Getting the Most Home Security Out of a Home Safe

For those who have made the decision to purchase a home safe, it is a great step towards improving the safety and security of their most valuable possessions.  Whether the homeowner chooses a modern safe with a digital keypad or a simple safe with a padlock, a fireproof safe or a simple lockbox, in order for the safe to truly do its job the owner must know the proper way to use it.  Following some of these simple steps will ensure that the homeowner enjoys longstanding home security.

1. Lock It.  This may seem obvious- after all we purchase a safe to keep things locked up.  However, many burglars know that locking and re-locking a safe over and over can be tiresome for a homeowner.  Many don’t thoroughly consider their needs before purchasing a safe, for example how often they will be opening it, and elect a system that seems to be more of an inconvenience for them than any burglar.  For this very reason thieves know that all they have to do in many cases is simply try the door.  Another common error is keeping the keys, for a key-locked safe, right near the safe.  In any home without an alternative home security system the intruder may have all the time in the world to look around.  If you aren’t planning on keeping the keys with you at all times, at least keep them in a completely unrelated spot in the house.  It is easy to think when leaving a safe unlocked “what are the chances someone will break in today?”  Unfortunately in this situation a safe would be unable to do its job due to human error.

2. Placement.  It is best to keep a safe hidden, out of view, and in an area where no one is likely to see you accessing it.  For example, if you keep the safe in the den where your children often invite friends to watch TV and movies, you are exponentially increasing the number of people who know the whereabouts of your valuable possessions.  While you may trust the person you’ve invited to your home, keep in mind that guests have siblings, parents, relatives, and friends, and it is impossible to judge these people and what they might be capable of.  Another tip is to place the safe with the door opening next to a wall, and the hinges opposite, thereby making it nearly impossible to pry the door open or sneak a peak while you are accessing valuables.

3. Secrecy.  The more people that have details about your safe, the more likely it is that someone will be able to force entry.  Spreading knowledge about your valuables is like an invitation to would-be burglars, and a severe threat to home security.  Keep the whereabouts of the key, or the details of the combination or pin number, extremely secret.  If it is possible to be the only person with access, it is ideal.  If not, confide in your spouse or most trusted family member and no one else.  People are predictable, so make sure that details about your safe are not in your usual hiding places.  Equally as important is not letting anyone know the whereabouts of the safe.  One of the downsides to owning a safe is that improper use means instead of increasing home security you’ve just pre-gathered all your valuables for a would-be criminal.  Any homeowner that seems him or herself breaking many of these usage guidelines may want to consider another method of safeguarding valuables.