Having a fully operational security system is vital to the self-storage business. In addition to protecting your property and investment, you’re also safeguarding the possessions of your renters. Once you’ve had a professional install the right security system for your storage facility, it’s up to you to maintain it properly.
Hardware
The hardware aspects of your security system may include gates, keypad, alarms, and cameras. Many of the tasks necessary to maintain these items require no technical skills. Just be sure not to do anything that voids your warranty.
Check Housing
Keypad and camera housing can become damaged by dirt and water. Check them on a monthly basis for signs of damage that would allow water or dirt to penetrate. If any is found, contact your installer to address the issue.
Check for Pests
Spiders and wasps think outdoor security equipment is a great place to call home. Webs and nests can create moisture buildup and damage circuit boards. Around cameras, they can also obstruct the view. In spring and summer, check weekly for signs of pests.
Debris and Landscaping
If you’re in a wooded area or include shrubs or trees in your landscaping efforts, check around gate housings, cameras, and keypads for buildup of pine cones, pine needles, and leaves. They can block the field of view as well as create damaging moisture buildup.
Clean Camera Lenses
Both indoor and outdoor cameras can get dusty. To ensure a consistently clear view, clean your camera lenses on a weekly basis.
Clean Keypads
Overtime, the keypad buttons can become stuck due to buildup of skin oils and dirt. Periodic cleaning helps keep the buttons moving freely.
Check Cables and Batteries
Check for signs of corrosion and damage that may cause system failure.
Software Maintenance
Software maintenance is less physically involved but is still necessary to ensure proper working order of your security system.
Access Codes
This is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of security system maintenance. Who has knowledge of your access codes? Vendors? Employees? Tenants? Most of the people who do change on a somewhat regular basis. When an employee leaves, immediately expire their access codes. When a renter moves on, ensure they no longer have a working access code as soon as all their belongings have been removed. With vendors, regularly change the access codes you provide to them. Their employees may change and updating the code protects your facility.
Software Updates
Typically, the manufacturer will push security updates to secure additional features and functionality without a major overhaul.
Properly maintaining your self-storage facility with these tips helps protect your property and that items your renters have trusted you with. As part of our design and upgrade recommendations, EMAX will work with security system installers to ensure your facility is secure.