Protection Types
Before you decide to buy a safe, it is important to consider the protection type, capacity, and lock type that you need or want.
While basic security is a must, fire protection should also be one of the main reasons to invest in a safe. Another useful feature is water protection if you reside in a moist environment or one of the flood plains. Safes are ETL (Edison Testing Laboratory), and UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed and tested for water and fire resistance. Some of the added protection features that are common include: bolt-down kits, pry-resistant doors, solid-steel construction, anti-drill doors, and anti-fishing baffles.
Keyed Lock
Keys for a safe include the most basic and standard options. Without a combination that you have to remember, these safes are the most simple way for securing your valuables.
Combination Lock
These are locking options that include a 3-number combination (no batteries required).
Keypad/Electronic Lock
The digital-locking systems typically require a 1-to-8 digit password. Some safes also offer multiple-user options.
Biometric
These are the safe that uses fingerprint recognition that provides complete access and control to your safe.
Safe Capacity
The smaller safes are ideal for the storage of items such as spare keys, passports, cash, small collectibles, and jewelry.
Medium to large-sized safes is a better option for the storage of paper documents, hanging folders, larger collectibles, cash drawers, and binders.
Upright and extra-large safes are useful for securing data storage, firearms, and filing paper documents.
Gun Safes
If you own guns, you should be storing them unloaded in a secure gun safe, and ensure that no unauthorized people can gain access to your weapon. If you have a key for the safe, make sure the key is hidden in a secure place that cannot be accessed by children. The ammunition should be removed from your weapons, and stored in a separate location from your guns. Think about the space that you have available for a safe, and the capacity of the safe for long guns and handguns.
To protect your weapons, here are few accessories you can add to your safe:
– A hygrometer that will display the humidity and current temperature along with any recent fluctuations in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
– A dehumidifier will provide more control and help to minimize mildew, dampness, humidity, and condensation.
– Shelving and lights can also complement your gun-storage requirements.
Added Steps To Secure Your Goods
The Lock Boss advises the following additional steps to secure your goods.
– Make sure your safe is always locked when you are not using it.
– Avoid sharing your combination or code or keeping this information near the safe.
– Avoid telling people where your safe is, excepting when you need to alert your local fire department in case of an emergency.
– When possible, conceal or hide your safe.
– Bolt the safe to a wall or floor, which will depend on the safe type you have chosen.