For important documents and valuables that need to be kept close at hand a fireproof safe is the next best thing to a safe deposit box at a bank. Whether you need one for a few papers, some jewelry, or to protect your DVD and blue-ray collection there is a safe available to meet your needs.
For the most part fireproof safes all do the same thing. Their differences lie in their size, how long they are rated to be fireproof for, and what degree of internal temperature they are rated to hold at for that timeframe. Typically fireproof safes run between $50 to $2,000 plus dollars depending on size, type, and fire proof ratings. Safes can be purchased from a variety of places both online and at major retailers around the country. It is recommended that if you have special needs or have a great quantity of valuables that going to an online or traditional specialty retailer will allow you to find the best safe to fit your needs.
The most important thing to look at when shopping for a safe is the fireproof rating. You will often find temperature ratings like 1,200 or 1,700 degrees. This means that under these conditions the safe will hold the internal temperature to 350 degrees or less. This is the temperature at with paper is combustible and the typical house fire runs well below 1,200 or 1,700 degrees so there should be little worry about the safety of the contents. However if your protecting media such ad magnetic tapes, DVDs, or any other digital or film product then you will want a specialty safe. They cost a bit more but media specific safes will have the same temperature ratings but are insulated to keep the internal temperatures at 125 degree s or less. If you plan to keep copies of family videos or recordings that are valuable you will want to look into investing in a safe rated for media. If you want to be more discrete about protecting your valuables in case of a fire you can install a fireproof wall safe. For smaller objects like passports and a few important documents like homeowner’s insurance policies or social security cards you need not bother with a large expensive safe. A small fireproof safe will fit your needs and need not cost more than $100 for a high quality safe.
The other important feature to look at when picking out a safe for your self is the hour rating. This is usually posted in the specs of any safe along with the temperature rating. Inexpensive safes found in most major retailers are usually rates at a half hour. Better quality safes have ratings of 1 or 2 hours. If you are trying to protect items that can’t be replaced like jewelry or any types of media then you will want to spend the extra money and look into a safe that is rated for at least an hour, 2 is a much better option for high quality expensive items.
To go with the above tips when shopping for a fireproof safe keep in mind this last one when shopping. If some of the items that you are looking to protect can be easily damaged by water make sure the safe is water proof. Even high quality fireproof safes may not be water proof and it must be stated that they are to ensure your documents are protected. Keep these important things in mind and it will help you ensure you find the safe that fits all your protection needs.