There are many uses for renting a Portland self-storage unit. Units can help keep seasonal items, collectibles, big vehicles like boats or RVs, and numerous things while you’re away on a long vacation or college.

More and more people are seeing the benefits of using these facilities, and are taking full advantage of the dozens of locations. However, what should rightly be one of the greatest concerns to anyone who places their valuables into self-storage is often one of the last things that anyone thinks about—that being the possibility of fire. It’s been known to happen before, and despite attempts to prevent it from occurring, it’ll likely happen again in the future.

Fires at self-storage facilities can prove doubly devastating, as this is where many people place some of their most treasured and irreplaceable belongings. Fireproof storage facilities offer you the best chance at preventing this from ever happening to you, but there are even some things you can do protect your stored belongings from fire.

1. Only do business with a fully secure storage facility. This means not only making sure that there are operating smoke detectors and fire sprinkler systems installed, but also ensure that there’s a security guard on the premises at all times who can call the fire department in the event of the unthinkable.
2. Keep your valuables in portable fireproof storage containers or safes. While you might not be able to find a fireproof container big enough for your unused sectional couch, you can obtain containers that’ll keep important documents, family photographs, and other small collectibles safe in a fire.
3. Select a site nearest to a fire station. If you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood, conduct a Google map search and look for nearby fire stations. Monthly rates will probably be higher for these prime locations, but your belongings will be that much closer to rescue.

It is very important to take these tips seriously. Although,Portlandfirefighters love their job and love helping people, they would agree that you should do all you can to protect your belongings.

This article was written by Matt Schexnayder. Matt is on the SpareFoot marketing team and writes for the SpareFoot blog. SpareFoot is the largest online marketplace for self-storage with more than 5,000 self-storage facilities listed nationwide. SpareFoot offers consumers the most complete comparison shopping experience in the storage industry and has been a big part of the national moving and storage industry for over 3 years.

  Portland Fire & Rescue