Frequently Asked Questions about Safes

Purchase a safe based on your purpose for it. If you simply want to protect your important documents, such as wills, passports, deeds, marriage and birth certificates, stocks, and bonds, look for a document fire safe.  Many businesses, however, need to protect computer data and should consider a data safe. On the other hand, if your family or business has jewelry, money, or other valuables, consider a burglar-resistant safe. Once you determine which items you want to place into your safe, think about the external and internal dimensions of safes. Purchase a safe with at least twenty to twenty-five percent more space than you think you will need. There are advantages and disadvantages to a large safe, however. A large safe allows you to store more materials and it is more difficult for a burglar to take, but it is also more expensive and more difficult for you to install.

If you have a fire-resistant safe, you can store your safe almost anywhere; it will resist the fire no matter where it is. Concrete does, however, offer an extra layer of protection, however, so if place your safe within concrete if that is an option. On the other hand, you should give careful consideration to the location of your burglar-resistant safe. To make your safe more secure, you should put it into the wall or place it within the floor; the longer a burglar has to search for your safe, the less time he has to try and break it open before the police arrive. The police, as well as your safe’s manufacturer, may also have helpful advice on where to place your safe. Wherever you place your safe, try and bolt your safe to the floor; otherwise, a burglar may simply take the safe and break into it later. Finally, if you have a large safe, make sure you place your safe somewhere that can support the weight. 

There are a substantial number of safe manufacturers and vendors who offer quality products. Beware of vendors who sell used safes, however, as older safes might not be of the same quality as new safes. Ask vendors whether they offer any sort of warranty, in case your safe is damaged in any way. You should also ask vendors whether they will deliver and install your safe for you. Depending on the size of your safe, this may be unnecessary or it may cost several hundred dollars, but if it is particularly large, you may not want to install a particularly large safe yourself.