FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
People who want cost-efficiency should not automatically go for the highest security rating. The key is to consider the type of valuable you need to protect, then choose a security rating that is ideal for that range. While security ratings are still subject to personal preference, there are de facto industry standards that can serve as a guideline in conjunction with your insurance company’s specific limitations.
There are also some situations where manufacturers have products that are not rated, but claim to provide similar protection to a specific rating. In cases like these, you can get advice from The Safe Company and we will help you make a wise purchase decision.
When choosing a safe, fire rating is an essential consideration, especially for protecting flammable items like documents, cash, or firearms. The safes we carry are UL-listed and offer various fire ratings to suit your needs, providing reliable protection.
Not necessarily. If a safe is labeled as fire resistant, they are only referring to its ability to resist fire. It does not necessarily mean that they are safe against burglary. You need to consider both the fire rating and the security rating. Additionally, you should avoid products marketed as “fireproof.” There are no consumer safes that are truly fireproof. They are only fire-resistant, meaning they will protect your valuables from fire over a period of time, not indefinitely.
A key thing to note about fire resistant safes is that they protect valuables from heat and smoke, but many of the cheap ones are made of very thin metal that can easily be broken into by simple tools. A material can be fire retardant, but still easily punctured. Some of the cheap fire resistant safes can be opened just by dropping them on a hard surface.
Optical disks, magnetic tapes, films, photos, and other types of important items are very sensitive to heat and humidity/moisture. To protect these types of valuables, you should find a safe that is engineered and designed to keep the internal temperature of the safe to safe levels. These types of safes will prevent both heat and moisture from compromising the contents of the safe. The type of safe that provides this protection is a data/media safe. The best ones can keep the internal temperature below 125 degrees, and the humidity below 85%.
Keep in mind that inexpensive data/media safes don’t offer burglary protection. As a workaround, you can purchase them a small data/media safe with the right kind of protection for your valuables, then store them inside a larger safe that can protect against burglary. Sometimes, this alternative will come out cheaper over buying a more expensive data safe that provides both fire/humidity protection and burglary protection. A dehumidifier can also help to protect against excess moisture inside the safe.
The decision on where to install a safe is made on a case by case basis. Ideally, you should go for something that is “out of sight, out of mind.” But it should also be accessible when you need it. Lighting is also important because you don’t want to have problems with visibility when inputting your combination.
Size of the safe – bigger is always better!! Safes are meant to last and will serve you for years to come. The amount of valuables you need to store in it will only grow. Have an allowance in the size of the safe you think you need and oversize your requirement. We don’t get complaints from people who bought too big of a safe, it’s always the other way around.
Anchor your safe – You need to anchor your safe into the concrete. It doesn’t matter how sturdy your safe is, if a burglar can easily move it, they will take it. Once they take it, they will have all the time and tools they need to get it open.
Don’t tell everyone about your safe – a lot of purportedly secure safes get broken into simply because an owner’s friend, relative, or partner accidentally revealed key information (such as hints to the combination or the combination itself) to others. Keep important information to yourself. We know that purchasing a new safe is exciting, but you don’t need to tell others about it.
Security should be multilayered – don’t depend on just a safe to protect your valuable. Practice other security measures such as installing an alarm.
You get what you pay for – last but not the least, we at The Safe Company know that cost-efficiency is important, but the price shouldn’t be your top priority. A cheap safe will have compromises in quality. If you want the best protection for your valuables, be prepared to spend a little more. Think of it this way, it’s not really that valuable if you want to be cheap about protecting it.
Get Protected Today
Don't be a victim
Stay Protected
with the safe company
Palm Desert
Get Fully Protected!
Products
Services
Reach Us
