Best Document Safes That Are Fireproof And Waterproof
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Your home or office is full of valuable items, but one area that often goes unnoticed when it comes to home and office security is the storage of important documents. According to a Consumer Reports National Research Center report, one in every four Americans has lost or forgotten a financial document, and only 40% can locate important documents if needed.
However, securing your valuables and confidential documents, such as jewelry, birth certificates, and passports, is equally important as knowing where they are. Hence, we recommend having a document safe that can withstand high-temperature fires and being submerged in water for long periods.
Read this article to discover the best document safe (fireproof & waterproof).
How To Choose The Best Document Safe (Fireproof & Waterproof)
To keep your documents secure and hidden in the event of a natural calamity, here are a few things to look out for when selecting the best safe for your home or office:
Independent Fireproof Rating
Most fireproof products are tested and rated by UL. Fireproof ratings can vary, depending on the amount of time and temperature a safe can withstand. The majority of household safes can protect their contents from high temperatures of up to 1,550 °F for 30 minutes. However, for proper protection, we recommend choosing a document safe that can last 60 to 120 minutes at 1,700 °F.
Waterproof Rating
A safe box that is UL-rated for fireproofing is typically also designed to be watertight. Private paper documents, money, and files can easily be damaged when exposed to water for a long time. It is best to purchase a safe box that can protect your documents against a flood or the aftermath of a fire.
Security
Fireproof and waterproof document safes have less armor to be burglarproof or bulletproof, but a good locking mechanism is important. To keep the contents of your fireproof safe secured, choose a strong locking mechanism. There are different types of locks available, such as traditional lock-and-key closures, digital keypads, and combination locks. Each type has its own features, but going for a combination lock offers improved protection.
Build Quality
Well-constructed fire safes will likely make your belongings safer, giving you peace of mind. Consider a safe model built with durable and high-quality materials that could withstand scorching heat, such as alloy steel or captured fire insulation.
The Best Fireproof And Waterproof Document Safes For You
Your best bet for storing important documents is a safe lock box that is watertight and fireproof. Below are some of the best fireproof and waterproof document safes that fit your needs.
1. SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof and Waterproof Steel Home Safe with Digital Keypad Lock
- Price: $264.99
- Material: Alloy steel
- Lock Type: Digital keypad lock
- UL Fireproof Rating: 60 minutes at 930 °C (1,700 °F)
The SentrySafe SFW123GDC guarantees fire protection up to 1,700 °F for an hour. Furthermore, this product has been proven to withstand a 15-foot drop while remaining intact. It is also waterproof for up to 24 hours after being completely submerged in water.
The electronic keypad is extremely legible and simple to use while offering an access option for secondary keys. It has four live-locking bolts as well as a pry-resistant hinge bar.
Pros:
- Extreme water protection and fire protection
- Durable construction
- Digital lock
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited storage space
- Key lock requires batteries
2. Honeywell Safes & Door Locks LHLP1103 30 Minute Fire Safe Waterproof Safe Box Chest with Carry Handle
- Price: $62.40
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Lock Type: Key
- UL Fireproof Rating: 30 minutes at 843 °C (1,550 °F)
The Honeywell Safes & Door Locks LHLP1103 is guaranteed to keep your valuable documents safe during a fire for up to 30 minutes in conditions as hot as 1,550 °F. It can also prevent water damage for up to 100 hours, even when submerged 1 meter underwater. This Honeywell safe box has enough storage capacity to hold both letters- and legal-size sheets of paper without your having to fold them. Customers are also delighted with the portable experience this safe box provides.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Spacious interior
- Has extreme water protection
Cons:
- Lower fireproof ratings
- Requires a physical key
- Reduced protection against theft
3. Amazon Basics Fire Resistant Security Safe with Programmable Electronic Keypad
- Price: $289.99
- Material: Alloy steel
- Lock Type: Combination lock (electronic and key)
- UL Fireproof Rating: 649 °C (1,200 °F)
This AmazonBasics safe is anything but basic. It’s a perfect size, at 2.1 cubic feet, with enough storage capacity for your essentials. It can withstand temperatures of up to 1,200 °F for up to 20 minutes, which could mean the difference between saving your valuable items and losing them.
This safe is made of 14-gauge steel and comes with 5.75-inch bolts for floor mounting. It also includes an adjustable storage shelf and an Amazon one-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Combination lock
- Enough room to store documents and valuables
- Thick layers of durable steel
Cons:
- Low fireproof rating
- Expensive
- Heavier compared to other models
If you are interested in purchasing affordable safes for your home, check out this article by Security Forward on the best home safes for under 400 dollars.
