There are thousands of safe companies on the market, and choosing between them can be a hassle. Before you decide which safe you want to purchase, you need to check to make sure that it has all these important features.
1. Fireproof
A fire can destroy everything in your home, but a fireproof safe can keep family pictures, important documents, and other valuables safe from the flames. Research a safe before you purchase it to be sure it can stand a high heat for an extended period of time. When nothing is left, you want your insurance papers and birth certificate secure from burning.
2. Waterproof
Flooding in a home is a common insurance claim, and water can wash away everything you own. Owning a heavy, waterproof safe can keep some of your valuables from drifting away, even if you have to leave. By keeping insurance documents and other essential papers in your waterproof safe, you may avoid a total loss.
3. Lock Type
Safes have a variety of lock types including key, three number combination, a classic combination, electronic, card or RFID, and biometric locks. Each type of lock comes with pros and cons, but getting one that has two security measures makes it easier for you to enter your safe if the first method fails. Two entries also makes it harder for thieves to get to your valuables.
4. Camera
Some safes are installed with a discreet camera and allow you to monitor your valuables from afar if something suspicious is occurring. The information relays back to your computer, which may help you catch a criminal if your valuables are discovered and stolen.
5. Solid Walls
The most important thing most people want with a safe is sturdy walls that withstand the impact of someone trying to crack into it. Most safes advertise the integrity of their product, so this information is usually relatively easy to find out. If the manufacturer doesn’t announce the strength of its safe, assess the quality before purchasing and ensure it can withstand pressure.
6. Heavy Weight
The first indication that you have a secure safe is the weight. If it’s a smaller safe, attempt to pick it up or move it in some way to test the materials used during production. If it feels light for the size, you may consider looking elsewhere, because it could indicate the safe is made of cheap materials and could be easy to crack open.
7. Entry Convenience
Does the door open outward or inward? This is a question you should ask yourself before you purchase your safe. The door should be easy to open depending on the location you choose to install it. Open and close the safe naturally, and imagine how it would open if your items were in it before you buy to make sure it's right for your needs.
8. Size
The safe should be large enough to hold your valuables without crushing anything. Your documents and items should fit securely inside of the safe without bending and crinkling. Consider bringing one of your largest items with you to test the size of the safe. If you cannot do this, you can also measure your items beforehand.
