Top Security Features Businesses Should Expect in OKC Commercial Storage
Oklahoma City is a hub of innovation and expansion. With small startups in the Innovation District, construction contractors erecting new buildings, and retail shops flourishing in the newly redeveloped urban core, businesses of all shapes and sizes are the lifeblood of our economy. As a business owner, your assets—whether they are valuable inventory, specialized equipment, or sensitive documents—are the key to your success. Relying on a simple padlock on a slender door for their protection is something that no savvy company can afford to do. A top-shelf, protected commercial storage facility is not an expense; it's an indispensable business partner when it comes to protecting assets.
Choosing an Oklahoma City storage rental requires strategic thinking. You need a facility that surpasses the bare minimum to provide a multi-dimensional security against theft, vandalism, and the wrath of nature. This guide will walk you through the all-important security features you should insist on to ensure your business's most valuable assets are safe and sound.
1. The Pillar of Security: Perimeter and Access Control
The perimeter is the initial line of defense for any commercial storage facility. A secure perimeter and controlled access points are the best ways to discourage unauthorized individuals from approaching the property.
Gated Access and Secure Fencing
A commercial storage building will be completely ringed with a sturdy fence and will have a single or double-gated entry. This cheap but valuable safety feature keeps individuals from merely walking or driving onto the property. For a business, this is a significant concern in limiting risk. An unfenced, open storage building is an invitation for disaster. The gate should be a solid, high-strength structure that opens with a secure, electronic device.
Individual Keypad Codes and Electronic Records
Real smarts behind a modern storage facility's perimeter are its access control. Every approved individual—a business owner or employee—must enter an individual, customized keypad code in order to gain entry. It isn't for convenience, but as a good security measure. The system captures an electronic record of every entry and exit, along with a time stamp. To a business, this provides an open audit trail of who is operating the unit and when, keeping employees in line and providing useful information in the case of a security breach. This level of precise control is a requirement for any business that relies on a storage rental in Oklahoma City.
2. Top-of-the-Line Surveillance and Monitoring
Technology has revolutionized security, and modern storage facilities are at the forefront. The ultimate level of security is beyond the gate and around the entire property.
24/7 Digital Video Surveillance
Today's modern commercial storage facilities feature high-definition digital cameras that provide full-time video monitoring of all common areas. These cameras aren't present just for show; they are actively working, keeping criminals away, and capturing valuable video evidence if something does go wrong. A lighted facility with observable cameras sends a clear message that the property is at all times under observation. This state-of-the-art surveillance system has an omnidirectional view of the entire storage area, and there are no weak spots for potential threats.
On-Site Management and Active Monitoring
Technology is a worthwhile investment, but nothing is better than human oversight. A property that has an on-site or resident manager provides extra security and promptness. A seasoned staff member knows how to identify suspect behavior, respond promptly to any alarm or issue, and maintain the property in a well-kept and secure condition. This combination of electronic surveillance and manned human presence is an even stronger deterrent than having an unmanned facility. When you choose a secure storage company, you are choosing a company with a vested interest in the safety of your business's property.
3. Unit-Level Sophisticated Protection
Perimeter security matters, but true peace of mind for a business is the assurance that the unit itself is secure. This is where advanced, unit-level amenities come into play.
Individual Unit Alarms
An individual unit alarm is the most critical security option for a storage business to implement. The amenity is not available at every facility, but it is a game-changer for business customers. With an individual unit alarm, your unit door sensor is directly connected to the security system in your facility. If your unit door is breached without first entering your personal code, an alarm is activated, and management staff are notified immediately. This is much better than a passive video camera and offers real-time, specific protection for your individual unit. It is the last line of defense against invasion.
Cylinder Locks and Solid Doors
The physical security of the unit itself cannot be overlooked. A good Oklahoma City storage unit should have solid steel doors that are difficult to break into. The locking mechanism serves the same purpose. In place of a typical padlock that is so easily tampered with or cut, most modern-day business units are designed for cylinder locks. These locks fit snugly inside the unit door, are highly resistant to bolt cutters, and present much more of a secure barrier to a forced entry.
4. Protecting Your Assets from the Elements and the Unexpected
Security isn't just about protecting your assets from theft; it's also about safeguarding them from environmental damage.
The Role of Climate-Controlled Storage
Oklahoma's climate is notoriously unpredictable, featuring hot, humid summers and cold winters. For businesses, this poses a significant threat to temperature-sensitive items, including electronics, valuable documents, sensitive materials, and wood furniture. A climate storage space maintains a stable temperature and humidity, protected from warping, cracking, mildew, and rust. This is a safeguard that prevents the silent, incremental destruction of your precious inventory and records.
Proper Lighting and Maintenance
A well-lit building is a safe building. Good lighting, especially in shared spaces and around all of the units, deters crime and puts employees at ease coming to the unit after hours. A well-maintained building—clean, without messy bushes and pile-ups of junk—also portends a professional respect for safety. It implies that management is alert and responsive, rather than negligent.
Conclusion
For Oklahoma City businesses, selecting a commercial storage facility is a crucial decision with significant implications for the security and safety of your property. It's a decision that requires looking beyond price and convenience and focusing on the built-in security elements that reassure you. By prioritizing a building with solid perimeter security, top-notch surveillance, unit-level alarm systems, and climate control, you are not merely renting space—but investing in the future of your business. Don't compromise on security—your business is worth too much.
Storelocal Storage Oklahoma City is dedicated to providing businesses with the ultimate asset protection level. Our facility is one step ahead of the others with a comprehensive storage security feature set that includes gated entry with personal codes, video surveillance 24/7, and add-on unit alarms for an added level of safety. With multiple secure, climate-controlled storage units available in Oklahoma City, we have the ideal solution for protecting your valuable inventory, equipment, and records so you can focus on growing your business with total confidence.
