With the correct safe, you can protect your important documents, firearms, and other valuables. For household or business application, there are a variety of shapes, sizes, and purposes.
Since the start of the recession, home safes have grown in popularity. People are starting to realise that certain bankers should be wearing an orange jumpsuit instead of a pin-striped three-piece, so having some cash on hand and securing valuables at home makes sense.
Despite the broad range of models and features available, selecting the appropriate home safe may be simple. However, because you’re securing not only cash but also important documents and sentimental belongings, choose wisely and keep these six vital points in mind.
- Know the fire average rating of the safe, which indicates how long it can endure direct flame without the contents combusting. This is typically expressed in hours, and I recommend at least a one-hour fire rating.
- Look into the safe’s cash rating, which indicates how secure it is against burglars. The strength of the safe’s door and walls, the complexity of the locking mechanism, and the difficulty of removing the safe from its location are typically used to determine this rating. The higher the cash grade, the more secure the safe is in general. Keep in mind that the fire and monetary ratings are unrelated. A high cash rating does not imply that the item will be fire resistant (and vice-versa). Investigate the model you’re considering.
- Estimate the number of objects stored in the safe and provide some room for future additions. This can help you determine the size of the safe you require. Smaller safes are easier to conceal and adapt to different contexts (RVs, apartments, boats, etc.). A typical home safe measures 8″ tall, 10″ broad, and 10″ deep.
- Determine whether you want the safe to be portable or placed permanently (bolting to the floor or set in a wall). Select the appropriate model and size. Is it possible for each adult in the house to carry a portable safe in an emergency?
- Use a combination lock instead of a keyed lock. Combinations are usually simple to memorise or note down in a safe place off-site. Over time, keys are misplaced or forgotten in a panic.
- Consider your budget and choose the best safe that may adequately suit your needs. Most home safes cost approximately $150, but they can cost up to $800. I decided on a higher-grade safe and gave up a few cubic inches. Remember that safes are for storing cash, jewels, and important documents. If a room is limited, resist the need to incorporate too many sentimental artefacts.
Finally, a decent safe, for example, Safes from Zirotec that is both secure and well-hidden, is only one part of a more comprehensive family security strategy. Ascertain that all adult members of your family are aware of the location of the safe and that your family has a well-practised emergency plan that prioritises personal safety.
Extra Security Measures to Prevent Theft
- When not in use, keep your safe closed and locked.
- Keep your code/combination away from the safe and don’t share it.
- Keep the location of the safe a secret (except the fire department in the event of a fire).
- If at all possible, keep your safe hidden.
- Depending on the model, secure your safe to the floor or the wall.
