For a facility that holds many sentimental belongings or business inventory, fire protection is a necessity. Storage units and storage facilities need fire protection and alarm systems to help renters feel confident about putting items in a unit. While storage units are not completely fireproof, there are some measures that facilities or renters can take to ensure your belongings are safe. Keeping flammable items out of the unit and finding a facility with proper safety measures is the best way to lower the risk of storage unit fires.
Why Your Storage Unit May Be Vulnerable
Fires can start in many ways, especially if the facility or renters have something that can ignite or produce extreme heat. While facilities often limit hazardous materials from being stored in their units, some renters may bypass these rules and put your unit at risk. Many of the items we put in our storage units can also propel the fire to other parts of the facility. Boxes, papers, clothing, and mattresses make great kindling, which means your unit could go up in flames quickly. A fire in one unit could spread through the ceiling or to other units in a facility because they are not completely fireproof, and if a facility doesn’t implement proper safety measures.
Safety Measures That Facilities Provide
Modern facilities have fire safety precautions and require renters to avoid certain items and materials from being in their units. While this will not eliminate the risk of fires, the safety measures can limit severe damage in multiple units or the entire facility. Providing customer education and implementing modern safety features is the best way for local facilities to appeal to renters as more fireproof.
Sprinklers
One of the best ways to stop the spread of a storage unit fire is a sprinkling system. Automated sprinkling systems will activate once extreme heat or smoke is detected, setting off water that will put out most fires. However, these can also damage other items in unaffected areas, unless you have a zoned system that will put out water in certain areas. This is why renters should protect documents and fragile items in waterproof or fireproof storage containers.
Smoke Detectors
All storage facilities should have a fire detection system in place before you rent a unit from them. Smoke detectors and fire alarms are necessary for fire prevention, especially if you want to prevent the spread. Detectors should be strategically placed throughout the facility so that no matter which unit a fire occurs in, the system is alerted and safety measures are implemented.
Fire-Rated Walls
When building modern storage facilities, fire-rated walls will be placed between each unit to help slow the spread of a potential fire. Putting these around each unit helps to make them more fireproof rather than succumbing to flames easily like paper or cardboard. Fire-resistant materials such as polyethylene, fiberglass, and iron are often used for these partitions.
Dry Pipe Systems
One area that you may not realize is that the water will need to be stored until a fire presents itself, but the water could freeze in the pipes or cold storage, leading to disaster if a fire breaks out. Dry pipe systems prevent freezing and ensure that water is always available if a fire occurs.
Storage Units With Dangerous Materials
Some items are illegal to store in a self-storage unit, but other hazardous materials can be stored in a storage unit if the proper protective measures are taken. Non-bleach and non-ammonia disinfectants, sealed rubbing alcohol, and electronics and batteries can be put in a storage unit, but are considered flammable. While these materials may be fine when left untouched and unbothered, they could help spread the fire farther through the facility. If you have these hazardous materials in your self-storage unit, make sure they are sealed and put in an additional container to make the unit more fireproof or fire-resistant.
Should I Get Self-Storage Insurance
Renters can have peace of mind if they have storage insurance, as these policies can help replace belongings that may become damaged during a fire. While sentimental items can never be replaced, having some monetary compensation for other items can help soften the blow. Insurance can cover you if your storage facility doesn’t provide insurance or compensation after a major disaster.
Self-Storage From 700 Block Storage
If you are moving to the state of Utah or have extra belongings you need to keep out of your home, self-storage units from 700 Block Storage can help. We offer units in a variety of sizes with proper fire protection and security measures needed to give you peace of mind about sentimental belongings. Your items will remain safe and in pristine condition when you rent a unit in our modern facility. Reach out to start renting today!
