Home safes come in various types like wall-mounted, floor, fireproof, and biometric models, each catering to specific security needs.
Selecting the right size and security level is crucial, with larger safes offering more space but requiring careful installation and higher security levels being essential for more valuable items.
The location of the safe in your home affects its security and accessibility, with places like basements and first-floor closets being ideal.
76% of Americans use some kind of security measure to protect their home.
About 60% of convicted burglars say the presence of an alarm would steer them to a different home to burglarize.
Property crime occurs nearly 5 times more often than violent crime. A total of 6.45 million property crimes were reported across the U.S. in 2020.
In 2019, there were an estimated 6,925,677 property crime offenses in the nation. Larceny-theft accounted for 73.4% of all property crimes, with burglary accounting for 16.1%.[1]
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) offers over 200 types of security containers, including safes and vaults, for storing valuables like money. Since 2012, only GSA-approved containers are permitted for storing classified information, emphasizing the importance of certified safe standards for home use.[2]
Home security is a growing concern for many, and one of the key aspects of securing and safely managing your money and valuables at home is choosing the right safe. Home safes come in a variety of types and sizes, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. It is important to research the type of safe that best suits your needs before purchasing.
In this guide, we'll explore the different types of safes to keep money at home, highlighting their features and benefits and providing some essential statistics and facts to give you a clearer understanding of home security trends.
To be smart about your money safety at home, choosing the right type of home safe is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your valuables. The GSA has only permitted GSA-approved containers (safes and vaults) to store classified information since 2012, emphasizing the importance of certified safe standards for home use.[2] Let's explore the various options available, each designed to meet specific needs and circumstances.
Wall safes are a popular choice for many homeowners. They are secured to the wall studs, making them difficult for burglars to remove. A well-hidden wall safe, perhaps behind the artwork, adds an extra layer of security by being out of sight.
Floor safes offer a high level of security as they are embedded into concrete floors. Their placement makes them nearly impossible to remove without specialized tools. Additionally, they can be concealed under furniture or rugs, making them even harder to detect.
Fire safes are designed to protect your valuables in the extreme conditions of a fire. They come with various ratings for flame resistance, ensuring that your important documents and cash remain secure even in high temperatures.
Biometric safes are among the most secure, using retinal or fingerprint scans to allow access. They are quick to open and eliminate the need to remember a code or carry a key. Keypad safes, on the other hand, use a digital code for access. These can be changed as needed, providing flexibility and security.
Portable safes offer the advantage of mobility. While they may not be as secure as permanent safes, they are a good option for those who need to move their valuables frequently.
The home security systems market was valued at nearly $61.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to exceed $112.2 billion by 2030
A home safe is a secure lockable box used for securing valuable objects against theft or damage. A wide range of safes are available, tailored to different needs—be it protecting against burglary, fire, water damage, or a combination of these. The diversity of home safes means that there's a solution for almost every requirement, whether it's a solid steel safe with biometric locking for expensive jewelry or a water-resistant model for crucial documents.
Home safes help to protect valuable items against theft, fire, and water damage. The number of property crime offenses in 2019 is estimated at 6,925,677. The majority of property crimes are thefts, accounting for 73.4%, followed by burglaries, which account for 16.1%.[1] Here are some of the key benefits of keeping a home safe:
One-Time Investment: Unlike renting a safe deposit box at a bank, which typically involves recurring fees, purchasing a home safe is a one-time expense. This makes it a cost-effective option for long-term security of your valuables.
Protection Against Theft: Home safes are essential for safeguarding valuable items from theft. They provide a secure place to store heirlooms, cash, jewelry, and other high-value items, ensuring peace of mind in case of a break-in.
Security Against Environmental Hazards: Homes are vulnerable to environmental disasters like earthquakes and floods. Home safes offer a degree of protection against such events, preventing loss or damage to valuable documents and possessions. They also offer secure storage for firearms, keeping them out of reach of children and ensuring family safety.
