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Learn More About Safes

What type of safe do you need?

Personal safe

Ideal for: Home or home office use, specifically for protecting documents (such as passports and stock certificates), cash, and jewelry.

Key features:

Generally locks using a key.
Weighs between 17 and 74 lbs.
Internal dimensions range from .25 to 1.29 cubic feet. Personal safes are smaller than fire–protection and anti–theft safes.
External dimensions range from 6–1/4"H x 15–1/4"W x 12–1/8"D to 14"H x 14"W x 17"D.
For added security, some personal safes offer a half–hour or one–hour fire–protection rating.
A felt or velour fabric lining will help prevent scratches on jewelry.
To keep stored items organized, opt for a safe with a pullout tray. Some personal safes also come with hanging files and a lift–out tote for storing and transporting documents.

Tip: Purchase a safe that has at least 25% more space than you anticipate needing. When planning what you will store, you may forget some important items. Plus, you’re likely to accumulate more.

Fire-protection safe

Ideal for: Home or office use. Protects important company documents, insurance papers, stocks and bonds, passports, wills, deeds, medical records, birth certificates, and other vital papers.

Key features:

Manufactured to keep the inside temperature of the safe below 350 degrees Fahrenheit (the temperature at which paper burns) for between half an hour and four hours (depending on the model purchased).
Fire–resistant safes come equipped with locks, but are not designed to provide the highest level of security against theft. Key, combination, and electronic keypad (with key for backup security) locking options are available. The electronic keypad typically requires four AA batteries.
Weighs between 87 and 755 lbs. Average weight is 150 to 300 lbs.
Internal dimensions range from .8 to 5.8 cubic feet.
External dimensions range from 9–5/8"H x 12–9/16"W x 11–1/2"D to 47 5/8"Hx25 7/16"Wx23 15/17"D.
High–end models may be water resistant for added protection from fire hoses, burst pipes, or severe weather conditions.
Some models offer shelves for additional organization.
Most fire–protection safes have a manufacturer’s limited warranty.

Tip: Place heavier safes in the basement. If you have a space already planned, check the external dimensions of the safe to be sure it will fit in the designated area, through doorways, up or down stairways, etc. Depending on the weight of the safe, you may need a handtruck, dolly, or several people to move it.

Anti-theft safe

Ideal for: Home or office use, specifically safeguarding cash, keepsakes, collectibles, heirlooms, or jewelry.

Key features:

Typically offers 15 to 60 minutes (depending on the model) of protection against common break–in tools. Most security safes are not fire–resistant.
Key, combination, and electronic keypad (with key for backup security) locking options are available. The electronic keypad typically requires four AA batteries.
Generally has concealed internal hinges to help prevent door removal when locked.
Weighs between 36 and 331 lbs.
Internal dimensions range from .5 to 9.8 cubic feet.
External dimensions range from 10 5/8"H x 13 3/4"W x 10 5/8"D to 59"H x 21 1/2"W x 17 3/4"D.
Some anti–theft safes offer a drop slot, which allows the user to deposit cash or other items without opening the safe.
Some models offer shelves for added organization.
Most anti–theft safes have a manufacturer’s limited warranty.

Tip: If you have items that require dual protection (fire– and burglary–resistance), place a fire–resistant container or smaller safe within your anti–theft safe.

Media safe

Ideal for: Protects data/information storage media (computer disks, videos, audiotapes, film, and company photos) and other heat–sensitive valuables.

Key features:

Protects against fire up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for at least an hour by keeping the inside temperature below 125 degrees, the temperature at which media storage burns. Also safeguards against water, sprinklers, and humidity.
Generally locks using a key.
Weighs approximately 75 lbs.
Sample external dimensions are 11–5/8"W x 17–1/2"D x 10–1/2"H.

Tip: Your insurance agent can help you pick the right type of safe based upon your business and storage needs. Plus, owning a safe may entitle you to discounts on your insurance premiums.

The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.

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