share details on the board, please PM me.

Thanks :)

I edited this to take out some details. I've also realized that this may be too personal a question for a new poster to ask, so I apologize if you're offended or creeped out. We're also asking the other groups on campus, I just hoped to get a broader view of our options since so many of you have years of experience with your chapter houses.

Our house was ALWAYS locked, except for right before chapter meetings and other functions where the whole chapter would be over. Anyone who lived-in had keys to the house, but COULD NOT have an ASA keychain on their keys. We had an intercom system where someone could buzz a particular room to reach a certain member, or the common room if it was a non-live in chapter sister who wanted in. With so many girls living in the house, there was almost always someone home who could open the door for a girl just wanting to hangout or use the internet or watch TV.

This is one area that was very nice since the school owned our houses technically there was a system already installed. There was only one door in which you could come in, but multiple that you could exit from.

The one door in which you could come in had a main door which just opened and then you came in this small entranceway where you had to swipe your id card to get into the house. In this entry way there was also a phone which you could dial the room number to get someone to let you in if you forgot yours or for delivery purposes, etc.

All members cards accessed the house so it was always locked. If you were a new member after initiation your card info was given to the school and then you were able to access.

The doors that were for exits were suppose to always remain shut. We were not allowed to prop them open. Though on nice days or when everyone was at the house the doors to the patio were open, but not unless people were there.

I know it may be expensive to have something like this, but just a thought. Its a lot easier to control then giving out a passcode which could be told to someone else or an member who leaves still has.

When I was ATC at Gamma we had similar problems and our House Corp found it very helpful to discuss them with our Regional Housing Director. She had many suggestions, with pros and cons, based on working with the other houses in our Region. If you need the contact info for your Regional Housing Director, it can be found at Anchors Online.

Thank you all for your responses. You've given me a lot of ideas, and we'll definitely contact our Regional Housing Director for advice as well.

Sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads!

I wouldn't do the keypad at the front door - one of the fraternities on my campus had this and most of the sorority girls knew the code. ;)