Storage facilities are expected to provide their customers with peace of mind when storing their belongings. This goes well beyond a simple lock and key, however.
Providing tenants with security solutions like bright lighting, motion sensor triggers, and cloud-based access control makes all the difference. Here are seven essential security measures you can implement to protect your storage facility:.
Purchase the Best Lock You Can Afford
Whether you need to clean out your garage, downsize for a move, or just get some extra space in the house, many people turn to storage units to help them save money on storage fees and keep their belongings safe until they need them again. While many facilities offer high security features, it is important that you take extra steps as a tenant to secure your unit. These simple, inexpensive steps can prevent your belongings from being stolen or damaged and help you to feel at ease while they are in storage.
First and foremost, make sure to bring your own lock. Choose a disc or cylinder lock that is resistant to bolt cutters. It may take a little extra time, but it is worth it in the end to have peace of mind that your valuables are safe and that only you have access to your unit.
Another important tip is to avoid giving out your code or key to anyone, even friends and family members. Thieves often target friends and acquaintances, so be wary of who you give access to your unit. Finally, be sure to purchase insurance. This is an affordable addition to your homeowners or renter’s policy that can help to cover the cost of items lost or stolen in a storage unit.
For facility owners, it is also important to have an extensive perimeter security system that includes high fencing and CCTV cameras. These barriers can deter would-be thieves and provide early warning if a break-in does occur. You should also consider installing perimeter intrusion alarms that are designed to detect climb-over, cut-through, or break-in activity along the fence lines and walls of your facility.
It’s also important to properly label your boxes, especially when storing combustible items like paper or cardboard. This can help you to quickly identify any potential fire hazards and will also make it easier for your tenants to find what they need within their units. Keeping a detailed inventory is also a great way to keep track of what’s in your unit. This record will be invaluable if anything is lost or stolen and can also help you to file a claim with your insurance company if necessary.
Install an Alarm
If you own a self storage facility, it is important to have security measures in place for the protection of your customers’ belongings. Some of these measures are obvious and include fencing, gates, and cameras that can be viewed on-site or remotely. However, some of the most effective security measures are hidden from view, such as access control systems. These systems provide an extra layer of security for your storage unit by preventing unauthorized access to units. In addition, these systems can track and record guard patrol data as well as access logs, which may be used in court in the event of a theft or break-in.
For most people, a storage unit, or even a self storage unit from a self storage company, is a place to store irreplaceable and valuable items that they do not want to keep at home or in their cars. These items can range from a child’s first bicycle to antique furniture or heirloom jewelry. Because these items are so personal, they can be a target for thieves. For this reason, it is essential to choose the right lock, ensure that all items are securely stowed, and keep a current inventory.
Many storage facilities do not offer a lot of security for the contents of their tenants’ units beyond a fence, gate, and possibly cameras. This can leave many renters feeling less than secure, which is why they seek out features that will give them peace of mind, such as individual alarms in their storage unit. These systems typically connect to their own phones and will send notifications to the tenant whenever there is movement in their storage unit. Some of these systems are more advanced and can even be integrated with other security measures such as cameras and motion sensors.
These additional features, when paired with the basic locking mechanisms offered by storage facilities, can make a huge difference for your tenants’ peace of mind. This can also help them feel more confident about storing their most expensive or precious items in your facility. Offering these features as an option on some of your units, or even all of them through value pricing, will allow you to draw in more customers.
Install a Camera
Security measures are crucial to a storage facility’s business, especially since most of the items in a typical unit are precious and often irreplaceable. Many of these items are also very expensive. Storage facilities should invest in top-notch security systems, including perimeter fencing and cameras, to ensure their customers’ belongings are protected from theft.
Even if a storage facility has an electronic gate with keypad entry and chicken wire to keep out intruders, that is not enough on its own. Many thieves are crafty and can simply override the keypad, cut through the fence, or climb over the chicken wire to gain access to a unit. Installing a camera can help combat this type of theft and deter crime, because a surveillance system can capture a potential intruder’s face and license plate, and store that information for later review.
Many security camera systems allow users to log in and view live footage through an app or software on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. Some even feature motion detection technology that sends an alert to a user’s phone when it detects movement. This is a great way to protect against intruders, as well as for property owners to monitor the condition of their units and inventory during the day or after hours.
In addition to security cameras, a facility should have an onsite management team that is on call at all times. This team can neutralize a situation quickly and escalate the issue to local law enforcement on behalf of customers, so they don’t have to worry about their possessions being stolen. A live guard can prevent crimes before they even occur, which is a valuable asset for storage facilities that are looking to provide the highest level of security.
It is important for storage tenants to make their own security efforts, as well. They should only bring items to a storage unit that are necessary, and they should use a disc or cylinder lock that is bolt cutter resistant. They should not give out the access code or key to anyone, and they should purchase insurance, even if it is not required by the storage facility.
Keep an Inventory
Running a self storage business is a complex and expensive affair. The success of a facility relies on various aspects such as inventory management, security solutions, and customer satisfaction. Security for storage units is a top priority for facility owners and managers because of the many things stored within them. Whether it’s a valuable antique, a classic car, or just a box of personal belongings, it is crucial to keep them safe.
While a tall fence is one way to secure a storage unit, it’s important to take additional measures. Some facilities employ security guards to discourage crime and provide an extra level of peace of mind for renters. This can be a cost-effective option for those who can afford it. Some facilities also utilize an electronic gate system that can only be accessed with a code, allowing them to track who is entering and leaving the property.
It is important for customers to keep an inventory of their items. This is not only a great way to ensure they are renting the correct size unit, but it will also help them in case their items get stolen. In the event of theft, an inventory can help police and insurance companies determine what items were taken.
In addition to keeping an inventory, it is also helpful for customers to use protective materials when packing their storage unit. This can be done using boxes, blankets, and other materials. For example, if a person is storing their TV or computer, they should wrap them in a moving blanket to prevent scratches and to protect the items from moisture damage. It’s also a good idea to disassemble large furniture pieces such as beds and tables before placing them in storage. This will save space and will also protect them from dust and wear and tear.
While a storage unit is an excellent place to store items, it’s critical for customers and facility managers to work together to make sure the items stay safe. With these simple tips, it’s easy to make a storage unit as secure as possible.
