Safe Buying Tips:
Purchasing a new safe is purchasing peace of mind.
But, if the safe you get doesn't match your expectations,
it can be just another nightmare. Make sure to research your needs
carefully before you buy to ensure confidence in your choice. The
following tips will help:
1) Try to get a safe that has the most security features for your money.
The most important of these is the
rating, either burglary or
fire or both. What type of protection you buy is up you. Most people
buy burglary-rated safes because usually burglary is the biggest risk.
First match your security needs.
2) Buy a safe which fits your physical needs. Make a list ahead of
time of what you will be storing and trial stack those valuables
to help establish the size of safe you require. To help, here are
the ten most commonly secured items:
- Cash
- Jewelry
- Investment metals - Gold and Silver
- Photography equipment
- Coin collections
- Stamp collections
- Antiques, collectibles heirlooms
- Trust deeds, Wills
- Firearms & ammunition (Keeps them away from children too)
- Tax papers (If you protect your tax papers in a rated safe, it may be tax
deductible—check with your accountant.)
3) Choose a safe that has an interior that best suits your needs. Some of
the options available are:
- Multiple compartments
- Filing drawers
- Shelves, either metal or carpeted
- Custom racks (for guns example)
- Adjustability, make sure any or all of the above are able to be moved to
accommodate new items.
4)
Choose a safe that has the right accessibility. Floor safes are
better in fires, but tend to be used less because of uncomfortable
access. Wall safes are easily hidden, but are more fire prone.
From experience, most home customers go with a chest in a closet
that is bolted to the floor. Make sure to get one that you can
easily use, but has the best protection. Check with your manufacturer
for options that will suit your needs best.
