Security Is Important For Everyone
No one wants to live in an unsafe neighbourhood, but burglary is an unfortunate concern even in the most exclusive gated communities. One of the most popular foils against robbery is the installation of a home safe, which keeps jewellery, important documents and cash in a secure location and eliminates the hassle of safety deposit box rental. Home safes are also attractive because they're accessible at any time, day or night. There are three categories of home safe: wall safes, floor safes and under floor safes. The following analysis explains the benefits and drawbacks of each.
As the name suggests, wall safes are secret security compartments installed in a wall. Most must be professionally installed, so as not to compromise the structural stability of the home, and their access panels may be conveniently hidden behind a painting or piece of furniture. Most wall safes are rather small, but can accommodate papers, boxed jewellery, bundles of cash and other keepsake items or loose jewels. The most effective wall safes use a flat locking mechanism, such as key operated, biometric scanner or electronic keypad, that doesn't protrude from the wall. This makes the safe easy to conceal by covering the door with a work of art. Some wall safes have a door that comes disguised as a painting; moving the "painting" reveals the lock mechanism.
Floor standing safes are usually larger and heavier than wall safes. They sit on the floor, and many are roomy enough to hold several small suitcases. The smallest models are about the size of a microwave oven and may also be labeled "shelf safe," since they are portable and can fit on a table or inside a bookcase or fitted wardrobe. Floor standing safes are an excellent choice for storing small items, such as precious jewellery, and do not require any major installation work, unlike wall and under floor safes. Most floor safes are also much more affordable than other types and may be purchased at a locksmith or online. The primary drawback of a floor safe is that it may be difficult to conceal, so homeowners often keep them behind a locked door. It is also prudent, when possible, to bolt floor standing safes to the ground (or, in the case of shelf safes, to the shelving). This will prevent burglars from stealing the entire safe.
Under floor safes are installed underground. Most require professional installation by a builder and should preferably be placed in sturdy, concrete flooring. Although they can be set into floorboards if there is a cavity underneath. This is done by building shuttering around the safes before placing the safe within and enclosing it with concrete. Under floor safes have their door on top, which means that they can be opened without dragging the entire container up out of the floor. A variety of lock types are available for these safe models, including dial-based combination locks, key locks and locks that use a secret access code and digital keypad. Electronic locks should be avoided in areas that are prone to flooding. Under floor safes are less common than floor and wall models; many burglars don't even search for them. They may be hidden in several ways, such as underneath in a concrete floor with a rug or carpet cast over it. The most effective place for an under floor safe is beneath a rug with a table or bookcase placed on top of the rug.
Choose Wisely
Wall, floor and under floor safes all offer increased security and peace of mind. Homeowners should carefully consider their needs before purchasing a safe, including what items will be stored in the safe and how thoroughly the safe must be hidden in the home. All varieties of safe offer excellent protection and are a wise investment.
