Tips to Choose the Right Safe in Vancouver, BC

Choosing the Right Safe

Deciding on a safe is something to be done carefully, because you need to find one that effectively protects your valuables and sensitive documents, not only from theft but also from damage. It isn’t necessarily an easy process, because the home safe selection on today’s market is vast and varied. How do you choose between all of the available safes, with their wide range of features and benefits? Accurate Security has some advice on choosing a safe, with tips on the important factors to consider when you’re safe shopping.

What Will You Store In Your Safe?

The items you’re storing factor into the type of safe you’ll need. For instance, for people who need to protect important documents like wills and deeds, a fireproof safe is the best option. Fireproof safes are designed to stand up to high temperatures and protect your documents in the event of a fire. If the safe is being purchased to store jewellery and other valuables, it is probably better to choose one that’s burglar-resistant, designed to withstand forced entry, and protect its contents.

How Large Does Your Safe Need to Be?

Picking the right size safe is important, and this can be determined by thinking about the size and number of items you plan to store. If you are storing a few important documents, for instance, you won’t need as big of a safe as if you plan to store a large jewellery collection. Make sure you choose a safe that is the right size to store your items and fit into your space.

Carefully Consider the Lock Type

There are several different types of locking mechanisms, and this is an important factor to consider. If you want quick access, a combination lock is a good option, but if you need something more secure, a key lock will do a better job of keeping your items safe. There are also fingerprint identification locks, and the type of lock you choose depends on the level of security you require. Most homeowners choose a combination lock because keys can be stolen or lost.

Is the Look of Your Safe Important?

Whether you are choosing a safe for your home or office, think about where you will be keeping it. Is it going to be a permanent safe or do you need something portable that can be tucked away? If your safe will be permanently attached to the floor in an area where it can be seen, you will want to choose a higher-quality paint finish and more attractive dials than if it’s going to be tucked away and hidden from view. If you are a renter, having a portable safe is more important than choosing one that is aesthetically pleasing.

Consider the Construction

One of the more important factors to consider when shopping for a safe is the material from which it is constructed. A safe should be made of heavy-duty steel or similar, durable materials. Additionally, the door should be thick, with a locking mechanism that is difficult to bypass. For additional security, look for a safe with multiple locking points.

Think About the Protection You Will Need

There are many different protection options available, and finding the one that’s right for you means assessing your security goals. Once you know how much protection you want, carefully consider the UL rating. UL ratings for safes indicate how easy a safe is to break into with tools, explosives, and or torches, and the higher the number, the more secure the safe. Types of protection include burglary protection, fire protection, and water protection.

Burglary protection: UL ratings for burglary resistance take into account the ease of entrance into the safe using tools, explosives, or torches. The thickness of the steel matters too, because a thick steel safe will be difficult for a thief to carry away.
Fire resistance: Generally the primary concern for homeowners, fire resistance is rated according to the temperature a safe can withstand and the amount of time it can withstand it. The typical residential safe can withstand 30 minutes of intense heat before it must be removed or the fire extinguished.
Water resistance: This is an added feature of residential safes, and most safes automatically have some level of water resistance. If you are concerned about the safe being able to survive a flood, choose a model designed to withstand being submerged.

How Much Safe Can You Afford?

While a top-of-the-line safe might be the one you are eyeing, it is not necessarily the one you need. Look for a safe that meets your needs without breaking your budget. Prices vary based on the size and features of the safe, and a safe does not need to be exceedingly expensive to protect your valuables.

Expert Advice and Secure Safes

When you need a safe, let us help you find the right one to meet your needs. Since 1968, Accurate Security has served homes and businesses in the Lower Mainland, and we’re the Greater Vancouver area’s premier choice for safety and security. One of the few family businesses left in the industry, Accurate Security was founded by Mark Oljaca and is now led by his son, Tony Oljaca. From our beginnings as a single locksmith store, we have expanded to seven different locations, offering a wide range of products and services beyond and including locksmithing. Our nearly 70 employees have vast knowledge and expertise, and we are committed to the safety and security of our customers. Providing a complete range of safety and security systems, various products, and state-of-the-art services, we provide prompt and professional services that ensure you never have to feel unsafe in your home or workplace again. For a free security screening or to learn more about all we have to offer, get in touch with our seasoned team by calling 604.777.3888 or contacting us through our website.