Safes

A Safe For Every Home And Business

 

Priority Security List Line Item One

 

At the top of your priority list is securing your valuables.

 

A common argument confidently states that if someone wants in bad enough they will get in. This is true in a limited sense. Hardening the target (your stuff) goes a long way to re-directing the would be robber or burglar to a softer target (other people’s stuff). Properly installed safes with the correct rating keep your valuable assets safe and secure.

 

Getting Started With Your Safe

 

All safes are NOT created equal. Understanding the differences between fire safes and burglary-rated safes is crucial when choosing the right one for your needs.

 

Fire Rated Safes

 

Fire safes are specifically designed to protect the contents from fire-related damage. They are constructed with fire-resistant materials and insulation. Layers of gypsum or ceramic provide insulation against high temperatures. Most fire safes excel at safeguarding documents, electronic media, and other sensitive materials from fire. But they do not offer the same level of protection against burglary attempts. Fire safes have thinner walls (think thin sheet metal) and lack security features necessary to withstand forced entry or sophisticated attacks.

 

Burglary Rated Safes

 

Burglary rated safes are built with a focus on protecting valuables from theft and unauthorized access. These safes are constructed with solid steel and fortified with additional layers of security. Thicker reinforced doors, anti-drill plates, and advanced locking mechanisms are standard for quality burglary-rated safes. They are designed to resist attacks from tools, manipulation, and various forms of forced entry attempts. They offer a higher level of security for cash, jewelry, firearms, and other valuable items.

 

Combo Burglary-Fire Safes

 

Combination Burglary and Fire safes are available. There is always a trade-off in quality. The steel walls are generally thicker than the simple fire safe, but thinner than a standard burglary rated safe. Product weight considerations limit the amount of both steel and fire-proofing materials.

 

Safe Installation

 

Choosing the right safe is important. Proper installation is equally essential. A safe is only as secure as its installation allows. As a general rule any safe that weighs less than 550lbs benefits from anchoring it down.

 

Improper installation can undermine the security features and compromise the effectiveness of the safe. It is crucial to have a professional locksmith or safe technician handle the installation. The safe must be securely anchored to the floor or strong wall. This prevents easy removal or tampering. It also involves placing the safe in a location which provides limited visibility and where it is not easily accessible to potential intruders. By investing in proper installation, you maximize the effectiveness of your safe and protect your valuables with the highest level of security.

 

The Solution – Secure it with a phone call to ApexAccess

 

The master locksmiths and safesmiths at ApexAccess strive to ensure that each of our clients are aware of the ramifications of certain security decisions. This includes the purchase of a safe. We are happy discuss other layers of protection within the overarching goal of hardening the target – your home or business – to increase your odds that the bad guys will keep on walking by.

 

See also our article on the importance of safe lock servicing.