Unfortunately, you can never predict when a disaster will strike. House fires or floods are not something we expect to happen. However, you can take some measures to avoid the destructive impact of these situations. You might have some valuables and important documents that you want to protect in case of an emergency. So, you may be wondering what is the best way to protect valuables in your home or office. In case of fire, your documents are the most vulnerable as they burn easily. One of the best options to ensure they are secure is to get a fireproof safe. Before choosing which of the fire-resistant safes to buy, it would be beneficial to find out about safe fire ratings. This will certainly help you understand how long different ratings of safes can protect your documents.
If you’re unsure what type of safe to choose and have some unanswered questions, you might want to consider consulting with a professional. Sure Lock & Key is always ready to answer any questions. Also, we’ll gladly assist you with safe installation, if you so desire.
How do you protect a paper document
Getting a fireproof safe is not just a decision you make to put another tick on your “must-have” list. It can actually save some of your important documents from getting destroyed. Many people don’t pay much attention to how they can keep their important documents safe from fire or theft. Probably the most common reason is that it is not considered a financial priority. However, depending on the importance and necessity of a person's personal documents, such a decision can lead to potentially unfortunate and irreversible consequences. Therefore it would probably be wise to seriously consider the importance of safety regarding your personal documents. You might consider installing a home fireproof safe box.
To make the most of your safe, you’ll need to take into consideration the fire rating and the location you install it, as well. If you want to learn more about fireproof safes and recommended locations for installation, please keep reading.
Need more information?
Call us to get a free quote
Do fireproof safes protect paper
If you are wondering whether or not fireproof safes actually protect paper - the answer is simple – yes, they do. However, to bust any myths, we have to say that the standard safe is capable of protecting any valuables contained within for up to 120 minutes. Moreover, it depends on what exactly you want to store inside. We separated the typical kinds of items stored in a safe into three main categories:
- Paper documents: Passports, official certificates, car license, home related documents, etc. To protect such items, you need a safe capable of withstanding 350 degrees F or more.
- Digital media: Flashcards, CDs, DVDs, USBs, cables, etc. With these kinds of items the criteria actually needs a lower temperature. It would be best if you had a safe with a 238 degrees F protection capability.
- SSDs, computer backups, internal hard drives, tapes, etc. These items also require a lower temperature threshold. If you are looking for a safe to protect such valuables, you’ll need one that can withstand 150 degrees F or more. If you want to store a combination of items from different categories, it's best to look for the one with the highest temperature threshold. However, pay attention to the time limit. Even the most expensive safe can get seriously damaged during a prolonged fire. Make sure you take all the precautionary measures and of course if you can call the firefighters immediately.
Where is the place to put a fireproof safe
Fire is the second biggest threat to your valuables after burglary. Even if this type of house safe has a strong fire resistance, it won't be of much use if you don’t find the right location for it. Everything depends on the structure of the house and the safe’s size, but generally speaking, there are some places where the safe will only be affected by minor damage and in some cases remain totally intact.
The ground floor is the best place for the safe in a multi-level house. It’s also good to have the safe within the fire sprinkler’s range. If you have an emergency system, you have more of a chance to stop the fire. Also, remember that a corner where two outside walls meet is a secure place for the safe. If it’s a small safe, you can put it on a shelf against the wall or hide it under the floor. Wherever it is, ensure that the place you choose for the fireproof safe is as far away as possible from a potentially dangerous spot, where fires might start in the home.
Need more information?
Call us to get a free quote
The best fireproof document safe
Most people compare several models to find the best one. That's why it’s essential to make sure you have the most updated information. As a company that strives to provide our customers with all their Locksmith and Security needs we have prepared for you a list of what we have found to be the best fireproof safes available on the market today:
- SentrySafe is a waterproof and fireproof safe. This model is capable of protecting documents against fire for 60 minutes in a temperature of up to 1700 degrees F. It is equipped with a digital keypad and a mechanical key for additional protection. Even after a 15-foot drop, it will remain closed. The pry-resistant hinge bar won’t break even if someone uses explosives.
- SentrySafe fireproof box with key lock: A compact and budget-friendly safe, it has a lower temperature threshold (1550 degrees F instead of 1700) and can keep your documents safe for up to 30 minutes. It has a mechanical lock that opens with a flat key. The built-in carrying handle allows you to grab it and easily transport it.
- Sports Afield Sanctuary Platinum Series: This 11,25 inches tall safe has a double-duty construction that lasts up to 60 minutes in at the 1800 F degree temperature level. This fireproof safe is great for protecting your belongings against smoke. Also, an audible tamper alarm informs you whether someone attempts to break the lock and steal the contents. Also, there is no need to carry the mechanical key due to the electronic lock.
- The Honeywell 1108 Fire/Water Large Fire Chest: A sizeable 84-pound box which can protect documents for an hour at 1700 F degrees and has enough space to keep your things organized. However, its size could be a disadvantage because it might be hard to choose a place for this model. A safe installation is a process that requires time, and the person doing it must have the skills and knowledge to do it correctly and efficiently. If you are unsure that you can do it yourself, you can always use safe locksmith services.
Summing up
Emergencies, such as fires, can happen when you least expect them. Documents can easily catch fire and be severely damaged beyond repair. That’s why a fireproof safe for documents is vital for those who need to ensure the safety of their important documents. Installing it yourself might be problematic, which is why it’s best to ask a professional for help. Sure Lock & Key might be an excellent option for your needs! Each member of our team is fully trained and skilled in all aspects of Locksmithing and Security. We are ready to serve our clients 24 hours a day throughout the year. If you have any security related issues please give us a call. After all, it’s our job and we love what we do.
