Where Should I Install My Safe? — "A" Locksmith Naples (2024)

Deciding where to install your home safe can make or break the performance of your safe. It involves striking a delicate balance between convenience, security, and asset protection. On one hand, you want quick access to your jewelry, documents, and home defense weapons. On the other hand, safeguarding your valuables from threats—such as burglary, fire, and flood—is paramount.

1. Burglary Defense

With the FBI reporting over 2.5 million home burglaries occurring each year, theft poses the most significant risk to your property. To thwart burglary attempts, we must think like criminals. Here’s what they typically do:

• Scouting:Burglars assess your home from the outside, examining front doors and windows. They plan their entry method and route.
• Entry Points:They break in through the front door or sliding glass door.
• Target Zone:The master suite is typically their primary destination. There, they search for jewelry, medication, guns, cash, and safes.
• The Safe:If they discover a safe, they’ll know there’s good chance it contains high-value items and will work diligently to crack it open right there or move the safe into their getaway vehicle to work on opening it elsewhere. If the safe is tough and can’t be move because it is bolted down, the burglar typically moves on to an easier target.

Recommendations:

• Purchase a Quality Burglary Rated Safe:Invest in a safe with a UL burglary rating.
• Think Outside the Master Closet:To absolutely maximize your safe’s risk of being stolen or opened during a burglary attack, consider not installing the safe in the master bedroom closet (a common choice). Opt instead for a low-traffic area like a home office, laundry room, or a guest bedroom closet.
• Bolt Down Your Safe:If you prefer to keep your safe in the master suite, as most people do, choose a high quality safe and bolt down the safe so that it cannot be removed. Consider concealing the safe within custom cabinetry, we can work with your closet designer for any concealed safe needs.

2. Fire Protection

While burglary risk outweighs fire risk (7:1), fire remains a significant threat to your valuables. No safe is entirely fireproof—sufficient heat or duration can destroy its contents. Some things to think about when deciding where to install your new safe:

• Choose a High Quality Fire Safe:Invest in a safe with a UL or ETL fire rating.
• Where Fires Start:Home fires often start in kitchens, fireplaces, and garages.
• Ideal Placement:Install the safe on the inside corner of two exterior walls, especially if you have a concrete home construction. These areas remain cooler during fires.
• Floor Level:If possible, keep the safe on the first floor. Heat rises, and an upstairs safe may crash down during severe fires.
• Condos:If you’re in a condo with sprinklers, that should help minimize the risk of fires. We install safes all the time in high-rise condos and can help you find the best location in your home.

3. Flood Preparedness

In flood-prone areas (common in southwest Florida), we have solutions to elevate your safe to minimize water damage:

• Height Matters:The higher the safe, the better. Consider a concrete or steel base to raise it off the ground, we can special order pedestals to raise a home safe off the ground. If you have a tall safe, place items that are sensitive to water damage on the top shelf.
• Moisture Protection:An in-safe dehumidifier won’t stop floodwaters, but it can help regulate the moisture in your safe.
• Valuables Within:Store important documents, photos, or electronics in watertight containers within the safe, dry bags or even ZipLock backs can be a good option to protect family photos or important paperwork.

The Absolute No-Go: The Garage

Avoid placing your safe in the garage at all costs. It’s susceptible to burglary, fire, flooding, and in Southwest Florida, extreme heat and humidity. Frequent garage door openings show a thief right where your safe is located, plus making it easy to pull the safe out of your home using their vehicle. If you must place your safe in the garage, make sure it is bolted to the ground, has a dehumidifier, and a concealment cloak.

Choose wisely and let your biggest security concerns and risks guide your decision. Your peace of mind depends on it.