Safes – Fire and Burglar Resistant

Fire and Burglar Resistant Safes

This is a fascinating category of products. Why? Because there are so many different models, types, and price points. There is a product for everyone, that is for sure. However, the average homeowner will have much better luck purchasing a fire safe than one that will foil a burglar. The reason for this is the cost of the real burglar resistant safes. The large, top of the line models that will really keep your items safe can cost in excess of $15,000! My guess is that you will pay an additional $1,000 just to get the darn thing into your house! These are for the wealthy or those who just hit the $30 million lottery...... The rest of us should depend on bank vault safe deposit boxes for our most valuable and treasured objects.

You may be able to find a small burglar safe that you can somehow hide in your house, but remember, professional burglars will very likely be able to find the location. They often know where to look. Also, if you choose to store valuables, keep in mind that burglars don't have to break into the safes at your home. If they can be lifted and carried away, the safe that is, the burglar will take the safe to his house and open it there. Small home safes need to be encapsulated in masonry or made very heavy so the burglar must work and make noise at your home to gain entry.

Fire resistant safes are another story. Many of these products are quite affordable and come with test certifications that should give you a great sense of security. The trick in my opinion is to store these things low in your house. Fires tend to produce heat and heat rises. I would not put my fire safe in an attic. I would also not store it on the basement floor or near the floor. Flooding or 4 feet of fire hose water in a basement can ruin a fire storage box that is not water tight or the water seal has been damaged by the heat of the fire. I would build a 4 foot high pedestal from concrete block and set the fire safe on top. I would then surround the fire safe with 4 inches of solid masonry to act as a heat sink. This sounds like overkill, I know, but I have seen fire ravaged houses. I have also seen flooded basements. If this is too much work, then I guess you better get a large safe deposit box...that is if one is available......

Call the listed manufacturers and ask for product literature. I would also ask for any and all other literature about testing procedures and comparisons to similar products. You will be amazed at the color literature you receive!

Last Word On Burglar Resistant Safes

The price range for burglar resistant safes ranges from $300 to more than $15,000. The low cost models are undoubtedly well made. But I want you to use common sense. If a burglar can lift, roll, transport your safe from your house, do you think he will succeed in opening it?

If you want REAL security in your own home, you are going to have to pay for it. This means a well made, heavy safe that can't be easily moved!

Related Articles: Fire and Burglar Safes, Document Storage Tips, Safe Purchasing Guidelines, Selecting a Safe

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