Seeing the unit in all its glory isn’t enough when storing items in self-storage facilities. You need to make sure that it can keep your items safe from external factors and have peace of mind.
Security is an important part of the product and service in a storage facility. Storage units have become more advanced to protect every valuable item from damage and theft. Here are some of the security measures you need to consider when renting a self-storage facility:
24/7 CCTV Surveillance
One of the many key security features you should consider is the presence of surveillance cameras in storage facilities. These cameras help foil potential theft and record security incidents for legal purposes, like those in Wrexham self-storage facilities.
Look for the facility’s cameras in entrances, car parks, and hallways. Make sure the CCTV cameras are high-definition.
Ask the staff the following questions:
- Do you monitor the CCTV in real-time?
- Do you retain recordings for a specific period?
- How often do you review or audit CCTV footage?
- Do you plan to maintain and update your CCTVs regularly?
Getting answers to these questions will help you decide whether a storage unit is worth paying for.
Access Control Systems
Facilities with access control make sure that only authorised users can get into the premises. This helps reduce unauthorised access that may escalate into something worse.
Look for a facility with a keycard, keypad, or smartphone access system. Keypad access usually needs a PIN to access your items. Accessing your belongings through smartphones can also be convenient.
Ask the facility if it regularly updates its access codes to beef up security and ward off potential thieves.
Individual Unit Alarms
Units with their own alarms provide better security and alert staff in case of an attempt to break into them. Not all facilities offer them, so it’s better to ask in the first place. The alarms installed on the self-storage units can be connected to a central system that the staff monitors.
High-Security Locks
Locks are the first line of defence against thieves. Enquire the facility about the locks they can use for your unit. Disc and cylinder locks can resist cutting and picking. Other facilities can give high-security locks when you request them.
Take any advice from the facility about locks. These insights come from experience and knowledge that can help secure your things.
Well-Lit Areas
Proper lighting is crucial for a secure self-storage facility. It helps deter crimes and provides safety if you want to access your units even in the wee hours of the morning.
Make sure the facility is well-lit wherever you go. The areas that should have bright, consistent lighting are hallways, entrances, exit points, and car parks. Visit the facility at night to see a clear picture of their lighting system.
Smoke and Fire Alarms
The worst thing that could happen to your items inside the storage unit is that they’d be razed by fire. These alarms alert staff to respond to fire risks immediately.
Check for these things in the facility:
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke and fire detectors
- Sprinklers
The facility’s smooth and fire detection system should be connected to an external monitoring service or directly to the fire brigade. If the facility has climate-controlled units, they can help minimise fire risk.
Uniformed Personnel
Trained personnel can provide the human element of security that technology cannot. Ask the facility if they have security staff manning the area overnight. These people can respond to issues in real-time and may avert theft.
Remember to follow up if the security personnel conduct regular patrols in different areas of the facility.
Fencing and Gated Perimeters
When the perimeters are gated and fenced, the personnel can control who comes in and goes out of the facility. It also keeps unauthorised people out of the area.
Inspect if the fences are hard to climb through. Gates should also be motorised instead of manual. They should need keycards, access codes, or mobile access for you to enter.
Observe how the personnel man the gates at every entry and exit to see if their approach to securing the facility meets your expectations of a secure storage environment.
Insurance Options
Insurance is another level of protection in addition to alarms and locks. The facility’s insurance options often aim to prevent your things from being damaged or stolen.
Check available choices that align with your budget. Make sure the insurance coverage can cover the worth of your high-value items.
Regular Maintenance and Security Audits
A facility that conducts regular maintenance prioritises the safety of your items. Ask if they do routine security system checks to see if it still functions properly. A well-maintained facility shows better management and a robust security system.
Final Thoughts
Getting a storage unit means carefully considering which security features you should choose. From CCTV and alarms to a well-trained team and secured lock, storage unit security systems can ensure your items are kept safe for the time being.Ask the most important questions and take a look at the facility before choosing a unit. It’s better to spend on a storage unit that meets your security expectations than get a substandard one and regret it later.
