It is always a better idea to store your precious documents and jewellery in a bank vault, since that offers much more protection than just a home safe. However, there are certain items which are quite important to you but maybe not significant enough to be kept in a bank vault. You may also need the physical reassurance that your valuables are near you all the time. In this case, it is important to know which kind of home safe you should get, and what home safes will generally offer you.
It is important to know what kind of safe to get, as well as to know how to choose one based on your needs. Installing safes at home are not very tedious or risky, although they can sometimes be a little heavy on your pocket. Follow these guidelines to choose the right home safe for yourself.
- Be clear of the dangers you are trying to protect the contents from.
A typical home safe should offer burglary protection and be resistant to damages done by fire and water. These are the three main features to look for when considering a home safe. In addition, you may also want to invest in hiding it from plain sight, such as fixing it behind a wall or under the floor. These features would depend on the price of the contents of the safe, naturally. If you are getting a safe for your guns, you generally do not require these specifications; however, you need to make sure it is not accessible by children or minors.
- Do not expect a cheap installation.
Safes are meant to protect your valuables, hence you cannot afford to cheap out. Usually, safes that are resistant to fire and water and burglary attempts are usually above $100. Smaller chests can be bought for guns in case you do not want to spend too much, as these are within the range of $30-$80.
- Decide where you would want to install your safe.
The site of installation will depend on the layout and design of your home. It is not always a good idea to install safes in the bedrooms, since that is where most burglars usually target. A good hiding place can be your kitchen or your store room, since these will not be the first choices for most burglars. It is also a good idea to install one in your basement, since in case of a fire; the basement is usually the last place to be affected. However, if you reside in a floor prone area, your basement might be prone to water damage.
As mentioned before, when you choose a safe for your home, it is also a good idea to meet up with the contractor and try to see if your safe can be installed someplace away from prying eyes, say behind your spice cabinet or in the floor. These techniques are very efficient in safeguarding your documents.