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Support Physical Safety and Security
Residential communities should offer people a sense of personal safety
and security from physical hazards and criminal harm, both in the home
and the community. Architectural and planning strategies, combined with
building management, police, and community security organizations and
programs, are effective in supporting physical safety and protecting neighborhoods
from crime and the fear of crime.
Crime prevention through the design of outdoor spaces includes providing
adequate visibility for both residents and passersby. Such strategies
include: orienting building entries and first and second story windows
toward the street and other frequently used outdoor spaces or common building
areas; avoiding dead-ends and isolated spaces; designing short and visible
pathways; and providing adequate lighting. Outdoor spaces that are perceived
as a "no-man's land" or offer blind corners and hiding places should be
avoided in favor of places that are clearly designed for frequent use
by many households or for individual household use. All spaces should
encourage a perception of ownership, whether by a household or a group
of residents. Minimizing the number of people using a common entry; increasing
the visibility of common indoor spaces; and using security hardware, systems,
and personnel--these are all techniques to enhance building security.
Buildings need to be made safe from physical hazards for all residents,
including children, people with disabilities, and elderly people, by adhering
to appropriate building codes and other physical safety standards. Supporting
physical safety also includes separating automobiles, trucks, and other
vehicles, as well as building equipment and construction activity from
pedestrian streets and common areas, such as playgrounds. Good site and
building maintenance also enhances both physical safety and perceived
and actual security.
Link to resources
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