A cheap lockbox may keep things neat, but don’t expect it to hold up when things go bad. Making the wrong choice can come back to haunt you. Some safes are resistant to heat but let water in. Knowing which model to go for and choosing the right safe could mean the difference between safeguarding your assets and a total loss.
Choosing the Right Safe: Fireproof, Waterproof, or Burglar-Proof?
FireProof Safes: When Heat is the Enemy
A home fire quickly spreads and destroys anything that’s not heat-resistant. A regular safe is insufficient for the task. However, fireproof models feature an insulated lining that keeps heat from the contents while the fire rages on.
All safes are not equal. In the event of a fire, a fireproof safe resists more heat than fire-resistant safes. Some are suitable for brief exposure and others for longer resistance duration. Passports, legal documents, and insurance policies need proper protection, so choose the top-level rating.
A fire rating indicates how long a safe can maintain its internal temperature during a fire. Higher ratings indicate better protection. Organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) conduct rigorous testing to determine fire ratings.
Memory sticks, hard drives, electronic devices, and flash memory cards are more heat-sensitive than paper. Some fire safes are double-insulated to prevent them from melting. Secure your digital backups with an adequately rated safe.
Waterproof Safes: More Than Just Flood Protection
Fire seriously threatens your safety and contents, but water can be just as destructive. Flooding isn’t the only threat to safeguard against. Here are some examples of situations in which you need water protection in a safe:
- Firefighters put out the blaze with water, and it could penetrate the safe
- Broken pipes
- Leaky roofs
- Failure of the damp-proofing in the walls
All of these situations contribute to the risk of water damage.
A fireproof safe won’t keep the water out, and they can flood even in as little as a few inches of water. Waterproof ratings vary. Some models protect against light water exposure, while others hold up when fully submerged.
Do you store valuables in a basement or a ground-floor room prone to leaks? Choosing a model with solid waterproofing prevents total loss or damage to your valuables.
Fire and water ratings are not synonymous with the protection they offer. A flame-resistant safe might not be water-resistant, and vice versa. You should read the specs on the model to buy a safe that suits your needs.
Burglar-Proof Safes: Stopping a Break-In
A safe is secure only if it’s inaccessible.
A flimsy, cheaply constructed unit with a vulnerable locking system will not discourage a thief. It will just slow them down a bit.
Designers create burglar-proof safes to resist forced entry and make them difficult to remove. These models feature:
- Thick steel construction
- Advanced security locks
- Inner mechanisms that are resistant to drilling, cutting, or prying
Weight matters. A light safe not anchored to the flooring or wall is easy to pick up and open off-site. Thieves have time to work away from the eyes of the law.
A heavy safe is more challenging to steal. Choose a safe model with internal bolting holes to mount to the floor safely. You can also mount a wall safe to prevent thieves from stealing it. Rawl bolts ensure the safe is securely mounted and cannot be removed from the attached surface.
Gun safes fall into this category. A lockbox under the bed won’t keep someone from stealing your firearm. A strong locking system and a heavy safe with internal bolts keep firearms safe from criminals.
A gun safe can have different types of locks, including:
- Electronic keypad
- Biometric (fingerprint reader)
- A key lock
- Combination lock
Digital locks can include an alarm system and other options. Gun storage is essential to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or children from gaining access to a weapon.
Choosing the Right Safe and the Right Protection
No one safe does everything. Fireproof safes don’t prevent water damage, burglar-proof safes don’t withstand heat, and waterproofing isn’t universal. The best option is to choose a model based on your neighborhood’s environmental and social threats.
Carl Jarl Locksmiths | Home Security Systems Omaha, NE
Carl Jarl Locksmiths can secure your business with panic bars, exit locks, card access systems, and more. We guarantee our locks and offer 24/7 service to keep your business safe at all times.
Always use the services of a trusted local Locksmith/Home Security Company. Carl Jarl Locksmiths offers products and services to make your home safe and secure. Your Security is our top priority.
- We are licensed, bonded, and insured
- Provide immediate response
- We have a 24-hour locksmith dispatch center
- All our employees are background checked, wear uniforms, and arrive in our own identifiable service vehicles
Choose experience and peace of mind. Carl Jarl Locksmith’s prompt and dependable Locksmith Service is just a phone call away.
