Ultimate Guide to Safety of Storage Facilities: How to Protect Your Assets

June 5, 2025

Storage facilities serve a critical function across many industries—from construction and logistics to retail and real estate. Whether you’re housing personal belongings, sensitive documents, or expensive equipment, security is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

At LiveSecure, we specialize in providing tailored security solutions to protect storage facilities across Canada. In this guide, you’ll discover the most common risks, essential safety measures, and how integrating security and janitorial services can create a truly protected, professional-grade environment.

The Most Common Risks to Storage Facilities

Storage units, warehouses, and equipment yards face a unique combination of physical and environmental risks. Therefore, every facility owner or manager should be aware of the following:

1. Theft and Vandalism

Criminals often see storage units as easy targets—especially after hours. Unmonitored entrances, poor lighting, and inadequate fencing only make matters worse.

For example, the Canadian Self Storage Association reports that break-ins and theft are among the top security concerns for storage operators.

2. Unauthorized Access

When access controls are too loose, it becomes difficult to track who’s entering or exiting the property. This opens the door (literally) to trespassers, squatters, and liability claims.

3. Fire Hazards

Poor housekeeping, flammable materials, and outdated wiring can turn a simple spark into a major disaster—especially in storage environments where tenants might store unknown items.

4. Internal Misconduct

Employee theft, negligence, or lack of proper training can result in overlooked risks, security gaps, or even liability issues for the business.

Top 5 Security Measures Every Storage Facility Needs

Here’s how you can upgrade your facility’s protection with both technology and personnel:

1. Controlled Access Systems

To begin with, use card access, keypads, or biometric readers to restrict entry to verified users. Additionally, log all entries and exits for full accountability.

2. Surveillance Cameras with Remote Access

Install HD security cameras covering entrances, hallways, and vulnerable units. Moreover, opt for remote monitoring so you or your security provider can view footage from anywhere.

Pro Tip: Combine cameras with motion-sensor lighting for added deterrence. This way, intruders are discouraged before they act.

3. On-Site Security Guards

Unlike passive systems, guards act as a visible deterrent and are trained to handle emergencies, confront intruders, and de-escalate incidents professionally.

4. Mobile Patrols for Larger or Multi-Location Facilities

Our mobile patrol units perform randomized or scheduled checks throughout the night, ensuring your premises are secure and incidents are reported in real time.

5. Physical Security Infrastructure

Secure the perimeter with fencing, controlled gates, bollards, and appropriate lighting. Preventing access is the first line of defense.

The Role of Professional Security Services

Compared to DIY solutions, LiveSecure offers professional-grade protection that’s both proactive and responsive.

Our trained security professionals:

  • Provide incident reports and real-time updates
  • Coordinate with law enforcement if needed
  • Perform walkthrough inspections to identify blind spots or vulnerabilities
  • Work with you to develop custom site protocols

Ultimately, this human layer of protection makes the biggest difference—especially when technology alone is not enough.

Why Janitorial Services Are Part of a Safe Storage Strategy

Safety isn’t just about security guards and cameras—it’s also about cleanliness and order. Dirty, disorganized, or neglected facilities are more prone to fire hazards, pest infestations, and injuries.

That’s why LiveSecure collaborates with WipeUp, a trusted name in Canadian janitorial services. Their team ensures your storage facility stays:

✅ Clean

Dust, spills, and garbage are removed, preventing slip-and-fall incidents or equipment damage.

✅ Clutter-Free

Proper disposal of flammable waste, old packaging, and abandoned tenant items reduces fire risk and improves visibility.

✅ Professional Looking

A clean site feels safer—and looks more reliable to your customers and tenants.

Bonus: Clean spaces also help your security systems (like cameras and motion sensors) function more effectively.

Together, LiveSecure and WipeUp provide a holistic safety ecosystem for commercial, industrial, and multi-use storage sites.

Visit WipeUp to learn more about janitorial packages that can complement your security services. Together, LiveSecure and WipeUp provide a holistic safety ecosystem for commercial, industrial, and multi-use storage sites.

Free Storage Facility Safety Checklist

Use this quick checklist to audit your own facility’s safety standards:

  • 24/7 security camera system installed
  • Secure access control system in place
  • Security guards or mobile patrol service engaged
  • Exterior lighting functional and sufficient
  • Emergency exit signage clearly visible
  • Fire extinguishers available and up to code
  • Janitorial service contracted to maintain cleanliness
  • Monthly or quarterly safety inspection performed

Why Choose LiveSecure for Your Storage Security?

At LiveSecure, we’re not just a guard company—we’re your long-term safety partner. Our team has experience with:

  • Self-storage facilities
  • Construction material yards
  • Cold storage warehouses
  • High-value inventory sites
  • Government and industrial storage

After all, every site is unique. That’s why we assess your site, develop a plan, and deploy the right combination of personnel, patrols, and protocols—backed by responsive customer support and detailed reporting.

Let’s Secure Your Facility—Together

Security doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does have to be consistent, proactive, and integrated with every aspect of your facility’s operations. At LiveSecure, we know that true safety goes beyond guards and cameras. It also requires a clean, well-maintained environment where risks are minimized and your security systems can function at their best.

That’s why we partner with WipeUp, a leading Canadian janitorial services provider, to bring you a comprehensive safety solution. Cleanliness and order are essential components of any secure facility. For example, regular cleaning reduces fire hazards by properly disposing of flammable materials and prevents pest infestations that can damage stored goods or infrastructure. Moreover, a clutter-free environment helps ensure emergency exits are accessible and clearly visible.

In addition, well-maintained lighting and clean camera lenses improve the effectiveness of your surveillance systems, ensuring no blind spots go unnoticed. From dusting and spill cleanup to waste management and facility upkeep, WipeUp’s janitorial teams work diligently to keep your storage site looking professional and operating smoothly.

This combined approach not only reduces accidents and liabilities but also creates a welcoming atmosphere that builds tenant confidence and satisfaction. A clean, secure facility signals that you care about safety, quality, and your customers’ peace of mind.

Warehouse employee conducting inventory with barcode scanner and clipboard