You’ve decided to buy a safe hoping its capabilities are never put to the test. Good for you; you’ve taken the first step in protecting your valuables. Chances are, if something untoward happens, such as a burglary or a fire, the safe will be worth its weight in gold! True, bank lockers and safety deposit boxes are always an option, but there are bound to be a few items around the house that you’d like to safeguard – and that’s why it’s wise to invest in a safe. So, if you’re on the fence about getting a safe, believe us when we tell you this, better now than regrets later.
While there are many popular options among homeowners, there’s one that steals the show – fireproof safes! One of the most popular options, these safes not only keep your prized possessions from falling into the wrong hands but also safeguard them from a possible fire breakout. This means it can keep irreplaceable documents such as birth certificates, business contracts, home deeds, and other important documents, safe and secure.
Before you head out and buy yourself the first fire-resistant safe you could get your hands on, there are a few things you need to consider.
#1 Size
Number one on our list is size. You don’t want something too big or too small! So, before you make the purchase, put together all the items you intend to store in the fireproof safe, measure how much space you need, and then purchase one that’s appropriately sized.
#2 Fire Rating
A no-brainer indeed; the most important things you need to look for in your safe are its ability to withstand temperatures and the protection it offers against fire. Check the specifications thoroughly to find out how long the safe can keep your belongings protected when exposed to a fire. Ensure you get a safe that provides at least 30 minutes of protection, and nothing less. The higher the fire rating, the better it is! We recommend the Godrej Fire Resistant Safe with 2 Key Lock, that’s designed to hold fire for up to 90 minutes!
#3 Water protection
On the converse, it’s not enough to just have a fireproof safe, because you also need it to have water-resistant properties. This is crucial because even if your documents survive the fire, the water used to put it out may seep in and still damage everything within. Ensure there’s ample water protection provided so that whether there’s flooding or accidental seepage of water into the safe, your precious documents are safe and dry.
#4 Internal temperature
You might think that as long as the fire doesn’t touch the inside, your precious possessions are safe, right? Wrong! The internal temperature of the safe is extremely important, especially if you are planning on storing items such as hard disks or floppy drives that may not hold up against high heat. There are three classes – Class 350 that are ideal for documents and papers, Class 150, great for items with magnetic tapes, and Class 125 for low durability items such as floppy disks. Choose a safe with the right classification depending on what items you intend to store within.
#5 Theft protection
While the motive here might be fire protection, let’s not ignore the other crucial component you need to watch out for – and that is the security rating. Your safe needs to provide ample protection against possible break-in attempts or tampering. Understand what kind of locking mechanism it comes with, the security rating, and preferably opt for something that comes with a safety alarm.
#6 Weight
Light and portable safes might be great to carry around, but that’s where the good part ends! Lightweight safes always come with a trade-off in terms of the protection they can offer. Weight is a good way to determine the quality of materials used. The heavier, the better. A good rule of thumb is if there are two safes that are equal in all other aspects, always lean towards one that has a higher weight.
#7 Ratings and Certifications
Any brand can claim that it provides 100% fire protection, but where’s the proof? This is where you need to watch out for ratings and certifications that give the assurance that the safe has been tested and meets certain standards to acquire the ratings. An unrated one might be cheaper, but it provides zero guarantees to how it would fare against a fire. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is one organization that independently tests and certifies safes – so if you’re getting one certified by UL, it’s a mark of quality assurance
#8 Price
The last thing you want is to find your prized possessions in the wrong hands, or important documents burnt to the ground. So while price point, is a factor to consider, it should be the least of your concerns considering the priceless nature of the items it holds within. If you are on a budget, there are several reasonably priced options, that do not have advanced features, yet can meet the basic expectations of a fire safe.
So, if you’re on the hunt for fireproof safes, we hope these tips help you make the right choice and give you the peace of mind you deserve!
