Owners, managers take protection measures. (Insiders Outlook).

The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the war with Iraq and other incidents of geopolitical unrest have heightened awareness of security among commercial and residential real estate professionals. During the past 18 months, many building owners and managers have begun to take concrete action to protect their buildings and the people that work and live within them.

Many locations have been made more secure with relatively simple techniques that raise the level of visible security. Property managers and building owners are displaying to the world that security measures have been installed in their buildings in an effort to prevent trouble before it ever occurs. Security systems will always be more effective when they are visible. Tenants and legitimate visitors are put at ease when they know that the building's staff is alert and aware, and people who might be a danger will be deterred.

Visible security measures include creating lobbies that are well lighted, and installing security video cameras and monitors in plain sight of anyone entering the building. In addition, all entrances are being guarded by professional security staff in uniforms, and reception desks are being positioned so that no one can escape the scrutiny of the security staff.

Enhanced security, however, goes beyond hiring more security guards and installing video cameras. While visible security can be a very effective deterrent, many real estate professionals and business executives have come to recognize the need for more comprehensive measures.

The terrorist attacks have taught Internet-related and data and information firms the importance of protecting their buildings and the data they handle. A number of companies have enhanced normal audio/visual surveillance and security personnel with measures such as high-tech access systems, turnstiles and mantraps to limit access to critical areas without authorization.

Property managers and owners seeking to protect more critical buildings, tenants and systems are turning to more complicated security enhancements. These include installing fire- and blast-resistant doors and bullet- and shatter-resistant glass, which in turn may require reinforced doorframes and window frames. Other companies have hardened building mechanical systems, and added redundant power and communications systems to ensure that critical systems remain functional in case of a threat. Some apartment properties have had safe rooms constructed, with reinforced walls and doors, medical supplies, food and water, and even air tanks to create an area in which residents can safely ride out danger.

Before any of these actions are taken, commercial arid residential real estate professionals should first gauge the threats a building and its inhabitants may likely encounter. This analysis must be performed for each building in their portfolio since the dangers can range anywhere from theft to a natural disaster to a terrorist attack. This examination must take into account the location and purpose of a building, and the type of people who will live and work at the site.

The location of a property, and its use, must be considered when determining how much security a site needs. An apartment building or office tower located directly across the street from an embassy or government facility might require bullet-proof glass on the lower floors while a retail property adjacent to a terminal or mass transportation stop might require slight renovation to direct foot traffic away from sensitive areas.

Building owners and property managers must also take into account the people who will live and work at the site. An apartment building that caters to famous or high-profile individuals or an office property with tenants that include government, law enforcement or embassy personnel will need to consider more expensive security solutions than other properties.

Commercial and residential real estate professionals are attempting to maintain a balance between the very real need for increase security with the added expense such measures entail. A thoughtful examination of the location and purpose of a building, and the kind of people or businesses that will inhabit the site, will enable a professional assessment of the right level of security.