A safe is a secure cabinet with a simple or complex lock used for storing valuables. Items ranging from essential documents and cash to jewellery should be kept securely in a safe to protect them from burglars. In addition to protecting valuables from theft, safes can also protect your valuables from elements such as fire and water.
In this guide, we show you how to buy the right safe.
- Know the size of the safe you require
The valuables you intend to keep in the safe will determine its size. In addition to this, you should also think of how many items you want to store. When buying a safe, it’s important to bear in mind that, over time, the number of valuables you acquire will likely increase. We always recommend purchasing a safe that is slightly larger than what you anticipate you need.
If you intend to secure the safe to the floor, then you will need to consider the surface area required for the base. The installation of a wall and floor safe varies, so you will need to ensure you have the correct amount of space available. We always advise employing a professional (like us) to install your safe, as they will be able to offer you advice and ensure your safe delivers maximum security.
- Know the threats to be secured against
Not all safes are made equal and the type of items you want to store will determine the type of safe that will be best for you. Many safes are designed to not only protect valuables from thieves, but also safeguard against disasters. Homeowners increasingly opt to use a small fireproof safe to store items including photos; passports, birth certificates and other important legal documents. According to reports, fire is the most common cause of asset loss, followed by burglary and then water. The level of protection a safe provides differs greatly. If your main concern is keeping your belongings hidden from burglars, then an underfloor is a safe bet
- Know how much protection you need
Safes provide different levels of protection: standard, medium, high and maximum. Many safes protect your valuables from burglars, but not all will protect against every possible threat.
As we’ve touched on, there are three main things you will typically want to protect against: fire, water damage and theft. Many safes are now made from fireproof materials, meaning that, in the event of a fire, the safe and its contents will remain undamaged. This includes paper documents and cash. However, as firemen move in to hose down your property, your belongings won’t be able to withhold the damage. Of course, cost is a big consideration for many and a balance has to be struck between staying within budget and buying a safe that will cater to your needs. We advise that you buy a safe with just the right degree of protection, depending on the type and value of items you wish to store.
- Consider the safe’s accessibility
The type of lock on the safe you buy will determine both its accessibility and the level of security provided. A simple lock and key mechanism will provide easy access but are more vulnerable.
Locks can be picked by thieves or your keys may be stolen. A biometric lock system, on the other hand, is by far the fastest and safest security method. These locks scan your fingerprint to grant access. While this further protects your items against theft and unauthorised persons gaining access, it could mean that a friend or relative without authorisation won’t be able to access your medication or other belongings in the event of an emergency.
Are you looking to buy the right safe? Our quick guide should point you in the direction of what you need. At Victoria Furnitures, we stock a range of high security safes. For additional advice, reach out to us on email or call/WhatsApp and we’ll talk you through the process of choosing the right safe for your needs.