Olympics Security Bulletin

February 7, 2010 by Howard Olsen · Comments Off

Olympics Safety and Security Issues

Increased number of visitors into the area.
The Olympics will provide an opportunity for out of town visitors to stay with friends in the area, and most likely inside your building. As well, the Olympics will be a great festival experience, therefore providing more opportunities for friends to get together. Certainly there will be more non-residents coming in and out of your buildings during this time. Visitors do not tend to obey building rules as much. As well, they are less likely to take your building’s security seriously; will they really be as diligent as you are about ensuring the
parking gate closes?

Do’s:

Remind your guests of the building rules.
Meeting your visitors at the front door is preferable to buzzing them in.
Remind visitors to not let other people into the building, and ask them to make sure the doors close securely behind them when leaving.
Be extra diligent when going through doors not to let strangers into the building.

Don’t’s:

Never lend out your keys or fob to your guests.
Do not lend out your parking spot.
Do not hold open doors for people: everyone should have their own keys.
Do not publicize when you are not home: this information can get into the wrong hands.

Increased security pressures into the area.

As a large police presence is felt downtown, there is a chance criminal elements can be pushed outward from the downtown core, and leak into your neighborhood.

Do’s:

Report all suspicious activity to the police and call Provident Security.
Be more observant of what cars are parked in the area, and people walking or biking near your buildings.
Stop at the parkade gate when entering and leaving to ensure no one sneaks in.

Don’t’s:

giving money to panhandlers is not recommended, as they can bring in other negative elements to your area.
Do not leave anything in your car: even an empty box is an invitation to a thief.

Contacting Provident Security

You can contact Provident Security 24 hrs a day. This is a great way to let us know important information. It is also a way to report ongoing incidents or security concerns. Contact Provident Security for anything from a suspicious person, to requesting a Safe-Walk to your vehicle.
604-664-1087

Olympics Bulletin PDF

Olympics Bulletin – Door Sign PDF

Filed under: Announcements
Tagged: olympics, provident, security

Earthquake Preparedness

February 1, 2010 by Howard Olsen · Comments Off

Be Prepared – We Are All On Our Own

With recent very tragic events in the world, we felt that this would be a good opportunity to remind all owners and residents that they need to be cognizant of their vulnerability in such disaster. VCS remains concerned that most owners are somehow under the impression that council and VCS will take care of them in the event of a serious calamity such as an earthquake when, in fact, that is simply not the case. The attached bulletin hopefully dispels such notions.

Download Earthquake Preparedness PDF

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AN EARTHQUAKE

We recognize that this is a sensitive topic due to the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti; however, it is imperative that we all understand the reality of dealing with the aftermath of a major earthquake …

You are on your own. Do not count on your strata council or management company for assistance.
There is not a supply of food, water, blankets or other survival provisions stored anywhere on the property. You are on your own and need to prepare accordingly.
If there is natural gas service to your strata corporation there is no plan for shutting off the gas supply.
There are no arrangements for alternate living quarters if you are unable to return to your strata lot. You are on your own.
Depending on the severity of the earthquake, you may not be able to telephone/email the management company for assistance.
The contents of your strata lot, your automobile(s) and other personal property are not insured by the strata corporation. If you have made improvements to your strata lot, such improvements or betterments are not insured by the strata corporation either.
The strata corporation is insured for earthquake damage; HOWEVER, there is a deductible which means that there is no coverage for damages within that deductible. Generally the deductible is 10% of the value of the strata corporation although in some instances (ie. Richmond) the deductible could be 15% or 20% of the value of the property. In most cases this will amount to millions of dollars. Your strata corporation does not have reserve funds available to meet such a huge deductible. Repairs will have to be funded by one or more special levies. These could be substantial.
There is NO government plan or fund to assist either you or your strata corporation. You are on your own.
While it would be nice to hear that there are plans and that there is a safety net, your strata council and VCS bring you the above information in an effort to alert you to the reality of an earthquake scenario. The Government of Canada advises you should be prepared to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours. Accordingly, you need to develop your own personal plans for survival. Like many people, you will not be adequately prepared and that is “human nature”. Please remember, however, that “You are on your own” is the hard truth and the only rule that counts.