We all have valuables that we wish to keep safe, varying from critical documents that we don’t want to see end up in the wrong hands to family heirlooms and treasures.
Subject to unfortunate events such as residential break-ins, floods, fires or any other natural disaster, a fireproof home safe can aid in safeguarding these precious items. With a few simple investments, there will be no need to panic about your imperative articles if, at any chance, you get seized in a situation that may harm, threaten or even destroy your home.
But where is the best place to install a safe to keep your prized possessions? Deciding the best place to install your home safes is not the easiest decision to make. Due to convenience, security and protection, you may want to compromise on various fronts. There may be instances where you desire to keep your heirlooms or important documents close at hand, but on the flip side, you want to ensure that they are protected from danger as much as possible.
Here are a few indications for safer places to install your home safe to shield your valuable belongings from burglary, fire and floods:
In Case of Burglary
With Australia having the 7th highest rate of burglaries globally, a significant threat to your property is theft. The most common place for a safe to be installed is in a master bedroom wardrobe. Although, since it is a regular place to install a safe, it may be one of the first places a burglar may inspect. A great alternative is to install your home safe in a coat cupboard or a guest bedroom wardrobe. Low traffic areas are generally out of plain sight and are your best bet for burglary defence.
However, if you are one who prefers having a safe in your master suite, experts suggest bolting the safe down and concealing it out of view. For instance, building false walls or cabinetry around the safe to blend it in with the rest of your wardrobe is ideal.
It is recommended to invest in a safe that has a combination lock designed to provide maximum protection against any common mechanical and electrical hand tools.
In Case of Fire
Particularly for areas in Australia that are further away from metropolitan areas, bushfires are of considerable concern during the summer months. Fires are the second most significant threat to your valuables.
For safekeeping of your valuables, it is suggested to install your home safe on the inner corner of two exterior walls. In the event of a fire, these walls within your home remain the coolest.
Home safes should also be kept on the first floor of your home. When fires occur, the heat from the flames rises. If your safe is installed upstairs, it will be exposed to excessive temperatures. In addition, when a fire is extreme enough, a heavy safe installed on the top floor may plummet down to the level below. Nonetheless, if you live in an apartment or have to install your home safe upstairs, install it within range of a sprinkler if you have been supplied with an emergency system.
In Case of Flooding
It is essential to install your home safe in an ideal location, especially if you live in flood-prone areas or near beaches and rivers. The higher you can install your safe above the ground, the greater it is in order to avoid any flood damage to your safe.
In areas that flood frequently, reputable safe installers recommend establishing a concrete or steel base to support the safe. The base should be more than half a metre off the floor and harboured to the structural foundations of the house. To further protect any important documents, photos or electronics in your safe from flood damage, storing them away in a waterproof container is favourable.
Where NOT To Install Your Safe
An inadequate place to keep your safe is in your garage. A safe in a garage has a higher marginal risk for burglary, fires and flooding.
Since your garage door is usually opened multiple times a day, any cars or outsiders passing by will be able to see your safe from the street, enticing burglars. Fires often arise and spread uncontrollably in garages where highly flammable equipment is stored, such as petrol, lawnmowers, cars and other hazardous chemicals. Many garages are also built somewhat below the rest of the elevation of homes, connoting that garages are the first to see the detrimental effects of flooding.
Nonetheless, if the garage is the only space in your home where you can install your safe, professionals highly recommend bolting it down and hiding it from plain view.
Ready To Get Your Safe Installed? Contact A Reputable Safe Installer Today!
Investing in a safe is very beneficial for your home in the occurrence of such unfortunate circumstances.
From new commercial safes and key safes to second hand safes, reputable safe installers can advise you on the best safe to fulfil your specific needs and will be able to recommend an ideal safe installation spot. You can trust that your safe will be installed by highly experienced safe experts.
