Security is one of the most important factors in owning and managing a self-storage property. The most secure self-storage properties are attractive to potential customers because they know their property will be safe. When building a new property, it is easy to factor in the most important security features for self-storage. When acquiring an existing property, it’s important to assess security first and make necessary changes.
What self-storage security features are most effective?
The most effective security features for a self-storage property include perimeter fencing, gated access, 24/7 video monitoring and motion sensing lighting. Let’s look at each item and how it benefits owners and customers alike.
Perimeter fencing
Perimeter fencing provides a physical barrier to the property in order to keep people and animals out who don’t belong. People with bad intentions look for easy targets; as a result, perimeter fencing makes a self-storage more secure because it prohibits entry and because it makes entry look more difficult to achieve. Planning is important to ensure that perimeter fencing allows for easy traffic flow and movement on the property. Damage to fencing can be costly in the event that a moving truck cannot get through the space easily. Inside Self Storage identifies a budget friendly way to tackle perimeter fencing by “having the buildings back up to the property boundaries when possible.” This allows for fencing panels only in areas where buildings don’t provide a barrier. Local ordinances may dictate the fence height allowed and must be considered before installation.
Gated access
Gated access that is timed and tracked using a keypad is essential. In order to prevent unwanted traffic on a property, the gate must allow for specific access to customers only. There are several different types of gates. The most common for self-storage is a slide arm gate that slides open after the code is entered on the keypad and then closes following the car entry, usually within a specific amount of time. Slide gates do require space for the gate to slide into. One local self-storage has two separate buildings at the front of the property that the slide fits perfectly between.
The timing of the gate access is also important as noted above. It’s important for the gate to open to allow access, but not remain open too long where someone else might enter behind an occupant. All of these settings can be managed in the gate operator functions at the control mechanism.
It is possible to retrofit an existing property with a fence. There are options to fit every budget and need.
24/7 Video Monitoring
Video monitoring has come a long way. Video images are clearer with high definition cameras, and much more detail is available to the staff when video is viewed. Additionally, with the cloud technology, cameras no longer must be hardwired back to the recording device but directly link to the cloud via broadband or wifi. Signal strength presents the greatest issue in this situation.
Some important things to consider are hard-wired versus cloud technology. There are some security issues to be aware of, so this is a discussion to have with video monitoring experts. Because the video is stored in a secure cloud, it may be necessary to consider that the cloud could be hacked or otherwise compromised. Make a list of questions for the security company prior to install.
Motion Sensing Lighting
Proper lighting of your secure self-storage facility is essential. Interior property should be well lit at all times to provide customers with a feeling of security inside the building. Exterior lighting is also essential as customers are accessing storage from the outside during the day or evening. In spaces where blind spots exist, it’s important to consider which lighting is best – static or motion sensing. Motion sensing lights detect motion and flood the area with light immediately. This can be helpful to deter criminals, but constant light to the area may be a better option. Factors to consider include nearby neighbors, how frequently traffic drives by that would set off the motion sensors and wildlife in the area.
As the Argus Broker Network Affiliate for the states of Florida (excluding the panhandle) and Georgia, Weaver Realty takes pride in partnering with self-storage owners to enable their success. Call us today at 904-733-0039 to find your next property or consult with us on an existing property.