Shed Misfortune from Your Barn Shed: 5 Security Tips

If you have a barn or a large plot of land, you know how important it is to keep your shed and its contents secure.  The shed is where you store expensive things like hand tools, power tools, tractors and vehicles, and other things like animal feed, fuel and fertilisers.  All of these things keep your land in good order and your animals happy.

If you have a shed or are thinking about building a shed, there's something important that's probably crossed your mind – security.  Since sheds are usually located a considerable distance away from the home, it's important that they have their own means of protection – from fire, thieves and severe weather.  Use these helpful tips below to safeguard your shed and keep it, and its contents, safe.

Tip #1: Equip with Fire Extinguishers

This is the easiest security measure you can take.  Fire extinguishers are relatively inexpensive, plus they protect your shed against the most threatening thing – fire.  Even if you have a metal shed, the contents within it are flammable.  Having a fire extinguisher located within the barn will decrease your risk of losing valuables.

Also, if you have a relatively large shed, buy more than one.  If your shed is partitioned, buy one for each section.  Keep them close to the entrances and readily available.

Tip #2: Install Security Cameras

These aren't as effective as armed sentries, but they do serve a purpose.  As technology has advanced, security cameras have become less expensive and smaller.  This is good for shed owners like you.  It's now affordable to install a camera at each corner of your shed (if it's larger and has multiple entrances).

After installing cameras, don't feel the need to watch them unless you're expecting a late-night visitor.  Although they do serve as a scare tactic, their main purpose isn't to prevent criminal activity.  Their main purpose is to provide valuable information.  Information you can use to reinforce your shed's security.

Tip #3: Build Partition Walls

If you're storing more than one type of item in your shed, partition walls help organize your shed's contents.  In addition to adding organization value to your shed, these walls also keep highly flammable items like hay away from expensive tools and machinery.

Depending on the size and contents of your shed, one or more partition walls may be needed.

Tip #4: Invest in a Heavy Duty Lock

However simple an idea, this flies right over people's heads.  But don't let it fly over yours!

Investing in a heavy duty lock over a cheap lock can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars saved.  If a small-time criminal comes across a heavy duty lock with a cheap pair of cutters, there's no way he's getting in your shed.  What's separating him from that expensive tool of yours is that heavy duty lock you invested in.

Tip #5: Keep it Insured

This tip is especially important if you're storing valuable items in your shed.  If you're using your shed for tractor storage as well as feed storage, this is an area you need to look into.  Even if you don't have existing insurance on your home, it's important to investigate your options.

If you already have insurance, depending on your plan, your shed may already qualify for insurance.  Finding out is as simple as checking with your provider.

Keep these tips in mind and safeguard your shed today.