Your items can be safe in an outdoor storage shed, but there are different types of safety to consider. Safe storage depends on the structure, security steps, what is being stored, and how you package the items for storing. Here are some safety things to consider.
- Check the structure of the shed and fix any loose slats, replace rotten wood frames or doors, patch holes in the roof, and reinforce the internal structure with new panels if needed.
- Make sure the lock you use isn’t old or weakly structured. You may want both a door lock that is reinforced with a strong padlock. A high-tech option is to consider an electronic door lock.
- Check the door hinges to make sure they are not rusted and loose. Replace them if needed.
- Be sure not to store items that are combustible, flammable, hazardous, or toxic because these items are considered “inherently dangerous” and can lead to a situation you do not want to manage.
- If you are planning to store cloth items for extended periods of time, there are several things to do to keep them safe. Vacuum seal bags are great ways to save on space, but over time it can damage clothing. Airtight containers are a better choice to keep out mold and mildew that can ruin the cloth and yellow the material.
- Just say no to cardboard boxes for things that might be destroyed by vermin or moisture. Mothballs are also a bad choice for long-term storage. They leave cloth smelling awful, and they can be dangerous to children and pets. Natural cedar balls are a better choice.
- You want to keep your storage items in a clean, dark, dry, and cool place. Extreme weather conditions can cause damage to many belongings over time.
- Regularly check on your stored items just in case something is wrong, it can be caught before the damage is extensive.
For more information on storage buildings or if you need a horse barn builder, contact the team at Eastern Buildings today.