Self Storage Security

You can’t put too high a price on security when you’re looking at self-storage. After all, we takethe time to make sure that our home is adequately secure to protect belongings and it’s nodifferent in self-storage.
All self-storage facilities will have a range of security measures in place. These can range fromthe basic to the hi-tech and your self-storage choice may well hinge on how comfortable youfeel with the options on offer. You may also make a decision based on the value of the goodsyou store. If you’re storing valuable and irreplaceable heirlooms then you’ll probably opt forstate of the art systems. If your storage items are easily replaced and of no real sentimental ormonetary value then you may make a more basic choice.
Your first move should be to visit a few self-storage sites and see for yourself just how securethey seem. Seeing a self-storage facility with gaping holes in perimeter fences, dark corridorswith insufficient CCTV coverage and no guard on site at night might just put you off. Althoughyou are responsible for padlocking your own unit, the strongest padlock is no defence against adetermined thief.
Self-storage security measures vary extensively throughout the industry. You should always optfor a self-storage facility that has at least some measures in place – you’ll find some or all of thefollowing security options on offer depending on the self-storage company you choose:

• General alarm systems that can be either monitored or unmonitored on site by securityguards and may have links to the local police station. In some cases, each unit mayhave an individual alarm that is linked to a central site control. Other options includealarms that go off if units are left open for an exceptionally long time and infra-redmotion detectors.
• Fire and smoke alarm systems that can help contain unforeseen accidents. Virtually allself-storage facilities ban smoking on site as a fire hazard.
• Restricted access systems that insist that all visitors sign in and out before they canaccess the facility. Visitors who are not currently customers may not be able to enterunless they are accompanied by a member of staff.
• Key-code or swipe card access for your unit and/or facility entrances in general thatgives added access security. Some companies will allow you to choose your own unit key-code number for additional security.
• Intercom systems that prevent just anyone walking into the facility or into specific unitareas.
• CCTV surveillance cameras that are usually monitored 24 hours a day.
• Residential managers that actually live on the property. In many cases you’ll find thatself-storage companies offer guards 24 hours a day, although some companies opt forless coverage. In this instance the company may contract private security firms to dospot checks and offer security services out of hours.

Well-placed industrial level security lighting that acts as an added deterrent. This can bemotion sensitive or permanent and should be found both internally and externally.

• Perimeter fencing that can be electric or standard. Many self-storage units are nowdeploying concrete walls instead of standard fencing for added security and to preventpotential thieves being able to see inside.
• Reinforced units that give added security against break-ins.
• Specialist padlocks that recess into the door and are extremely difficult to pick.
• Sole key holder policies that ensure that you are the only person with a key to your unit.
• Patrols round units that check that doors are secure on a regular basis.