Level of Security Measures on Occupant Safety in a Boarding House

Level of Security Measures on Occupant Safety in a Boarding House

Basmayor, Mitzi Marrie C., Garcia, Lovely P., Sigue, Rhejan Manuel L., Borja, Mark Eldrian, Elma Fe E. Gupit & Jose F. Cuevas, Jr.

Misamis University, Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2024.912031

Received: 12 December 2024; Accepted: 18 December 2024; Published: 14 January 2025

ABSTRACT

The security and safety of boarding houses critical aspects influencing the well being and satisfaction of residents. This study examines the various security measures necessary to ensure occupant safety in a boarding house. The safety of residents is critical and requires a comprehensive approach, This study used a quantitative research method to know the perceptions and lived experiences of the boarders towards boarding houses and the data were collected through survey, The result generated the following distinct themes: (1) Security measures implemented in the boarding houses in Ozamiz City in terms Surveillance, Access Control and Emergency preparedness; (2) Occupant safety among the occupants of the boarding house in terms of physical safety, social safety and emotional safety; and (3) Significant relationship between level of security measure and level of occupant safety. This study examined the impact of security measures on boarder safety in Ozamiz City, focusing on various aspects like surveillance, access control, and emergency preparedness. It assessed how these security features influence the physical, social, and emotional safety of residents in boarding houses. The study involved 130 respondents and used statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, and t-tests to analyze the data.  The study finds that physical safety is well-supported, emotional safety could be improved through additional support systems, and more robust surveillance and access control measures are needed.

Keywords: boarding house, emotional safety, residents, safety, social interactions

INTRODUCTION

Safety encompassed all actions and protocols implemented to safeguard individuals’ lives, health, and physical well-being, shielding them from harm or undesirable outcomes. It also involved managing recognized hazards to maintain an acceptable level of risk (Mubita, 2021). Defining security had been subject to ongoing debate due to its varying interpretations across different contexts and historical periods. Security was understood as ensuring protection against external threats to individuals, organizations, and properties, aiming to prevent adverse situations and preserve core values (Morgan, 2021). In contrast, safety pertained to the sense of being shielded from potential harm. Factors such as safety and security played a significant role in influencing the choice of residences, particularly for vulnerable populations like low- to mid-income future elderly individuals (Pongprasert, 2022).

Security measures were essential for ensuring the safety of occupants in various settings, including boarding houses. Research highlighted the significance of security measures such as security alarms, access control, fencing, adequate lighting, security patrols, CCTV surveillance, security guards, emergency helplines, and written policies to enhance safety (Simpeh & Akinlolu, 2021). These measures not only deterred potential threats but also provided a sense of security and trust among residents (Pimchan & Darawong, 2022). In educational settings, security measures like security cameras, locked entrances, and the presence of security personnel had been increasingly observed, indicating a growing emphasis on safety (Reynolds & Astor, 2022).

Occupant safety in housing was a multifaceted issue that required a comprehensive approach. Studies emphasized the importance of assessing housing security through various measures to ensure the well-being of residents (Carlozzi et al., 2023). Additionally, the design of housing structures played a significant role in enhancing safety and satisfaction among occupants (Ramadhani, et al., 2024). Incorporating sustainability principles in housing design was also crucial for improving occupant health and well-being while maintaining affordability (Moghayedi et al., 2021). Furthermore, ensuring the safety and security of students’ residences was crucial for attracting and retaining students and fostering a positive learning experience. Neglecting safety and security measures in student accommodations could have exposed them to various risks, including injury, theft, and even threats to life (Mubita, 2021).

Security measures in boarding houses were crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants. Effective security measures encompassed various aspects such as environmental management, order, cleanliness, and administrative processes (Esfandiari, 2021). Studies demonstrated that the installation of security measures could positively impact safety perceptions, contributing to a safer living environment (Nissen & Heir, 2020). Additionally, factors like adequate lighting, security patrols, and emergency protocols further enhanced the security of boarding houses (Simpeh & Akinlolu, 2021). These measures were vital for creating a safe and secure living environment for residents, particularly those from outside the region. In the realm of sustainability and accommodation, hosts’ attention to pre-interaction content could have influenced guests’ decision-making and overall occupancy rates (Wang et al., 2022). This underscored the significance of integrating security measures into the overall guest experience in boarding houses.

