Until a few years ago, a safe was associated with an indispensable piece of equipment for a bank, company or institution. Nowadays, there is a growing awareness that it is also a good idea to secure the values that we keep in our homes and flats. The security of private valuables is increasingly important. Thieves, fires or other unexpected situations can cause the loss of things that are important to us. This is why more and more people are choosing to purchase a safe for their home or flat. In this article, we take a look at why you should consider this investment and which safes to think about.
Safes for home or flat
"I want a small safe", "I'm looking for the smallest safe", "I'm looking for a safe, but one for my house/apartment" – these are the most common phrases we hear from people who are starting out with the topic "I want to buy a safe".
If the conversation takes place in one of our showrooms – potential customers direct their steps towards the smallest, compact models we have on display. Some even ask for "something a bit smaller" – for cassettes.
If you are also considering investing in a safe for your valuables and are faced with the dilemma "what to choose" – the first thing worth analysing is what value the items you want to secure in the safe are. The second: how many such valuables you own – we know from experience that valuables increase over time, not the other way around. A safe is an investment that lasts for years – so it must not be "some", but adequate to your needs.
There is also a belief among many people we speak to that no one will rob them. We don't expect a burglary – just as we don't expect a random situation such as a fire. Burglaries and fires, even though we don't plan for them, just happen!
So, if you are already thinking about investing in a safe for your home or flat – it should, above all, be adequate. Have the right security rating, be heavy enough (to reduce the risk of it being taken out with all its contents), anchored to the floor or to the wall. Later in this article you will find out more about the security classes and the different configurations. Then your choice will certainly be easier!
Functions of home safes
Home safes should fulfil certain functions. These are:
• theft protection: a home safe or one that is installed in a flat provides excellent security against theft. If the items are secured in the safe, then in order to get to them, the safe must first be forced or lifted out, and this takes time that a thief simply does not have;
• protection against fire and other dangers: it is not only thieves who pose a threat to our valuables. Fires, floods or other disasters can also cause losses. A safe, depending on its configuration, can provide protection against these threats;
• peace of mind: knowing that our valuables are safe gives us peace of mind. A great value in these busy times!
• elegant design: modern safes are not only functional, they also look stylish. We can adapt them to our interior design, making them an aesthetically pleasing addition to our home;
• an investment for years: a safe is a long-term investment. A well-maintained safe can last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment in the long-term security of our possessions;
• inherited value: a safe can become a valuable inheritance for our descendants. Passing it on to the next generation is a way of preserving family treasures and traditions.
What do we most often store in home safes?
A safe is a product that protects not only cash, but also important documents, keys, valuables (jewellery, precious stones, bullion), weapons, data storage media and smaller electronics, numismatics and various other collectibles. However, you can deposit anything of value to you in a safe, often items of sentimental value and therefore priceless.
Depending on what is stored in the safe, it can be appropriately equipped on the inside: from free space for larger values, to adjustable shelves, drawers and a fully customised interior (a piece of furniture with shelves, compartments, drawers, LED lighting).
Security class of a safe – what is it?
On the door of every safe, there is a label which indicates its security class. The security class is an indication of how the safe is constructed and determines how long it will take to resist mechanical damage (in other words, how long it will take for a safe to be broken into partially and completely, using a variety of tools).
The higher the safe's class, the better its construction – thicker doors, more solid bolts, thicker walls, filled with special materials.
The higher the security class of the safe, the higher the values that can be stored in it.
Safe locks – what options do we offer?
Every home safe (as standard) is equipped with a key lock (2 mechanical keys included). For customers for whom such keys may be problematic (the need to take care that they do not fall into the wrong hands), we offer other security features. A home safe may be equipped with:
• an electronic lock – most often such a lock has a master code and a user code or codes. By simply memorising the PIN, the safe door can be opened quickly and easily. The electronic locks available from Hartmann Tresore are battery-powered. Before the batteries run out, an audible signal indicates that they need to be replaced;
• cipher lock – setting the appropriate cipher on the dial is another type of lock used in safes. It requires precision, while it is one of the more popular locks for those people who dislike codes and batteries. The combination lock is the type of lock you are sure to associate with American films in which the safe appears as a prop;
• biometrics – all you have to do to open the safe is put your fingers to the reader. And that's it!
• bluetooth lock – if the previous locks don't seem attractive to you, we offer the possibility to open the safe using a special app installed on your smartphone.
Where is the best place to mount a safe?
Home safes are best mounted in out-of-sight and out-of-mind locations, such as in built-in furniture. It is important that the safe is easily accessible, especially if you intend to use it frequently.
We have two categories of products that are particularly discreet – these are wall safes and floor safes, but these require adequate space and placement, so they are worth considering at the renovation or construction stage of your home or flat.
Summary
In summary, a home safe is an excellent solution for those who care about the security of their valuables, documents and data. It's an investment that gives peace of mind, and at the same time it can be an elegant piece of interior design. Whether you are concerned about theft, fire or other threats, a safe can make a significant contribution to protecting your valuables.
Check out more: In cash or in the bank – how to store money?
