Building Weather-Resilient Apartments with Access Control

Building Weather-Resilient Apartments

In recent years, the frequency and severity of storms and extreme weather have increased. According to a report by the National Centers for Environmental Information, in 2024 alone, there were 27 confirmed weather or climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each, with total damages reaching around $182.7 billion.

As a result, there is a growing emphasis on developing weather-resilient buildings that can withstand these challenges. Multifamily properties particularly face unique vulnerabilities due to their size and the number of residents they house.

Though there are many elements to a weather-resilient building, access control and security climb toward the top of the list of considerations. Access control systems provide more than security alone; they are integral to maintaining safety and operational continuity during emergencies. By integrating advanced access control technologies, property owners can significantly improve their buildings' ability to function properly during severe weather conditions.

Climate-Resistant Designs

Climate-resistant features are essential for creating weather-resilient apartments. These include backwater valves to prevent sewage backups during heavy rainfall, elevated foundations to protect against flooding, leak detection and smart glass that can adapt to changing light and temperature conditions. Such features help ensure the structural integrity and functionality of multifamily properties during adverse weather conditions.

These climate-resistant designs do more than just protect the building—they also enhance the living experience for residents by minimizing disruptions and aiding in safety. By integrating these features, developers and property managers can create environments that are not only more sustainable but also prepared for challenges posed by climate change.

Multifamily property owners can also benefit from lower insurance premiums when climate-resistant features are incorporated into their buildings because of the lowered risk of damage. The Reef Apartments, a 456-unit community in Florida, incorporated various weather-resistant features into their buildings, resulting in a savings of $25-$35 per unit per year on insurance premiums. While there can be a significant up-front cost, impact-resistant windows, storm shutters and fire-resistant materials are all features that can reduce the risk of damage and lower long-term costs. Multifamily property owners can work alongside their architectural team to identify and specify the products that fit their building the best.

Access Control During Extreme Weather

Electronic access control systems can play a vital role in maintaining security and safety during extreme weather events. These systems provide property managers with the ability to control and monitor access remotely in real time or via No-Tour, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter the premises during emergencies. This is particularly important when physical access to the property is limited due to weather conditions.

Keyless entry and remote access offer significant benefits in emergency situations, providing peace of mind for residents and staff. They allow for quick and secure entry to emergency responders and can be used to lock down areas of the building to protect residents from unauthorized access and potential looting during the chaos of the storm. Additionally, these systems can be integrated with other security technologies, such as surveillance cameras and alarms, to provide a comprehensive safety solution.

Ensuring Continuity and Safety

Access control systems are crucial in ensuring continuity of operations and safety for residents during power outages and other disruptions. Many modern systems come with backup power supplies and can operate independently of the main power grid or without Internet connection, ensuring that security is not compromised during blackouts.

With severe weather as a growing concern throughout the world, multifamily housing must be equipped with solutions that meet the guidelines, standards and codes of the strictest agencies and councils serving tornado- and hurricane-prone areas.

Tornado Shelter Solutions

If your building has a designated tornado shelter, consider equipping it with a solution specifically designed to protect occupants during high-velocity winds. The Schlage L Series includes the LM9300 multi-point lock, which when paired with a Steelcraft Paladin door, meets the stringent FEMA P-361/FEMA P-320/ICC 500 requirements, withstanding 250 mph windspeeds and 15-pound projectile impacts at 100 mph.

Hurricane Winds

Hurricane-resistant openings are designed to withstand storm conditions for long periods of time, but conditions vary widely depending on location. Coastal regions take the brunt of hurricanes, with threats from both wind and flying debris. Some more inland hurricane-prone regions may not require the level of protection needed in coastal regions. Schlage offers a range of products from electronic access control solutions to mechanical locks covering mortise, cylindrical, deadbolt and multi-point locks to meet your building's aesthetic and security while helping to keep people safe under the worst hurricane storm conditions. These include ND Series Grade 1 and ALX Series Grade 2 cylindrical locks, L Series mortise locks and B600 Series Grade 1 deadbolts.

Expert Insights from Lori Greene

Generally, code requirements do not differentiate between multifamily buildings, whether they contain storm-resistant features or not. While Proptech is a powerful tool, adherence to building codes and regulations is critical in ensuring the safety and resilience of properties. It’s important to remember that in case of emergencies, no matter the type of lock, doors should always allow free egress.

One key requirement is fire doors in multifamily dwellings. Fire doors serve as a critical line of defense, designed to contain fire and smoke, thereby preventing them from spreading rapidly through a building. By compartmentalizing the fire, these doors provide residents with valuable time to evacuate safely and allow firefighters to better control and extinguish the fire. Proper installation and maintenance of fire doors can make the difference between a small incident and a major disaster.

In the United States, two primary sets of model codes govern fire door requirements: the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Compliance with these codes is mandatory and ensures a standardized approach to fire safety across different jurisdictions. Local codes should also be accounted for—if in doubt, contact your local code expert.

Conclusion

In the face of increasingly severe weather events, weather-resilient features have become a critical component for multifamily properties. Incorporating climate-resistant features such as elevated foundations, impact-resistant materials and backwater valves helps protect buildings while enhancing safety and minimizing disruptions for residents. Access control systems further can strengthen resilience by enabling remote monitoring, keyless entry and seamless integration with other safety technologies, ensuring security and continuity even during emergencies.

For those looking to bolster their properties' defenses against severe weather, Allegion's access control solutions are a proactive step toward achieving a more secure and resilient living environment. Ready to take the next step in weather-proofing your property’s security solutions? Connect with an Allegion Multifamily expert.

Sources:

1. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters (2025). https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/, DOI: 10.25921/stkw-7w73

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Building Weather-Resilient Apartments

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