If you have valuables, such as gold, you want to store them in a safe. After doing some research, you’ve realised that a standard safe won’t do. Yes, it might foil burglars, but you could still lose it all if a fire breaks out. That’s caused you to wonder about getting a fireproof safe. Let’s go over what to look for in a fireproof safe.
Fireproof Rating
You probably want to know, “Do fireproof safes work?” They do, but you have to choose one that can withstand intense temperatures. If you choose a fireproof safe with a low rating, it won’t protect your gold and other valuables if a fire breaks out. Look at the UL rating before choosing a fire safe. The rating consists of two numbers that indicate how your safe will perform in a fire.
Assume a fireproof safe has a rating of 350, 1 hour. That means that the internal temperature will be less than 350 degrees Celsius for at least an hour during a fire. Consider what you are storing when choosing the fireproof rating. For example, Documents can resist up to 230 degrees but may perish if exposed to a higher heat.
Cash Rating
Safes also have a cash rating. This refers to the level of security the safe provides. The cash rating is essentially the amount an insurance company would cover for the items kept in a safe. The higher the rating, the more secure the safe is. Remember that some fireproof safes are only meant to protect documents in case of a fire. These safes do not have high cash ratings, so do your research and find one that will protect your valuables.
And while the cost of the safe may set you back, it must also be considered the cost of insuring and of securing the safe within your home or workplace.
Waterproofing
When considering what to look for in a fireproof safe, waterproofing is probably the last thing on your mind. However, waterproofing is critical for a fireproof safe. First, Australian homes see their fair share of floods, so that’s a cause for concern. Second, if there’s a fire, water will be used to put it out. You don’t want that water to get into your safe. While most fireproof safes are waterproof, do your due diligence before selecting one. It would be a shame to get a highly rated fireproof safe, only to find out that water leaks into it.
The Cost
When going over what to look for in a fireproof safe, you also need to consider the cost. Midrange fireproof safes generally cost around $3,500, but you can spend much more. Be wary of getting a cheap safe. It might not hold up during an intense fire. And while the cost of the safe may set you back, it must also be considered the cost of insuring and of securing the safe within your home or workplace.
Choosing a Spot for the Safe
Even if you buy the best fireproof safe in all of Australia, you need to be mindful of where you put it. Thieves are getting smarter and smarter, and if they see a safe, they will try to find a way to break into it. The more accessible it is the more noticeable it will be. Although costly, securing a safe within flooring or a wall is a popular method.
Are Safe Deposit Boxes Fireproof?
Guardian Vault’s Safe Deposit Boxes are fireproof and water-resistant. When considering the cost of the safe, securing it and insuring it, Safe Deposit Boxes can provide a cost effective option. If you want to keep your valuables safe without the stress of hiding your safe or paying top dollar, consider using Guardian Vaults.
