When renting a storage unit for either self storage or for commercial purposes, safety is a top priority. Considering that valuable items are kept at a distant location from your home or office, it is important to safeguard your property. Here is a complete guide on how safe those storage units are and important safety measures that you should consider before you choose a self-storage company.
Gated Access and Perimeter Security
Perimeter security remains the first line of defence of any facility, particularly the self-storage businesses. There should also be a strong, radar protected gate that will only allow people who have permission to get into the compound. Seek storage facilities with an electronic type of gate that is locked and can open only when provided with a certain code or key card. They assist in avoiding intruders from accessing the facilities; hence, only the customers and workers are allowed inside the premises.
The perimeter should be effectively kept by fences or walls, which should be high with barbed wires or other types of hindrances on them. Properly illuminated surroundings also add to the security outlook by minimising cases of intrusion, especially when the surroundings are dark at night.
Surveillance Cameras
Security is a key aspect that must be considered in any self-storage business, hence the need for surveillance. It is therefore recommended that the establishment have high-quality security cameras installed at all points of entry and exit and within the aisle space in which the storage units are situated. Their security should include round-the-clock video surveillance, with recordings kept for a particular number of days. This not only discourages a potential thief but also offers protection in the case of an attack or theft happening.
To increase the safety level, ask whether in the facility there is staff that oversees the cameras in real-time or whether they watch the footage at least occasionally.
Individual Unit Alarms
It is also important to consider the security of the perimeter of the building and such things as surveillance cameras, but the security of the particular unit that you are in is just as imperative. Most of the contemporary facilities for self-storage have individual alarms for each of the units. Such alarms are activated if an intruder tries to trespass into your unit or, in other words, break the law. An alarm that is set to let both you and the management of the facility know when the property is accessed by unauthorized persons will go a long way in protecting your property.
High-Quality Locks
This is especially true for the type of lock that is used to secure your storage unit and its general accessibility. Disc locks and cylinder locks are encouraged because they are more difficult to pick than the standard padlocks. Many of these may be supplied in the facility, whereas others may be purchased by the client independently. Choose a lock that is strong, cannot be easily drilled or broken into, and has the highest level of security possible.
On-Site Management
A facility that has on-site management, is usually more secure than one without on-site management. This is beneficial because on-site managers are able to monitor the property and correct any problems that may arise, as well as serve as a beacon of security to discourage criminals. When possible, try to pick a storage unit that has employees working in the facility during the day, or even better, have someone managing the facility around the clock.
Options
Unfortunately, no security is 100 percent, including all those mentioned above, and sometimes tragedy strikes in the form of an earthquake or an accident. This is the point in time when insurance, as a certain type of financial contract, comes into effect. There are many options of self-storage in Bayside where you can purchase insurance for your stuff in case of theft, fire, or any other destruction. Though this is not a direct security feature, it gives financial safety and backup and ensures that the item is protected regardless of the situation.
Climate Control
Climate control is not actually a security feature, but it has a great impact on the safety of the items stored. As for the items that are put in the spaces without climate control, they can be damaged by heat or cold, high humidity, or pest invasion. In business storage, for purposes of filing documents or storing electronic equipment that might be essential to the business, it is important to regulate the climate in order to avoid damages that could lead to financial losses.
Location and Surroundings
Even the location of the storage facility could be an issue of concern when it comes to security. Facilities that open in well-lit and crowded places are more secure than those that open in isolated or poorly lit places. Also, have a look at the external conditions—storage units located in regions that are exposed to floods or any other disasters might also be dangerous.
Final thoughts
As far as self-storage and business storage are concerned, safety should always be of high importance. By selecting a business that has adequate security measures like the gate, security cameras, individual unit alarms, and security management, the belongings will be secure. Do not leave insurance and climate control out of the list as well because they can also serve as layers of security. Thus, by making sure that all the above measures are observed, your belongings will be well protected.
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