The American Midwest is infamous for its harsh weather. Tornado winds may easily exceed 200 miles per hour and cause catastrophic damage. Thunderstorms bear the potential of strong winds, hail, and lightning strikes. Extreme weather can cause flooding with heavy rains, especially around areas close to rivers and lakes. Each weather event poses a unique threat to the safety of your valuables. But will a safe and valuables survive a storm in the harsh midwest weather?
Will Your Safe (and Valuables) Survive a Midwestern Storm?
Picking the Right Safe
The first thing you need to protect your valuables is a safe. Not all safes are created equal. Knowing the differences can make a massive difference in safeguarding your belongings in extreme weather events.
Fireproof Safes
Fireproof safes protect your valuables from fire, but most also protect water and impacts as well. They generally can’t withstand harsh climate conditions, such as tornados.
Waterproof Safes
A waterproof safe prevents water from entering and can survive floods and stay submerged without leaking. Engineers create and design these models to remain dry in flooded environments.
Impact-Resistant Safes
Impact-resistant safes are a must for tornado-prone areas. These safes are highly resistant to impact from heavy debris. They can fall from substantial heights without experiencing damage.
Combination Safes
These models offer protection from a combination of damage risks including:
- Fireproof
- Waterproof
- Impact-resistant
It’s a pricey safe model, but the best choice for all-round protection for your valuables.
Where You Position the Safe Matters
Where you position your safe is as important as the model you choose. Here are some tips to help you position your safe properly.
High winds or flying debris are less likely to directly affect interior closets or basements.
Bolt it down – This will prevent the safe from being ripped out or tipped over during a storm.
Elevation – It’s important to store the safe above the flood line in your home. Place it on a strong platform or an upper floor to protect it from rising water.
Extra Measures
Waterproof Bags and Containers
Store documents and valuables in waterproof bags or containers to ensure added protection against water damage.
Inventory and Documentation
Keep an itemized list of what you have in your safe. Include photos, descriptions, and copies of important documents in digital cloud storage. This strategy is invaluable when making insurance claims.
Insurance
Ensure you have coverage in place for your valuables. Standard homeowner insurance doesn’t typically cover high-value items or damage caused by natural disasters. Additionally, it’s wise to consider additional riders or policies to protect valuable items from storm damage.
Post-Storm Checklist
After a catastrophic storm, it’s essential to evaluate the condition of your safe and its contents.
Check for Damage
Inspect your safe for any damage. Even if it looks good, check the lock and seals to make sure they are secure.
Dry It Out
If your safe was exposed to water, remove its contents and put them in a dry place. Use fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the safe.
Professional Inspection
Have your safe checked by a professional locksmith for function and damage. Professionals can identify any issues that might go unnoticed during your initial inspection and address them accordingly.
Wrapping Up
Living in the Midwest means you must hope for the best and prepare for the worst when it comes to severe weather events. Staying safe means keeping an eye on the weather channel, preparing a survival kit, and protecting important documents and valuables.
Select the right safe to match your environmental risk to ensure that your safe and valuables will survive the storm.
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