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We’ve identified the top picks to help protect your valuables during a fire.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Retired FDNY LieutenantJoe Torrillosays the two biggest threats to a residence are fire and flooding.
He also recommends taking note of the fireproof rating of fireproof safes.
Torrillo says at a minimum it should be 30 minutes at 1,550F.
Credit: Amazon
However, both Torrillo and Redmond say that 1,700F for an hour is ideal.
Standard house fires can burn up to 1,700F while wildfires can burn up to 2,000F.
Intertek, which performs the ETL certification, is another fire-resistance testing label to look for when shopping.
Security
The bang out of lock is an important consideration for fireproof safes.
“you’re free to get traditional combinations, key locks, electronic keypads, and biometric scanners.
Each jot down of lock has benefits and drawbacks,” Redmond says.
TheFirst Alert Waterproof and Fire Resistant Safehas a combination lock with a backup key system.
Meanwhile theHoneywell Portable Waterproof and Fireproof Chestuses only a key.
Weight
The weight of the safe is part of its security.
A heavier safe will be more difficult to grab during a robbery than a lighter one.
The weight of safes on our list varies from about 20 pounds up to 217 pounds.
Depending on the number of items you plan to store, the size may not be large enough.
When youopen the safe, an interior light turns on.
The safe stays locked with a key lock.
The size of the safe is smaller than other options on our listit’s only 0.28 cubic feet.
However, that should be enough to hold any legal documents and digital devices like flash drives or DVDs.
There is also a storage area under the lid, which has two straps to hold objects in place.
The combination lock does not contain a backup key.
Plus, the hinges are visible.
It’s also made of alloy steel, a durable construction material for added protection.
The interior of the safe is suitable for those who want to keep their belongings organized.
It contains a top shelf, a drawer, and a place for keys.
The safe weighs 125 pounds, so it will not easily be grabbed in the case of a robbery.
you’ve got the option to also bolt down the safe if you want theadded security.
The locking mechanism is a combination lock, which is suitable if you prefer a simple locking system.
However, it does not include a backup key if you happen to lose the combination code.
The hinges are visible but are considered pry-resistant.
Even though it has a handle for easy carrying, it weighs 40 pounds so it is hefty.
For a small option, Redmond recommended this brand as being another well-regarded and reputable choice.
The safe measures 0.39 cubic feet, giving you plenty of space to store legal-size documents or jewelry.
The locking mechanism only requires a key to open it.
This may not be ideal if you are wanting a more complex system for additional security.
The hanging file system is sold separately.
If you want to keep documents safe and organized, theSentrySafe Fireproof Safe Boxis the best fireproof safe.
It is also waterproof for up to 72 hours immersed in water.
Inside, the fireproof safe can hold up to 40 hanging files (purchased separately).
The locking mechanism is a key, which can be ideal if you want to access items swiftly.
It comes with an additional key for safekeeping in case the first one gets lost.
The lock requires batteries.
With a capacity of 4.71 cubic feet, this extra-largeSentrySafe modeloffers ample storage space.
The safe is ELT Verified fireproof for 30 minutes at 1,400F.
The safe is secured through a digital combination lock that requires batteries for operation.
The brand recommends choosing batteries with expiration dates of 8 to 10 years in the future.
Your Questions, Answered
Are fireproof safes also waterproof?
Not all fireproof safes are waterproof.
You’ll want to look for one that specifically says waterproof to make it protect your valuables.
If possible, select one with an ETL certification for water damage.
What material is best for a fireproof safe?
“The safe should have robust construction, typically made of steel,” Redmond says.
What maintenance is involved with a fireproof safe?
Redmond recommends testing every six to 12 months.
She also advises you to test the batteries if you have purchased one with an electronic lock.
Do you oughta air out the documents every now and then?
It’s especially important to perform this task if you live in an area with a lot of humidity.
