Choosing the Right Safe
July 21, 2009 – 12:39 pm
Keeping your money, important possessions and extra forms of identification in a safe is a wise decision. Depending on what type of safe you purchase, your belongings can be protected from burglars, water and fire. Before you go out and buy one, it’s helpful to know the basics so you get the safest safe.
There are many different types of safe, but you should keep in mind that all of them are not waterproof, burlarproof or fireproof. Realistically, safes are resistant to these conditions. However, there are safes specifically designed to withstand water and fire such as the model from Honeywell, which has been tested. Finding a safe that meets all of your criteria can be challenging, but if you can’t find a waterproof one, store your essentials in a waterproof container or zip lock bag inside the safe.
Many safes can be bolted to the floor, and this is highly recommended. If a burglar cannot get into your safe right away, he/she will most likely take the safe if it’s not anchored to the floor. To install your safe properly, it’s best to contact a local locksmith.
As with any type of equipment, you will need to regular maintenance to ensure that all of the locks, bolts and hinges are working properly. Depending on your safe, you might need to have your safe serviced by a locksmith or safe technician every two to three years. The safe’s manufacturer might have a list of certified professionals in your area.
Researching a particular safe you’re looking at is beneficial, because the entry-level fire rated safe or lock box you find at a chain store might not offer you the best protection. Find out the safe’s burglar or fire rating and whether an Underwriters Laboratory has rated it. Do some comparison shopping, so you can find a safe within your budget that offers you the highest degree of protection.
After you decide on a specific safe, consider purchasing two (one for you home and another for your office). You can store confidential documents at your office, or you might even want to keep your expensive jewelry hidden here instead of your home. When you’re choosing which items go in the safe, try to think into the future: if a fire burned down your home, what would you need the most? Although certain material possessions might be sentimental, don’t forget about a backup savings and extra forms of identification.
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Tags: burglarproof safe, comparing safes, fireproof safe, waterproof safe