How to Pick a Fireproof Safe

Determine how much space you’ll need. Gather everything you intend to keep in the safe. Measure how many cubic feet the items require. Leave some room for growth so you don’t have to purchase a new unit in a few years.

Understand the rating system. In most cases, fireproof safes are rated based on the highest internal temperature that the safe will tolerate during a fire. For example, standard document safes can reach up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit inside, while high-end media safes will only reach 125 degrees F. The lower the temperature, the higher the cost in most cases.

Go over what you’ll be storing. For example, if you only plan to keep documents such as birth certificates or financial records in the safe, a standard fireproof document safe will work. Choose a safe labeled for media storage for Items such as CDs, computer programs, movies or other types of media as these have a higher fireproof rating.

Decide what type of lock you want. There are three basic options when it comes to fireproof safes: key, electronic, and combination.

Choose a location in your home for the safe. Some fireproof safes are freestanding, while others need to be bolted to the floor. You may also opt to place the safe in a wall in your home. Ensure that your floor can handle the weight of a very large safe.

Research safes that meet your requirements and that are in your price range, via the Internet or a home improvement store. Always look for products that are rated by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Budget carefully to ensure you get the safe that suits your needs as an inexpensive fireproof safe often will not sufficiently protect your valuables.