If you have items of high value, items without a specific value but which you greatly treasure, or items that you need to restrict access to, you might be interested in purchasing a home safe.
Here are five points to consider when purchasing a safe for your home.
1. Fireproof safes do not protect against burglary
When you purchase your safe, you need to think about your greatest concern: theft or fire. Fireproof safes generally use thin metal—16-gauge to 18-gauge steel—to form the walls of the safe. This is because the safe needs room for the fire-retardant material that is underneath the outer walls of the safe. This makes it pretty simple to saw right through the metal with household tools.
2. Fireproof safes are not suited to all items
Most fireproof safes are only designed to protect paper documents and small amounts of cash. The fireproof claims means that they will keep the internal temperature below 350 degrees for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. While this is the temperature at which paper starts to char, other items could be damaged long before that.
3. Match the rating to the value of your items
Overestimate the value of your current valuables in preparation for future acquisitions. Many safes are designed to last decades, if not a lifetime, and you will not want to purchase a new one should you see a jump in wealth or inherit precious items.
4. Gun cabinets are not gun safes
Many gun cabinets look like safes. The differences between them come down to the thickness of the metal, the type of lock used and the fire rating. Metal gun cabinets use 16-gauge or 18-gauge steel, which is thin enough to get through using common household tools. A gun safe, on the other hand, is designed for exactly that. The metal used is thick—at least 12-gauge steel—and the locking mechanisms are complex and difficult to get past.
5. Know the warranty
Any high quality safe should be covered by a warranty of at least a decade. Many top safe manufacturers will offer a full lifetime warranty. Check the warranty for coverage specific to your own area or home, such as flood protection.
No safe is a guarantee against theft. Always document the items in your safe and ensure that your homeowners’ insurance policy provides the level of protection required.
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