Keeping the gated world secure

There is an added responsibility for residents who live in gated communities. Although it's hard to prevent the occasional opportunist who decides to scale the fence just because it's there, you can certainly monitor the automatic entry gate system.

It's nice to know that this security enhancement to your property actually works. However, the success of this added security hinges on the support of the residents and their visitors.

The greatest threat to the security of a gated community is tailgaters. Tailgating is the practice of following an authorized vehicle through the gates before it closes. I've seen this happen time and time again. Tailgating is a direct violation of the security of the property when unauthorized persons are allowed to infiltrate the property.

It's always a good idea to stop and wait for the gate to close behind your car before proceeding.

People living on the property for the most part will certainly understand the importance of not allowing random vehicles on their premises. This is most effective on smaller properties where there is less traffic and resident cars are more easily recognized. On large properties, vehicle identification is not so easy and outside of posting a 24-hour security guard it's hard to monitor the gates.

Adding a high-speed swing-arm between the gate key pad and gate typically solves the problem of tailgaters. The swing-arm has to be synchronized to open and close behind each car before the main gate opens.

I'm always being asked, "Which are better, swing gates or horizontal sliders?"

As far as security goes, it doesn't really matter. However, swing gates are generally more maintenance because they have two mechanical gate operators (twice the maintenance) and are probably better suited for low traffic areas. Swinging gates also are more susceptible to damage by over-anxious drivers entering the property. Sliding gates are less attractive, but are cheaper to maintain because they require only one gate operator.

Fencing and gates restrict access and provide physical as well as psychological barriers for intruders. This, complimented with good signage announcing private property and no trespassing, will aid in the security of the property.