In a perfect world, there would be no need for safes to exist. But thieves, floods, fires and carelessness can visit every home. Everyone has crucial items that would be difficult or impossible to replace in the event of a disaster: birth certificates, divorce decrees, passports, family heirlooms, old photographs, the extra set of keys…
For things you need easy access to, a fireproof document safe can make more sense than an off-site security deposit box. With a fireproof safe at your Ventura County home, you can access original copies of crucial documents like insurance papers and passports immediately, not just during the bank’s business hours.
We at PRC Inc. want you to consider your needs: fire resistant, locking mechanism, discreet, large enough to hold 8½-by-11-inch sheets of paper without you having to fold them.
If you are primarily concerned about protection against fire and water damage, then look at safes based on their rated duration of fire resistance, which will usually be an hour or so, but can reach up to and past four hours with top quality hardware.
Next, think about where the safe will be. Must it be small enough to fit on a closet shelf or under the bed? Will it be in relatively plain view? Can you secure it to the floorboards or wall studs? Do you want it bolted to the floor for added security?
Think about who will have access. For example, you can get a safe with two emergency override keys, which will allow you to open it up if you forget the passcode or the batteries run out on the keypad.
Fireproof safes do a great job of protecting paper documents (and even small amounts of cash) from heat and smoke damage, however, fireproof safes use very thin (16-18 gauge) metal in the construction of the safe which makes them easier to attack for a burglar. The metal is primarily used to hold the fire retardant material and can be easily punctured, cut or sawed with simple hand tools.
Photos, CD’s, DVD’s and computer disks are very sensitive to heat and moisture; your standard fireproof safe is not engineered specifically to protect against these things.
Documents that you won’t need immediate access to might be better stored at the bank: titles, stocks, bonds, registrations, licenses, and academic documentation.
In conclusion, fireproof safes are not meant to be burglarproof, or to serve as impenetrable time capsules. Additionally, document safes are not gun safes, and should not be used as such.
Take steps to protect your family and home from fire. Maintain a smoke detector on every floor, establish an emergency escape plan with your family, and keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. If, however, your home suffers from fire damage, PRC will be your partner in recovery.
PRC Restoration specializes in emergency property restoration, and is equipped to handle all aspects of fire damage cleanup and restoration including water damage and full reconstruction. Call as soon as possible after the fire department has extinguished the fire; the professionals at PRC Restoration are available 24/7 and have a one hour response time to begin restoring your home as soon as possible. The technicians are trained to identify structural risks and address instability issues until permanent repairs can be made.
PRC Inc is a full-service licensed general contractor in the Ventura County area to provide emergency services, mitigation, structural repairs and construction services. For service in Long Beach and all of Greater Los Angeles, contact us.
© 2023 PRC Restoration Inc. All Rights Reserved.
