Video Surveillance Utilization During Winter

A reliable video surveillance system can play a pivotal role when addressing winter’s unique challenges. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create hurdles for managing multifamily properties.

Watchtower Security has seen and reported on nearly every scenario imaginable. Here are some ways a managed camera system can be utilized during the winter.

Remote Property Walks

Inclement weather often forces the onsite office to close, but the need for property oversight does not stop. A video surveillance system’s ability to allow virtual walks of a property through the “eyes” of the cameras is invaluable. This ensures potential issues do not go unnoticed until a physical return to the office. The “Walk” feature in Watchtower Security’s online portal is an effortless way to check on multiple properties with one click.

Snow Removal

Use your system to provide a record of snow removal activity.

• Verify parking lots and sidewalks have been cleared.
• Confirm when the snow removal company arrived and the total number of visits.
• Prevent overcharging – Unnecessary or additional trips that did not occur can be easily disputed.

The National Apartment Association (NAA) has a guide for preparing your apartment community for winter storms.

Slip and Falls

Icy patches on sidewalks and parking lots will occur, leading to possible slip and fall claims. Video surveillance systems can often verify legitimate or fraudulent claims. The system can also help identify hazardous areas requiring attention.

Loitering and Trespassing

Wintry weather often increases cases of loitering and trespassing in stairwells, communal areas, and other sheltered spaces. Often, these same people are known to vandalize property, commit crimes, and make residents feel unsafe. Cameras provide visibility in these areas.

Damage Documentation

Any damage on site, either to structures or vehicles, may be documented via the video surveillance system. Irrefutable evidence is invaluable when filing insurance claims or resolving disputes.

Frozen Pipes and Water Leaks

Cameras can be used to identify visible signs of frozen pipes/water issues, such as pooling water or icicles forming in unusual places.

Maximizing Your Surveillance System This Winter

There are countless ways to utilize a video surveillance system during the winter months. To remain effective, proper maintenance is a necessity. From periodic testing and system updates to cleaning and proper positioning, it is a daily task to ensure your system is functioning at an optimal level. Constant exposure to the elements is taxing. A poorly maintained system can fail at critical moments.

Property management in the multifamily industry rarely has time to rectify any issues and verify the cameras are recording. Watchtower Security’s service department manages all these responsibilities for you. The health of the video surveillance system is constantly monitored, and any service issues are addressed promptly.

Time restraints also hinder the ability to utilize camera recordings. With Watchtower Security, any event requiring video footage can be submitted within minutes. From there, our dedicated team provides a detailed recap of any situation.

Winter challenges require reliable solutions. A fully managed video surveillance system ensures property management in the multifamily industry is prepared for whatever comes their way. To learn more about Watchtower Security’s solution, please contact us.