PROJECT: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CHOOSING A SECURE HOME SAFE

Anthony Boucher
Aug 28
5 min read

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CHOOSING A SECURE HOME SAFE AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Selecting the right home safe is crucial for protecting valuables, documents, and sensitive information from theft, fire, and water damage.

1. SECURITY FEATURES:

LOCK MECHANISMS:
- Safes typically offer three types of locking systems:
  - Keyed locks: Simple but can be vulnerable if keys are lost or stolen.
  - Combination dials: Reliable but may be slower to open.
  - Electronic keypads: Convenient but require battery maintenance.
  - Biometric scanners: Offer quick access but may be more expensive.
- Choose a lock type that balances security and convenience for your needs.
CONSTRUCTION:
- Opt for safes made from solid steel with reinforced doors and live-locking bolts to resist tampering and forced entry.

2. FIRE AND WATER RESISTANCE:

FIRE PROTECTION:
- Look for safes with a fire rating of at least 1,550°F for 30 minutes.
- Higher ratings, such as 1,700°F for 60 minutes, offer better protection.
- Ensure the safe is tested by recognised laboratories like UL or Intertek.
WATER RESISTANCE:
- If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider a waterproof safe. Some models can withstand water exposure for extended periods, protecting contents from water damage.

3. SIZE AND CAPACITY:

Choose a safe that fits your storage needs.
Consider the types and quantities of items you plan to store, such as documents, jewellery, weapons or electronics.
Ensure the safe has adequate interior space and organisational features like shelves or compartments.

4. PLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION:

LOCATION:
- Install the safe in a discreet, secure location away from obvious spots like bedrooms or garages.
- Basements can be ideal but avoid areas prone to flooding.
BOLTING DOWN:
- Secure the safe to the floor or wall to prevent thieves from removing it.
- Many safes come with pre-drilled holes for bolting.

5. MAINTENANCE AND ACCESS:

REGULAR CHECKS:
- Test the locking mechanism, batteries and backup keys periodically to ensure they function.
BACKUP ACCESS:
- Choose a safe with multiple access options, such as override keys or emergency battery access, in case of electronic failure.

PRACTICAL GUIDELINES WHEN IT COMES TO INSURANCE:

For insurance purposes in South Africa, your safe must be SABS-approved, professionally installed, properly declared to your insurer, and used according to policy conditions. Insurers will only cover the contents if all requirements are met and documented.

1. SAFE SPECIFICATIONS:

SABS/EUROPEAN GRADING:
- Most insurers require the safe to be SABS-approved (South African Bureau of Standards) or to meet equivalent European standards.
FIREARM STORAGE:
- If you are a gun owner, the safe must meet SANS 953-1/2 standards for firearm storage.
CASH/JEWELLERY SAFES:
- Safes are graded according to the maximum cash/jewellery value they can protect. Your insurer may specify a safe grade depending on the insured sum.

2. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:

BOLTING DOWN:
- The safe usually must be professionally bolted to a solid floor or wall (concrete or brick), not just free-standing.
CONCEALED INSTALLATION:
- Some insurers recommend or require that it be installed in a place not immediately visible.
CERTIFIED INSTALLER:
- Use a SABS-approved installer.
- Some insurers request an installation certificate as proof.

3. DISCLOSURE TO THE INSURER:

DECLARE THE SAFE:
- You must inform your insurer that you have a safe and what it is used for (cash, jewellery, documents, firearms).
SPECIFY INSURED CONTENTS:
- Items stored in the safe should be listed and insured for their proper value.
LIMITS OF LIABILITY:
- Insurers may set limits on how much they will cover in a safe. For example:
  - Cash: limited to a certain daily maximum.
  - Jewellery: usually covered up to a fixed percentage of the household contents policy unless specified separately.

4. DOCUMENTATION:

KEEP RECEIPTS:
- For both the safe and the contents (jewellery, watches, firearms, etc.).
INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE:
- If issued, keep it with your insurance records.
VALUATIONS:
- High-value items (jewellery, art, collectables) usually need professional valuation certificates.

5. USAGE CONDITIONS:

ALWAYS LOCKED:
- The safe must be locked when unattended; otherwise, insurers may reject claims.
KEYS & COMBINATIONS:
- Keys must be stored securely; insurers can repudiate claims if theft occurs due to negligence (e.g., keys left in the same room).
ALARM REQUIREMENT:
- For very high-value items, insurers may insist that the safe be in a home with a linked alarm system.
MORE:
- Consider fireproof safes for documents and digital media, since insurance will not compensate for lost passports, deeds, or irreplaceable records.
- Inform your insurer in writing once the safe is installed, and request confirmation of how your cover is affected.

RELEVANT PROJECT POSTED BY SSS:

https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/announcement-new-sss-fortified-safes-vaults-unit

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