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Storage Security
The two most important areas of concern for any one who is on the look out for self-storage facilities are convenience of access and the level of security which the place offers. After all, with living space within a home getting cramped than ever before, people are storing a lot of their valuable furniture, rare paintings, expensive objects of art, and of course the usual domestic goods in self-storage units. Business owners similarly are putting their vital documents in storage units, with the hope that they are in safe custody. When it is a question of choosing between public and private self-storage option, most people prefer self storage units, as they are in complete control over the hired space – with own lock and key and 24-hour access to their own rented storage. When you go to inspect a storage unit, you are obviously keen to know about their security arrangements. But what are the methods and arrangements available at these storage units? A prior knowledge about such arrangements will help you to make informed decisions, related to selection of a particular storage space. Here are some of the security arrangements found in most reputed storage units:
Coded entry points: These are excellent to prohibit unwanted or unauthorized personnel from entering the secured storage space. The secret codes are known only to the customer or the company personnel and they can access the storage space only with the use of the relevant code. All records of people entering and leaving the premises are maintained through automated systems.
Sensors and alarms: These are often used by both public and self storage units. Motion sensors particularly can be installed both indoors and outdoors. These motion detectors are usually linked to lights and alarms. Any movement sets off an alarm and the guards are notified immediately. There are many storage units who link up their security alarm systems to the local police station and their fire alarms to the local fire station.
CCTV: This is perhaps the most common forms of security arrangement, installed in nearly every good storage unit. All entries and exit points are fitted with Closed Circuit Television cameras which video tape anyone entering or leaving the premises.
Coded keypads: This system also operates on specific codes given to customer who can access a particular floor, room or even elevators in the storage unit, which lead him to his own hired space. When the storage unit has many floors with many rooms, this type of storage security system keeps the whole unit in a well-secured environment.
Locks: Any reputed storage unit would request you to bring your own lock for your own hired space. Many people leave the keys with the storage house authorized personnel. You could even hand over names of your family members who might need to access your
storage space and leave instructions that they should give you a call and check with you prior to any one wanting to enter your storage space on your behalf.
Guards: Despite all the electronically operated security systems, all good storage units are also equipped with 24 hour guards to man the storage facility.
Metal fencing: It is a good idea to choose a storage facility which is guarded by metal fencing and strong brick walls.
Over and above all the above storage security measures, you must choose a unit which is well lit and adequately ventilated.
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