When it comes to purchases, there are those made on impulse and those that are planned. Candy bars and chapstick? They fall in the former category. Home security products like safes? They definitely require more thought.
If you’re shopping for a new safe, you have to ask yourself the right questions to determine which one is right for you. What is the value of the items you’ll be storing? How often are you away from home? What fire protection do you need? Let’s cover all of the factors to consider before you make your planned purchase of a home safe.
1. Content Value
What is the value of the items you’ll be storing in your home safe? If it’s under $3,000 (e.g. cheaper jewelry, small amounts of cash), you can probably go with a lower security rating than if the contents are worth more than $10,000 (e.g. expensive firearms).
2. Security Level
What is your goal when it comes to securing items in your safe? Do you just need basic protection to keep firearms away from children? Or do you need increased security against potential thieves and burglars? Security levels range from 1 to 8, so make sure you choose the one that meets your needs.
3. Time Away from Home
How often is your home empty? If someone is home most of the time, you might not need as much security as someone who is traveling for days or weeks at a time. Even if there are long hours during the day when no one is home, it might be a wise idea to adjust your home safe investments accordingly.
4. Fire Protection
All homes are at risk of fire damage, but some are more so than others. If you live in an area with a higher risk of fire hazards, you might want to invest in the best fire protection possible.
5. Item Sizes
How big are the items you’ll be storing in your safe? Small items like passports and jewelry don’t require much room, but firearms and other valuable items may need a significant amount of space. Make sure the place where you’ll be storing your safe is big enough, too.
6. Extra Features
Not all safes are the same; some have advanced features that might appeal to you. There are different types of access points (e.g. key, keypad, thumbprint, etc.) and safety features in the safe itself (e.g. reinforced locks, heavy-duty frames, etc.).
7. Warranty
Home safes can be significant investments, so you’ll also have to consider whether you want the peace of mind that comes with a warranty. Ask your safe expert about whether the safe you’re purchasing has a warranty or not.
Have questions about which home safe you should buy? Contact the A-1 Locksmith experts at 877-374-3450 today.