The location of boarding houses and the availability of information about them could also influence safety. Prospective tenants may have faced challenges in finding boarding houses due to a lack of information, which could impact their safety and security (Hamzah et al., 2022). Therefore, developing systems to improve the search for boarding house rentals, such as the use of algorithms for recommendations, could have enhanced safety by providing tenants with better access to information (Gunawan, 2021). The development of mobile apps had facilitated the recommendation of boarding houses to students, offering a reliable tool for identifying suitable accommodation options (Effendy et al., 2020). These technological advancements not only assisted in promoting boarding houses but also enhanced the safety and security of occupants by enabling informed decision-making. Exploring opportunities to enhance resident well-being through energy renovation in housing could have justified the implementation of more comprehensive security measures (Jensen et al., 2021). Studies examining barriers to occupational safety implementation stressed the need to address threats and enhance project performance (Aisheh et al., 2021).

The aimed of this study was to examine the relationship between security measures and occupant safety. By examining this relationship, the study sought to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of various security strategies in enhancing safety and security within boarding houses. This research aimed to address the potential trade-offs between security measures and psychological well-being, academic performance, and overall satisfaction of occupants. The study drew on existing literature, such as Mallett’s work on school shootings and security lockdowns (2020), which highlighted the importance of considering the impact of security measures on the learning environment and student fears. Additionally, insights from Nissen & Heir’s study on security interventions following workplace terrorism (2020) informed the research by emphasizing the role of visible security measures in enhancing perceived safety. Furthermore, Lamoreaux & Sulkowski’s research on balancing student safety and psychological well-being through crime prevention design (2019) provided valuable perspectives on the potential negative impacts of excessive security measures on school climate and student functioning.

METHODS

The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design to examine the relationship between security measures and tenant safety in boarding houses in a city in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. This design allowed the researchers to analyze naturally occurring variables without manipulation, utilizing numerical data to identify trends, averages, and causal relationships. Data collection involved structured survey questionnaires divided into sections addressing security measures, such as CCTV cameras, access control, resident screening, and emergency preparedness, and their impact on physical, social, and emotional safety. Respondents, chosen through random sampling, rated these factors on a 4-point scale. Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and ensuring voluntary participation without risks or coercion. Data analysis utilized mean and standard deviation to evaluate the level of security and safety, with statistical tools employed to assess relationships and differences in perceptions based on respondent profiles. The research aimed to provide insights into the role of security measures in enhancing safety and satisfaction in shared living spaces.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Security measures implemented in the boarding houses in Ozamiz City in terms Surveillance, Access Control and Emergency preparedness

The security measures implemented in the boarding houses in Ozamiz City play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. This study examines the effectiveness of security protocols in terms of surveillance, access control, and emergency preparedness within these establishments. Table 1 presents the level of security measures implemented in the boarding houses in ozamiz city in terms surveillance, access control and emergency preparedness

Table 1 Level of security measures implemented in the boarding houses in Ozamiz City in terms Surveillance, Access Control and Emergency preparedness

Note. Security Measures: 4.20-5.00 (Very Highly Secured); 3.40-4.19 (Highly Secured); 2.60-3.39 (Moderately Secured); 1.80-2.59 (Less Secured); 1.00-1.79(Not Secured)

Table 1 revealed that the level of security measures in boarding houses in Ozamiz City varies across surveillance, access control, and emergency preparedness. Surveillance received a mean score of 3.34 (SD = 0.28), indicating a moderately secured category, suggesting that while systems like CCTV cameras or monitoring exist, their coverage and effectiveness could be improved to ensure comprehensive protection against security threats. Access control, with a mean score of 3.39 (SD = 0.14), also fell within the moderately secured range, implying the presence of measures like locks or security checks, but highlighting the need for more robust protocols to address vulnerabilities such as unauthorized access. Emergency preparedness scored highest with a mean of 3.44 (SD = 0.10), placing it in the highly secured category, reflecting strong and consistent readiness for crises such as fires or medical emergencies across the surveyed establishments. However, despite commendable emergency preparedness, enhancing surveillance and access control remains critical for a more holistic security strategy. The findings underscore the importance of addressing gaps in surveillance and access control to mitigate risks, such as intrusions or criminal activities, while maintaining high standards in emergency preparedness. Strengthening these areas will help boarding house administrators create a safer environment and foster trust and well-being among residents.