Peace Of Mind: Storing important documents like passports, birth certificates, and legal papers in a home safe prevents the hassle and worry associated with losing them. Knowing that your important items are securely stored at home offers a sense of security and peace of mind.
Protection For A Range Of Valuables: Home safes are versatile in what they can protect. From documents to electronics, firearms, and jewelry, safes offer a secure solution to protect a variety of items from theft, fire, or water damage.
Convenience And Accessibility: Having a safe in your home offers the convenience of easy access to your valuables. Whether it's a standalone safe, floor safe, or wall safe, you can choose a location that suits your needs and lifestyle.
A study by the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, found that 83% of burglars check for an alarm before attempting a burglary, and 60% would choose an alternative target if an alarm is present.
Buying a home safe is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration. We'll guide you through the key factors to consider, helping you choose the perfect safe for your needs.
The size, capacity, and weight of the safe are crucial factors to consider. It's advisable to opt for a slightly larger safe than currently needed, as most people underestimate their future requirements for safe capacity. However, a large safe can be more expensive and difficult to install, and its heavyweight might cause issues with delivery and installation, especially if the home construction doesn’t meet the requirements for such a safe. The interior size of the safe, measured in cubic feet, is what determines its storage capacity. It’s important to remember that a safe's exterior dimensions do not accurately reflect its internal storage capacity due to varying thicknesses of the doors and walls.
The security level of a safe is primarily determined by its burglary rating. These ratings, such as B-Rate, B/C-Rate, UL RSC, C-Rate, UL TL-15, UL TL-30, UL TL-30X6, and UL TRTL-30X6, indicate the level of security, with higher ratings offering more robust protection against burglaries. It’s important to balance the cost of the safe with the value of its contents; a more secure safe will naturally be more expensive. For contents with high value, it's advisable to consider safes with combined burglar and fire ratings, known as composite safes, which offer protection against both fire and burglary.
Choosing the right location for your safe is as important as selecting the safe itself. The location should balance between being hidden and easily accessible. Large and heavy safes might not be suitable for upper floors due to structural limitations. The ideal locations are usually the garage, basement, or a closet on the first floor. However, environmental factors like humidity and potential exposure to fire or moisture should also be considered.
While fireproof safes are effective in protecting paper documents and small amounts of cash from heat and smoke damage, they are not the best choice for storing high-value contents like large amounts of cash, jewelry, or precious metals. These safes are constructed with thinner metal, making them more vulnerable to burglary attacks. For high-value items, burglar fire safes or high-security safes that offer both fire and burglary protection are more suitable.
When considering a home safe, it's essential to align the investment with the value and nature of the items you intend to protect. Factors like size, security level, installation location, and the trade-off between quick access and maximum protection play a significant role in this decision. This comprehensive approach ensures that your valuables are not only secure but also accessible according to your needs.
We've answered some of the most common questions about safes to keep money at home to help you gain a more clear understanding of this.
There are various types of home safes, including wall-mounted, floor, fireproof, waterproof, and safes with biometric or keypad locks. Each caters to different security needs.
Consider future needs and the type of items you'll store. Opt for a safe slightly larger than your current requirements, and remember to check both interior and exterior dimensions for fit and capacity.
The level of security depends on the valuables you're protecting. Evaluate the burglary ratings and choose a safe that offers adequate protection for your most valuable items.
Ideal locations are usually the garage, basement, or a closet on the first floor. Consider factors like accessibility, environmental conditions, and structural support of your home.
Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners insurance for properties with secure home safes, especially those with advanced security features.
Many home safes offer fire and water resistance to varying degrees. Check the specific ratings of a safe to ensure it meets your requirements for fire and water protection.
The choice of safes to keep money at home depends on various factors, including the level of security needed, the type of valuables to be stored, and personal preferences for access methods. With the growing market and effectiveness of home security systems, investing in a suitable safe is a wise decision for protecting your valuables. Remember, the right safe not only secures your belongings but can also contribute to overall home security and lower insurance costs.
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