Ensuring Self Storage Security

 

Security is an important issue for storage facility owners and staff, as well as customers. Self storage units often contain priceless items. Customers often store expensive office equipment, stocks, household items, or important documents and CDs. The Self Storage Association, or SSA, has an extensive list of security measures for foolproof security within and outside of a self storage facility:

 

1. The facility should be located close to residential or commercial areas. Too often, facilities located on desolate highways are prone to crime.

 

2. 24/7 access is important. It allows the customers to frequently check on their belongings and report damage or theft as soon as possible.

 

3. Provide sufficient lighting around and within the storage facility.

 

4. Install gates at the entrance to control access into the facility.

 

5. High perimeter fencing restricts access and protects the facility not just from burglars but also from stray animals.

 

6. Video surveillance outside and inside the facility, ideally monitored 24 hours, is important. This allows you to record the conditions within the facility which may prove crucial as evidence in the case of crimes or accidents.

 

7. Security guards should be on site 24 hours. This discourages vandals and thieves from sneaking in and reduces chances of theft by staff members.

 

8. Conduct background checks on all staff before hiring. Additionally, staff should have IDs provided for easy identification. Training them in proper security procedures is important.

 

9. An on site manager is very effective in dealing with potential security lapses. Some on site managers have their homes on the premises, so they are available for all emergencies.

 

10. Install fire alarms and security alarms.

 

Some additional security measures for a storage facility are:

 

11. Choosing concrete over metal constructions: Metal buildings are cheaper and easier to build, but they may not be very high on the security quotient particularly if your site is located in a sparsely inhabited area.

 

12. Locate away from inner city areas: Many inner city areas are prone to crime and this can be threat not just to the items stored inside the facility but also to the staff and customers. Ideally, your facility should be located where occasional police patrols to pass by.

 

13. Use computer controlled access for individual storage units.

 

14. Have enough floor level units so vehicles can drive straight up to those units.

 

15. Equip staff with instant communication devices such as pagers, intercom, and cell phones.

 

If you are a customer at a storage facility, ask the manager about security measures. Keep in mind the above security measures as the manager explains how many security features they have at the facility. If possible, use your own lock as an additional safeguard against break-ins. Many facilities provide another lock to customers at an extra charge. You can purchase one of them, because regular locks may not fit their doors. Don’t pay an initial fee; instead, insist on a security deposit that will be refunded later. Ask for a storage unit with proper lighting, or else you may find yourself groping in the dark with a small flashlight when you access your storage unit at night.

 

A few security measures can go a long way in providing a secure, safe storage environment for customers and a comfortable facility for staff.