Article, Security - UStorage.com

It is usual to protect the contents of ones home against theft by securing our furniture, clothes, books, antiques and other valuables with locked doors, fences around the property and frequently alarm systems. Only a few people ,like family or trusted staff, will receive a key to the house or the alarm code. In the same way as you protect valuables in your home from being stolen, so will you have to consider the security arrangements of the company with whom your possessions will be entrusted for storage. This vital concern should govern your choice of a storage facility, and you are advised to consider upfront, based on the value of your items, what type of security arrangements will suit your particular needs. It is wise to visit only the facilities that meet your requirements and it is quite common for people to choose a warehouse based on the value of their goods and the level of security on offer.

When you check out the security facilities available at a storage warehouse, you should first consider exactly what security arrangements would meet your particular needs. You may feel satisfied with an alarm system only or conversely that 24 hour on site security is essential. Remember that there are different levels of security in each facility and you must decide which level is suitable for you. The following guide should be helpful in enabling you to ask the right questions when you are checking out the security arrangements at the storage facility.

Fences – Fences and walls provide a certain amount of protection from trespassers. Brick walls are preferable to metal picket fences as they prevent prying eyes from seeing into the facility.

Coded Gates – Walls and fences not closed by a secure gate offer little protection. Coded gates play an important part in preventing unauthorized persons gaining access to the facility grounds. Only employees and other authorized personnel will have access to the code, and a record can be kept of all persons entering and leaving the premises.

Motion Sensors afford added protection both indoors and outdoors. They can be connected to light fittings or alarms or both. When motion is detected the light will turn on automatically and the alarm will sound. The alarm system can also be connected to the police who will then be alerted immediately.

Alarms – The use of alarms, whether in your home, office, or storage facility are a very important crime deterrent. The alarms may simply sound when there is a break-in at the facility or they can also be connected up to the local police station. Fire alarms are also a very desirable security measure to prevent your goods being destroyed or damaged by fire, and it is usual to connect up these to the local fire or policy station.

If your storage unit is protected by keypad access, the security that this offers will set your mind at ease. 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 may be limited to the floor where your items are stored in a multistory warehouse.

Lighting – Good inside and outside lighting is a deterrent to undesirables from coming onto the property of the storage facility. The lighting can be permanent or motion sensitive, i.e. triggered by movement.

Locks – You will probably be required to provide your own lock for your storage unit. This gives you total control over who should have access to your unit. It is nevertheless suggested that you give the warehouse operator a key to use in case of emergency. If you intend to give other people access to the unit from time to time, you should inform 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. There are different regulations in respect of access among different facilities.

On Site 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 There is usually a security official monitoring the CCTV, which is frequently video taped and can be examined at a later time.

Hallway Intercoms – These are another security measure which may be used to summon help in emergencies or to inform people that they are in restricted areas which they need to vacate.