By MovingQuotes.com Staff
When you're looking for storage facilities, you want a place where your stuff
will be safe -- and a place you'll feel safe visiting. We take a look at the
security features a storage facility should have, and give you a list of things
you should look for inside and outside the facility itself.
Security
You may feel satisfied with just an alarm system, or you might want 24-hour
on-site security. You need to decide which you feel most comfortable with.
Fences: Brick walls are better than metal picket fences as they prevent prying
eyes from seeing into the facility.
Motion sensors give added protection both indoors and out. They can be connected
to light fittings or alarms or both. When motion is detected the light will come
on automatically and alarms sound. The alarm system can also be connected to
police, who will then be alerted.
Alarms are a key crime deterrent. The alarm may simply sound when there is a
break-in at the facility or they can also be connected to the local police
station. Fire alarms are also a very desirable security measure to prevent your
goods being destroyed or damaged by fire station. Ask ask ask.
Your storage might be protected by keypad access. You will be required to use a
code to get access to your stored possessions, including access to hallways and
elevators. As an extra level of security, your elevator access in a multistory
building may be limited to the floor where your items are stored.
Lighting – Good lighting is a good deterrent to intruders. The lighting can be
permanent or triggered by movement.
Locks – You will probably be required to provide your own lock lock. This gives
you control over who can access your unit, but you might still want to give the
warehouse operator a key for use in case of emergency. If you intend to give
other people access to the unit from time to time, contact the warehouse
manager. Often storage facilities will require a list of such persons, and may
give them access when requested, or they may contact you before allowing them
access.
Guards – Some facilities provide twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, on
site security. Other facilities may employ a resident manager who doubles as a
guard during off hours.
Close Circuit Television (CCTV) – This is a very efficient way to monitor
comings and goings in the storage facility.
Intercom – This is just another security measure that could be used to summon
help in emergencies or inform people that they're in restricted areas that they
need to vacate.
Outside the Facility
* Are the grounds well maintained? It's a good indication that management cares
about your stuff inside.
* Check for overgrown vegetation: Vermin hide in vegetation and they can burrow
their way into a building. Check whether there are bait boxes for pests.
* Note the condition of the parking areas. Shady characters hanging around,
dimly-lit entrances? Not good signs. Think about the security of your things as
well as your comfort level when you visit.
Inside the Facility
Notice if the inside is well lit and maintained. These places can be pretty
desolate, so you need to feel comfortable when accessing your facility.
* Check for smoke alarms -- can you see fire extinguishers and ceiling
sprinklers?
* Find out the smoking policy. Some facilities permit smoking in office areas,
others forbid smoking throughout the facility. If you hope to squeeze into your
wedding tux again someday, you don’t want it reeking like smoke.
* Does the staff come off as well-mannered and presentable? They’ll be
responsible for security, so it’s like they’re watching your stuff.