If you own a farm or ranch, chances are you have quite a few outbuildings on your property. Those buildings hold value themselves, and they hold valuable property. Should they face security threats, you could stand to lose money. What can you do, as a property owner, to protect outbuildings from barns to storage sheds?

Outbuilding security usually involves a fair degree of physical reinforcement of the structure. Various systems can help beef up protection. This can reduce your chances of having to file an insurance claim on the building.

Why Security Matters

Often, the more reinforcements within your outbuildings, the better their security. If you can track access and exposure on the premises, the chances of theft or damage often drop. Thus, you’ll stand a lower chance of financial losses following a hazardous situation.

Also, if you can avoid incident in outbuildings, you likely won’t have to file a homeowners insurance claim. Though many policies will cover outbuildings, avoiding property damage altogether might have its perks as well. If you don’t suffer damage, you might not ever have to file a claim on your policy. Therefore, your ability to maintain lower average rates will likely remain stable. By taking security steps on the premises, you might even be able to save more through discounts.

Your Outbuilding Security Process

The most secure outbuildings are the ones you put ample thought into building. You want to construct these structures in appropriate manners so that they maintain their overall integrity.

• Choose the location of the building carefully. Place it in an area where it is not likely to attract potential thieves. Often, behind the home itself is the best place to build.

• Build on ground where the building will face low risks of foundation damage or ground collapse.

• For security, keep the area around the building well-lit, at minimum. It’s often a good idea to add a more comprehensive security system to the structure as well. You might need an alarm system, a camera apparatus and more.

• Think about locks and reinforcements. You’ll want to put durable locks and hinges on all entrances. Remember, windows, trap doors and gates will all need attention.

• Build with weatherproof and approved materials for structural integrity. Follow all local building codes.

• Think about what you will keep in these buildings. For example, livestock often needs to be housed in a different building than grain or dry goods. Change your blueprint to accommodate these items.

With appropriate care, you can create better security for your ranch’s outbuildings. This means your entire property can have more financial protection down the road.