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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Invest in a Fireproof Safe
- Advantages of a Fireproof Safe
- Top Fireproof Safes for 2023
- Conclusion
Introduction
Most people have worked hard to accrue all their goals and valuable properties. It can be devastating for you to lose the items you have worked so hard for to a fire or theft.
A fireproof safe is worth the investment because it:
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Lowers insurance costs
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Ensures the safety of your valuable items
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Limits access to its contents
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Gives owners peace of mind
Consider investing in a fireproof safe to keep some of your valuable assets. The benefits of a fireproof safe make it worth the investment!
Why Invest in a Fireproof Safe
A fireproof safe protects your valuables from theft and fire. Choosing the right fireproof safe can also lower the cost of insuring your precious items.
Most conventional safes can only protect your valuables from theft. Some of the features to consider when choosing a fire-resistant safe include:
● Size
● Material used
● Temperature tolerance
● Usage
Size
Consider buying a spacious fireproof safe to accommodate most or all of your valuables. However, your fireproof space should not take up excessive amounts of space where it is installed.
Use a cardboard box to determine how much space you will need in your safe. Place all your valuables inside the box and see how they fit. Use cardboard boxes of different sizes to determine how much internal space is required.
Once you find a box that fits all your items, measure its dimensions in cubic meters to give you an idea of the size of the fireproof safe you need.
Material Used
Conventional safes are usually made of titanium and tin. Although the safes made of these materials are burglarproof, they are not fireproof. Fireproof safes are typically made of vermiculite, insulate, or perlite. These materials are poor conductors of heat and have faster cooling rates. They will keep the interior of your safe cool even when the temperatures outside go as high as 1700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Internal Temperature Tolerance/UL Rating
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rating is the internal temperature of a safe in a specific period. It is measured in degrees Fahrenheit per hour. A fireproof safe with a 350 degrees Fahrenheit per 1-hour rating keeps internal temperatures below 350 degrees Fahrenheit per hour. Such a safe would be suitable for storing paper documents such as:
● Birth certificates
● Stock and Bond certificates
● Cash
● Will
Other fireproof safes are rated at 350 degrees Fahrenheit per 2-hour. They maintain internal temperatures below 350℉ for two hours, increasing the time to recover your valuables. CDs, USB drives, and DVDs burn when temperatures exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Note that, in reality, no safe is completely fireproof because, given enough time at a high temperature, even a rated safe will not be able to protect your valuables. A common rule of thumb is to assume that 10% of the cost of a safe is the cost of your valuables. This article covers relatively cheap safes, with most under $500. Better levels of fireproofing can only be achieved by considerably beefing up the safe, which drives the costs up to $5,000 and more. So, match your safe and its features to your needs carefully.
Advantages of a Fireproof Safe
A fireproof safe comes with benefits. Apart from keeping your valuables safe from burglars, it also increases the chances of recovering them in case of a fire. A fireproof safe gives you peace of mind, knowing your valuables will be safe from theft or fire damage.
Keep Your Valuables and Sensitive Items Safe
Your fireproof safe protects jewelry, financial documents, and vital records like passports. There is a high chance of recovering these valuables even when a fire engulfs your entire property.
Fireproof safes are suitable for the office, too. Many people working in shared offices keep their items in fireproof safes to ensure their safety. Upgrading to a fire safe means you do not have to discard your old safes. The new safe can store all the keys used to operate your other safes. This creates a central point to store and access all your valuable items and safes.
Privacy
A fireproof safe prevents unauthorized access and gives you the peace of mind of knowing your valuables are safe from intruders. In addition, a fire safe prevents sensitive items like firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Having a fireproof safe is a worthwhile investment, especially if you keep firearms in your house.
You can also use a fireproof safe to store poisonous liquids or drugs that may be harmful to kids or pets. Most fireproof safes come with keypads or combination locks. Keeping your password confidential reduces the risk of unauthorized access. You may also choose a key-operated fireproof safe if you prefer.
Lower Insurance Rates
A fireproof safe can lower the cost of insuring your home. A home that has experienced incidents of burglary in the past is considered high-risk property by insurance companies. Therefore, the cost of insuring such property is usually higher. A fireproof safe prevents theft and burglaries, which helps lower your property's insurance cost.
Added Protection
Some conventional safes only protect your valuables from intruders. A fireproof safe protects your items from theft and unforeseen disasters like fire outbreaks. Fireproof safes may also protect your valuables from water damage.
Top Fireproof Safes for 2023
Buying a fireproof safe may not be as easy as it sounds. You must consider the fireproof safe's cost, material, and size. In addition, fireproof safes have ratings that determine their effectiveness in protecting the contents from fire damage. Some safes have higher ratings than others.
1) SentrySafe SFW123GDC Safe:
This is the ultimate burglarproof and fireproof safe. It is capable of enduring a temperature of 1700 ° C for up to an hour. Sentrysafe SFW123GDC safe uses a two-tier locking system to keep your valuables safe. You will need a digital combination number and a locking key to open this safe.