Occupant safety among the occupants of the boarding house in terms of physical safety, social safety and emotional safety

Occupant safety in boarding houses is a critical factor in ensuring the well-being of residents. This study explores the various dimensions of safety, specifically focusing on physical safety, social safety, and emotional safety among the occupants. Understanding how these aspects are managed and perceived can help improve the overall living conditions and security in boarding houses, fostering a more supportive and secure environment for residents. Table 2 presents the occupant safety among the occupants of the boarding house in terms of physical safety, social safety and emotional safety

Table 2. Level of occupant safety among the occupants of the boarding house in terms of physical safety, social safety and emotional safety

Note. Occupant Safety: 4.20-5.00 (Very Highly Safe); 3.40-4.19 (Highly Safe); 2.60-3.39 (Moderately Safe); 1.80-2.59 (Less Safe); 1.00-1.79(Not Safe)

The findings indicate that the level of occupant safety in boarding houses in Ozamiz City is generally high across physical, social, and emotional dimensions. Physical safety, with a mean score of 3.64 (SD = 0.10), falls within the highly safe category, suggesting that residents feel secure due to measures like sturdy building structures, well-maintained facilities, and effective emergency protocols. Social safety also rated highly, with a mean of 3.56 (SD = 0.08), reflecting a supportive and harmonious living environment free from harassment or discrimination. Emotional safety scored 3.52 (SD = 0.12), indicating residents generally feel emotionally supported and enjoy a stable atmosphere, though slight variations suggest some individuals may have differing emotional experiences. Overall, the high safety ratings across all categories demonstrate that the boarding houses provide a secure and supportive environment where residents feel protected, comfortable, and connected. The minor variation in emotional safety highlights the need for ongoing improvement in support systems to ensure all residents feel equally secure. By addressing these disparities, boarding houses can further enhance their role in promoting holistic well-being, creating living spaces where physical safety, emotional support, and social connection are consistently fostered.

Significant relationship between level of security measure and level of occupant safety

The level of security measures implemented in a boarding house plays a crucial role in determining the overall safety and well-being of its residents. A strong and effective security infrastructure is often directly linked to higher levels of physical, social, and emotional safety among occupants. This study explores the significant relationship between the quality of security measures and the perceived level of safety in boarding houses, aiming to understand how security features influence residents’ sense of protection and comfort.

Table 3. Test of significant relationship between level of security measure and level of occupant safety

The study reveals that the relationship between security measures and occupant safety in boarding houses, highlighting the complexity of their impacts. A significant relationship between access control and physical safety, supported by a t-value of -2.22 and a significant p-value, underscores the critical role of robust access control systems in preventing unauthorized entry and ensuring residents’ well-being, aligning with existing literature (Vrančić et al., 2024). In contrast, surveillance measures showed no significant impact on social and emotional safety, suggesting that residents may perceive surveillance as monitoring rather than a means of fostering a supportive environment (Żywiołek & Schiavone, 2021). This indicates a need for complementary strategies to improve social interactions and emotional security. Similarly, while emergency preparedness effectively enhances physical safety, its lack of significant influence on emotional safety suggests that residents might still experience anxiety or stress during emergencies (Matheson et al., 2020). This finding emphasizes the importance of integrating additional support systems, such as counseling services or community-building activities, to address residents’ emotional needs. Overall, the study highlights the varied impacts of security measures, with access control emerging as a critical factor for physical safety, and calls for a more holistic approach that considers both physical and emotional dimensions of safety. Future research should further explore the interplay between these measures and residents’ perceptions to help boarding house management develop strategies that ensure a secure and supportive living environment.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that while the security measures in the boarding houses of Ozamiz City are generally adequate, strengthening surveillance and access control is essential for a more comprehensive security system. Prioritizing robust access control measures for physical safety and implementing supplementary strategies like community-building activities and emotional support services can enhance residents’ overall well-being and create a more supportive living environment.

RECOMMENDATION

We recommend that boarding house administrators in Ozamiz City enhance security by improving surveillance systems, strengthening access control measures, and providing emotional support through initiatives like counseling services and community events to ensure a safer and more supportive environment. Future research could examine the combined effects of various security measures, residents’ perceptions, and the role of community engagement in fostering physical and emotional safety in boarding houses.

Declarations

Source of Funding

This study did not receive any grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not–for–profit sectors.

Competing Interests Statement

The authors declare no competing financial, professional, or personal interests.

Consent for publication

The authors declare that they consented to the publication of this study.

Authors’ contributions

All the authors took part in literature review, analysis, and manuscript writing equally.

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