If you have to evacuate your house during a fire emergency, you have no choice but to leave everything behind. Having a fire safe can give you peace of mind. It can protect your important documents, keepsakes, and other valuables from the fire. In this post, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about choosing a fire safe.

What You Need to Consider When Choosing a Fire Safe

Here are the factors you need to consider when choosing a fire safe: 

Fire Rating

The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a fire safe is its fire rating. It determines how long your fire safe can withstand a fire before its contents get damaged. 

For instance, a fire safe that’s rated UL 1-Hour Class 350 will keep its internal temperature below 350°F (177°C) for up to 60 minutes while its external temperature reaches up to 1700°F (927°C).  This fire rating is the most common, but other fire safes like the UL 1-Hour Class 125 offer more protection. 

This safe can keep the internal temperature below 125°F (52°C) under the same fire conditions. You can use this to keep digital media like hard drives, thumb drives, and CDs in your safe. 

Size

The next factor to consider when choosing a fire safe is size. The right safe size depends on the size of the valuables you want to protect. 

A few family heirlooms, like jewels, don’t require much space, but once you add gold bars, cash, and documents to the mix, you might want bigger space. We also recommend sizing up if you can since you’ll add items to your safe over time and replacing it in a few years is inconvenient and expensive. 

Type

The third thing you must consider when choosing a fire safe is the kind of safe. The two most common types are freestanding and wall-mounted safes.

As the term implies, a freestanding safe stands on the floor or shelf. It doesn’t require complicated installation because you can just put them down. However, a freestanding safe is less discreet and can be easily located.

On the other hand, wall-mounted safes are installed on a wall. Like in the movies, they’re usually placed behind a mirror or painting, making them more discreet and secure. However, wall-mounted safes are more expensive. They have to be installed by professionals who have to cut walls so they can secure them with bolts. 

Locking Mechanism

The last factor you have to consider when choosing a fire safe is the locking mechanism. The most common locking mechanisms are combination and digital locks.

A digital lock is easier to open and usually has more security features. However, it requires batteries and is more expensive. On the other hand, a combination lock is less expensive and doesn’t require batteries. However, only a locksmith can change the combination, and people with poor eyesight or shaky hands will have difficulty using it.

Protect Your Valuables With the Hero Fireproof Bag

Can’t afford to buy a fire safe yet? Or do you already have one but want extra protection? The Hero Fireproof Bag can help.

The Hero Fireproof Bag is made of fire-resistant materials that can withstand temperatures up to 2,000°F (1093°C). It’s also highly visible at night, heavy-duty, and has a durable zipper, so you can easily locate and rely on it to protect your valuables.

You can get the Hero Fireproof Bag here. 

Conclusion

Whether it’s important documents, jewelry, or cash, protecting your valuables is a must. This is where a fire safe comes in handy. However, not all fire safes are created equal. That’s why you need to consider several factors when choosing a fire safe. So print or bookmark this guide to protect your valuables during fire emergencies.