Guidelines for Selecting a Safe

by Matt Solis

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Originally written by Blaine Lucas of Foothill Locksmiths, Inc.

If you’re shopping for a safe in which to store your valuables, keep in mind that the level of protection a safe provides depends on several attributes. Here are some important ones to look for:

Fire resistance
There’s no such thing as a fireproof safe, but you do want one that’s fire-resistant. Look for the certification label on the inside of the safe door.

Security rating
Not all safes are rated for their strength and resistance, but yours should be. Talk to a security specialist to find out which security rating best fits your needs.

Fixed installation
Check if the safe can be bolted down—in the case of a burglary, you don’t want someone to be able to haul it away. Plus, larger safes can be top-heavy, which is a safety issue if they aren’t bolted down.

Burglary protection
Check to see what burglary protection the safe provides. Does it have a re-locker that double-locks the safe in the instance of a brute force attack? Does it have drill and hinge protection?

Size
Always buy a safe that’s a little larger than you currently need. People often purchase a safe to store a specific number of valuables but later realize they have additional items to store. Plus, your needs are likely to change in the future, especially as you acquire more valuables, so it’s best to be proactive about your safe investment.

Ease of use
A safe that’s easy to use is more likely to be used.

Combination possibilities
Many safes have a four-digit code, which only provides 10,000 possible combinations. A better bet is to get a safe with a six-digit code, which gives you one million possible combinations.

Manufacturer
Get to know the brand of the safe and familiarize yourself with the warranty and service options, which will be beneficial if you need further assistance down the road. Always inquire about delivery, installation and any possible future service needs. By selecting an informed, high-quality provider, you’ll have a better experience owning the safe.

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