In Ground Safe Possibly the Most Secure Way To Protect Your Valuables
With the different varieties of home safes on the market, arguably the most secure way to protect your belongings (apart from a GSA approved vault) is to get an in ground safe. These are often used in commercial applications, but home floor safe technology and design has been very popular amongst the homeowners who want to protect their investments and important documents from mishap. It is also a great choice for storage of precious metals and other liquid assets.
Floor safes are typically fire and burglary resistant, and higher-end models offer water resistance as well. The reason for the water-resistance is due to their nature: being installed in the floor, they are susceptible to water damage in case of flooding or broken water pipes. Many people install their home floor safe in the basement, thus making the problem even worse in case of a water-related catastrophe. You do want to be sure that if you're buying a floor type of safe, then be sure it is rated as a fireproof floor safe, and that it provides UL-rated burglary resistance. And remember, if you do buy a fireproof floor safe, that it should also be rated as a water proof floor safe: the water from the firefighting will drain into your safe, destroying paper contents.
Installation of an in ground safe should be performed by a professional, and the best location would be cemented into the floor or foundation. For this reason, planning ahead when renovations or additions to your home or business and coordinating the installation will produce the best result and save the most money. It is possible to install a home floor safe afterwards, but the additional cost of demolition will need to be considered at that point.
For the typical after-market installation, the concrete floor is cut and jack-hammered out. Then a hole is excavated, prepped for re-pouring of new concrete, and then the safe is installed and new concrete is poured. Floor safes work best when installed in concrete, but it's not uncommon to have the home floor safe installed in floating floor homes, between the floor joists.
Two disadvantages of the home floor safe are the installation issues, since aftermarket installations can add a significant amount to the overall price; and the fact that they don't offer very much room in comparison to other types of home safe. Typical construction includes canister-type models, which don't offer as much room as the box-type versions now available. Nonetheless, there are also significant advantages that this type of safe may offer.
Advantages of the In Ground Safe
Security in Disguise
Whether you're buying your floor safe to store your jewelry, documents, extra cash or precious metals, getting an in ground safe is one of your best bets for security. One of the advantages is the fact that they are so easily hidden from view. Wall safes are a bit more popular, as they can install easier, but as such they are also more prone to discovery. If a burglar doesn't know where your safe is, he or she won't be able to exploit it.
The location of the floor safe will lend to this advantage, as you can install it in such a place that a burglar wouldn't be able or want to spend the time searching for it. You can install it under a heavy appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer, or under a book case, or desk. Covering the safe with a carpet or other covering will also mask its whereabouts.
Unlike a stand-alone safe, which may actually invite or provoke a break-in, the in ground safe is not prone to discovery. Above-ground safes, if discovered, offer a thief the benefit of finding the one place in the home where all the valuables are likely kept. This is an enticement to robbery. Of course, the accessibility of the in ground safe is an issue if you plan on accessing it regularly, but even so, cloaking the home floor safe is a breeze compared to other models of safes.
Save Space and Your Valuables
A home floor safe utilizes space that would otherwise be considered "dead space," and uses this space for your benefit. This maximizes both your security as well as your living space, a clear advantage over stand-alone models. In contrast to a wall safe, home floor safes have a larger capacity. More items can be protected. Another concern that is averted with in ground safes is that you can use them to store heavier items than you could with a wall version.
A fireproof floor safe is a great place to store all your paper documents, paper money, and all such important paper goods, because of the added security offered by an in ground strongbox. These safes are made to withstand crushing damage, so in the case of a house fire, with heavy beams potentially falling onto the floor and perhaps even the upper stories collapsing, your safe's contents should be well-protected.
In Ground Safe Buyer's Guide
Buying a safe to protect your valuables requires research and careful planning. Consider the following points when you buy a fireproof floor safe.
1. Does the safe provide you with the space you need? This is important, especially with hidden safes like a home floor safe, since this isn't going to be as spacious as a free standing model safe. Make sure that you can contact the manufacturer and give them a list of your belongings, or at least see the measurements and plan ahead. Of course, there's nothing wrong with buying more than one safe for your home or business, but a budget is a budget!
2. Where will you put it? Sure you'll be making use of dead space in the floor, but you want to make sure you plan ahead to maximize your security benefit. Think about when you'll need to get into the safe if you use it for home, then do you want it in the middle of the living room floor? One of the strong advantages of an in ground safe is the art of concealment, so that wouldn't be the best idea. Another consideration when looking at locations: does the area flood a lot? If so, you may consider a different location so you can still access the contents in case of a mild flood or broken plumbing situation. The best locations are out of sight, dry and little-used rooms in the house.
3. Is it water-tight? Fireproof floor safetheft proofbut is it water-proof? Many people don't think to consider this situation but there's a clear reason why this needs to be addressed. Besides the potential flood, what if there's a plumbing situation that goes awry? A simple broken water pipe while you're on vacation can be disastrous, as the in ground safe is going to act as a water magnet, destroying or damaging your paper goods. Consider also the fact that firemen will douse the flames with water hoses under massive amounts of pressure, so even if your contents aren't burned will they withstand the ravages of flooding?
An alternative to paying for a water-tight safe is to simply enclose your paper goods inside a water-tight bag, inside the safe. Truth be told, however, your best bet is to opt for the water-proof variety of fireproof floor safe.
4. Do you plan to D-I-Y the install, or pay for it? Does the manufacturer include installation for free or discounted cost? Unless you have some engineering and construction experience, then it's best to leave the installation of the in ground safe up to the professionals. An incorrectly installed safe won't offer the same protection, and it may lose some concealment factor as well. Many manufacturers are offering free installation, which would be the best route to go. Doing this type of work yourself will require the use of tools you may need to rent, and if installed improperly you've just wasted your time.
5. Who will know of the combination/password, and the location of your home floor safe? Unfortunately, in business as well as in home security, theft occurs with those "in the know." Be careful to whom you give access to the safe. If installing at a place of business, then it would be best to have an electronic key pad for access in order to monitor the access.
Final tips for buying a home floor safe:
It may be obvious, but stick with reputable manufacturers that have been around to prove their mettle. Buying an off-brand in ground safe is a wasted investment, and you put your own valuables at risk. What sort of warranty is offered? The best manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty. What are others saying about the safe? Before you hop to the big box store to buy a safe, be sure you understand that these often don't meet the industry standards of protection. To be sure you're getting the best in construction, be sure your provider is backed by an independent lab, such as the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL). Also check with consumer reporting agencies and the BBB, before you invest in a so-called fireproof floor safe that puts your goods at risk.
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