How to select a safe for your valuables
You escaped from a house fire, but you lost more than a dwelling. In a matter of minutes, you lost irreplaceable documents and keepsakes that were not protected from the intense heat and flames.
The average house fire reaches 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10 minutes. Paper burns at 351 degrees. The fire and heat are not selective. They take anything.
But there is a way to protect many of those special items: a safe.
A well constructed safe with a good fire rating can provide protection that could save those treasures.
While 70 percent of safe sales are for those who want to lock up guns and keep them away from children, they are designed to handle more, such as jewelry. And the protection is against more than fire.
Safes have saved many valuable items in homes destroyed by storms. They offer better protection against burglary losses. Plus, they are good for keeping kids away from items stored inside.
When selecting a safe, educate yourself on the components of safe manufacturing that make them hold up under extreme conditions.
A good fire rating is extremely important. This is the safe’s capacity to resist heat — BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit and refers to the measure of heat injury required to raise 1 pound of liquid water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
The number of layers of fireboard — such as in the ceiling, wall, door jams and door — enhances fire protection.
So does the thickness of the steel. The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel, and the thicker the steel, the slower the heat penetrates.
Materials installed in the right place, the proper balance of fireboard, is the third key element.
When looking for a business to purchase a safe from, consider these factors:
• Check the reputation of the company and how it has served its customers.
• Check its credibility. Does it stand behind its products?
• Check for product knowledge. Can the staff answer your questions?
• Check for a professional and friendly atmosphere.
A good provider offers quality, reputation, a warranty, good BTU ratings for fire protection and service.
A knowledgeable, well trained staff can serve you well. If the staff is not properly trained, if the product is not from a reputable business or has short-term warranties, you will be disappointed.
The product should be UL listed for “security” certification and the fire rating and mode of testing by the manufacturer is important.
Ask about delivery costs — the safe will be heavy and can be difficult to transport. Ask abut cost, fire protection and security.
Proper equipment manufactured correctly and a dependable provider who serves you well can make a big difference in how well your items are protected.
Important notes
• Look for a reputable, credible, knowledgeable provider who can answer your questions and best handle your needs.
• Look at the reputation, warranty, fire rating, quality and service of the safe.
• Check the Internet, Consumer Reports, word of mouth and provider staff members for information.
• As about costs and what it is included.
• Know the strengths of the safe and how it can help you.
