Can you really be too safe when it comes to student housing? Owners and facility managers are responsible for ensuring a secure environment that prioritizes tenant well-being, so that is a resounding no.
Having the right tools to monitor critical fixtures like fire extinguishers and ensure resident safety is essential. This includes keeping an eye on common areas like dorms, lounges, and other shared spaces to protect both the property and the students.
Motion sensors are vital for creating a safe atmosphere—not only do they help protect valuable assets, but they also give students and staff peace of mind knowing their environment is being actively monitored.
Using Motion Sensors for Safety
A common concern for parents is whether there are enough security measures in place at their child’s university. By enhancing safety measures with motion sensors, universities can reassure parents and students alike, showing that dorm living is designed with their safety in mind.
In a campus setting, where there's a lot of movement, motion sensors can help alert staff when important items are removed from their designated locations.
This not only helps keep the equipment readily available during emergencies but also reduces the risk of loss or theft.
Types of Motion Sensors
When selecting motion sensors, it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs. At Perceptive Things®, we offer two types of motion sensors designed for different purposes:
Breeze™: can detect when doors and windows are opened or closed. Additionally, it alerts users if these access points are left open for a set period of time. This sensor is particularly useful for situations where tenants or staff might prop open doors or leave vulnerable windows ajar.
Motiv™: a wireless asset motion tracker that can be attached to any piece of equipment. It alerts users when an asset is moved or vibrates for longer than a configurable duration. Motiv™ is ideal for tracking items like carts, equipment, and fixtures like fire extinguishers to ensure they remain secure in their designated spots.
Specific Uses of Motion Sensors
Motion sensors can be applied in a variety of ways within student housing:
Security Monitoring: Sensors notify staff when doors or windows are opened, helping to prevent unauthorized access. This ensures that restricted areas and student dormitories remain secure, giving both students and faculty peace of mind.
Asset Monitoring: Motion sensors are also valuable for tracking essential safety equipment like AEDs. If these critical items are moved and not returned promptly, it could lead to serious delays during an emergency. With motion sensors, staff can be alerted immediately, ensuring critical infrastructure remains in place and available when needed.
Using Motion Sensors in Common Areas to Prevent Theft
University student lounges often experience heavy foot traffic, as students use these spaces for meals, socializing, and studying. Unfortunately, this high traffic can make common areas prime targets for theft, with students sometimes taking furniture or appliances like microwaves back to their dorm rooms.
Given that theft accounts for over 50% of on-campus crime, securing these spaces is essential. In 2021 alone there were 6,500 on-campus burglaries reported by postsecondary degree-granting institutions.
Motion sensors and asset trackers are effective tools to monitor activity in common areas, helping staff respond to incidents and deter theft. This technology not only monitors occupancy but also tracks the movement of valuable items, ensuring they stay where they belong.
Athletic facilities are another high-risk area, as expensive equipment is frequently left unattended. For example, on June 21, 2024, San Diego City College reported the theft of $4,000 worth of equipment. The college had to allocate additional funds to replace these stolen items.
In cases like these, motion sensors could have detected both the unauthorized entry and the movement of the equipment, allowing security to respond in real-time and potentially prevent theft.
Final Thoughts on Using Motion Sensors in Student Housing
Addressing safety and security issues in student housing is crucial for both the well-being of occupants and the protection of property.
By actively monitoring common areas and preventing theft, university housing managers can create a secure and peaceful living environment.
Investing in security measures like motion sensors not only helps protect valuable assets but also demonstrates a commitment to the safety of the residential community.
How safe is your student housing? What steps are you taking to prevent theft and unauthorized access?
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