The closing lead features steel live locking bolts. The steel hinges are pry-resistant for maximum protection. In addition, this fireproof safe has interior lighting to improve visibility. An additional lock and key compartment inside the safe allows you to store your most sensitive items.
Some of the useful features of this safe include:
● Pry-resistant door and hinges
● Addition lock and key compartment inside
● Two-tier locking system
● Spacious interior with lighting
On the downside, this safe is:
● Relatively expensive
● Low-quality handles
2) Honeywell Fireproof Safe 2605
This safe is not only fireproof, but it is also waterproof. It has a UL rating of 1 hour with an external temperature tolerance of up to 1700℉. In addition, it has an airtight door with a 100-hour waterproof rating.
This storage unit is ideal for keeping paper documents safe. It is also suitable for storing flash drives, CDs, and DVDs. Other items you can store in the safe include firearms and medication.
Some of the highlights of this safe include:
● Spacious and versatile
● Compact and portable
● Stylish design
● Fireproof and waterproof
On the downside, this safe is:
● Prone to internal condensation
● Its locks and hinges can be compromised.
Easy ordering, low prices, and free shipping at Amazon. Click To Buy.3) Sentrysafe Fireproof Safe SFW123CU
The Sentry Safe SFW123CU is a robust safe designed to shield your essential documents, digital media, and other valuables from unforeseen calamities. Made from alloy steel, this safe promises durability and resilience against potential threats. Its compact design, measuring 11.9"D x 12.6"W x 13.9"H, ensures it fits seamlessly into any space, while its 33.6 liters capacity provides ample room for your belongings.
Key Features of the Safe:
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Fireproof Protection: UL Classified to endure up to 1 hour at 1700°F. This ensures your irreplaceable documents, valuables, DVDs, and USBs remain unscathed even in the face of a raging fire.
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Waterproof Assurance: ETL Verified for 24 hours of protection in water up to 8 inches deep. This feature offers peace of mind, especially in areas prone to flooding.
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Preset Dial Combination Lock: The 3-number preset combination provides over a million possible combinations, ensuring your valuables remain secure. The familiar right-left-right sequence offers ease of use.
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Dependable Security: The safe boasts four live-locking bolts, a pry-resistant hinge bar, and a sturdy steel construction, ensuring maximum security against forced entry.
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Digital Media Protection: ETL verified protection for digital media such as flash drives, CDs, DVDs, and portable hard drives.
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Additional Features: The safe comes with an interior shelf, visual alarm, and is wall and floor mountable. It's also equipped with a knob control for easy access.
Pros:
- Compact and space-efficient design.
- Dual protection against fire and water.
- Sturdy construction with alloy steel.
- Large capacity for its size.
- Reliable combination lock system.
Cons:
- Some users might prefer a digital keypad over a dial combination.
- Weighing 86.3 pounds, it might be heavy for some users to move around.
4) First Alert Fireproof Safe 2096F-BDC
With its compact design, the First Alert safe is spacious to accommodate significant amounts of valuables. This safe allows you to create an 8-digit passcode to keep intruders away. First Alert fireproof safe resists temperatures as high as 1550℉ for half an hour. In addition, it protects valuables from water damage.
A digital keypad grants you access to the safe. Two entry keys are provided in case you forget your password. First Alert Fireproof safe is compact enough to fit in homes, offices, or cars. The stylish black color adds to its aesthetics.
Some of the features you may like about this safe include:
● Strong passcode
● 100% waterproof
● Emergency access keys
● Compact body
What you probably won’t like:
● Plastic lock
● May not fit folders
Easy ordering, low prices, and free shipping at Amazon. Click To Buy.5) Sentrysafe 1170 Fireproof Safe
This 0.61 cubic feet fireproof safe has a UL rating of 1550℉ for up to half an hour. Sentrysafe 1170 safe is ETL certified for protecting data storage materials, including USB drives, DVDs, and CDs. A flat key lock feature keeps the safe shut at all times. In addition, the closing lid holds firmly even during a fire outbreak.
Sentrysafe 1170 safe is 12 inches deep and can fit into narrow spaces. It also has a rugged design to withstand impact from falls or force from blunt objects.
The advantages of this safe include:
● Burglarproof and heat-resistant lock
● Spacious interior
● Rugged and stylish design
The cons include:
● Prone to internal condensation
● No carrying handles
Easy ordering, low prices, and free shipping at Amazon. Click To Buy.
Conclusion
Hard work and dedication have brought you the valuables you cherish today. It's only logical to protect them with the same vigor. Is a fireproof safe worth it? The answer is a resounding yes. From reducing insurance costs to ensuring the safety of your cherished items and providing peace of mind, a fireproof safe is more than just a storage unit; it's a fortress for your assets. Don't leave the safety of your valuables to chance. Invest in a fireproof safe and rest easy, knowing that your prized possessions are shielded from unforeseen calamities.