How does your facility stack up against a security threat? Your first line of defense should be an automatic security gate. Automatic gates are used to control access to a self-storage property by regulating customers entering and exiting the storage facility. Each customer must utilize the security gate in order to access their storage unit and exit the premises. There are several factors to take into account when selecting the right gate for your business. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Why a Security Gate is a Good Idea

Security Gate at Gilbert Self Storage in Gilbert, AZ
This may seem like a no-brainer, but here are three great reasons to implement a security gate at your self-storage facility.
1. A security gate will protect your facility from intruders. A security gate helps keep out unwanted guests. The chances of having a break in are also less likely to occur if you have a security gate at your facility.
2. Protect your tenant’s valuables with a security gate. A security gate will deter burglars from your facility. This stops theft and keeps your tenant’s valuables safe.
3. A security gate will provide peace of mind. Having a gate at your self-storage facility shows your tenants that you are a secure location and their belongings will be safe at the facility. It shows that you are taking a proactive approach and care to keep their items safe.

Self-storage facility gate at Five Star Storage in Denison, TX
Choosing the right security gate for your facility.
When choosing the right security gate for your facility be sure to do your research. Gathering information on different gate systems will help determine what gate will work best. Here are three questions to consider when making your decision.
1. What type of gate works at the facility? There are many different types of automatic security gates that can be used. Secure Access Services states that a sliding gate is the most widely used. Ultimately, it is up to you to do the research and find out what gate best fits your needs. For a detailed description of different types of gates visit Silva Consultants website, an independent firm that provides security consulting and planning.
2. How will tenants enter and exit the property? Maybe you want a keypad and will give each tenant an access code. Or maybe you want to give tenants a card they must swipe to open the gate. Think about what works best for your facility and your tenants. Consider how your tenants will receive their gate information and what employees must do to give the correct codes.
3. Does the gate system interface with your self-storage business platform? This may be the most important question you should ask yourself. Check with your self-storage business platform to see what security gate programs they interface with. Many programs will allow their system to communicate with the gate so that it will recognize when a tenant should be locked out, or when a code is no longer valid.
Having a security gate is a decision every location should think over. There are many advantages to having a security gate for you and your tenants. Remember to do your research on the different types of security gates to determine which is the right gate for you.
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Bio:
Andrea enjoys helping others as an Operations Analyst for the U-Haul Self-Storage Affiliate Network. Along with her duties as an operations analyst, Andrea manages the U-Haul Self-Storage Affiliate Network’s social media pages. She is currently studying at Gannon University earning her MBA in Marketing and has previous experience in marketing and event planning. In her free time, she enjoys going bowling and has recently hit her highest score of 150.