Month: March 2025

When shopping for a home safe, it’s easy to get caught up in product claims and advertised features that may not deliver the level of protection you expect. Whether it’s a claim about fireproofing, advanced locking technology, or security ratings, it’s important to separate fact from fiction to prevent getting misled into purchasing an insufficient safe.

The true test of a safe’s quality lies in its construction, fire and security ratings, and long-term reliability — not simply in marketing buzzwords. Let’s go over some of the most common myths about home safes and debunk them so you can confidently invest in one that offers real protection.

Fireproof & Waterproof Home Safes Exist

One of the most common misconceptions about home safes is that they can be completely fireproof or waterproof. In reality, no safe is 100% immune to fire or water damage. Instead, reputable safe manufacturers design their products to be fire-resistant or water-resistant — meaning they provide protection for a certain period under specific conditions.

For example, high-quality fire-resistant safes can carry a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) fire rating (or other 3rd party testing certification), which indicates how long the safe can withstand high temperatures before its internal temperature rises over 350°F (the temperature when paper chars). The same concept applies to water resistance — a safe may be designed to withstand water exposure for a set duration, but it will never be entirely waterproof.

Don’t fall prey to false advertising that claims a safe is fire-resistant without certifications and testing processes to back their statements. This approach will help you make a worthwhile investment in a safe that can withstand high heat for a significant period of time.

Biometric Locks are Secure

Biometric locks have gained popularity for their futuristic appeal, allowing users to unlock their safes using a fingerprint. However, these locks are not as foolproof as they appear. While they can provide a quick and convenient way to access your safe, they also come with significant security risks and limitations.

Inconsistent Readings

Dirt, moisture, cuts, or other debris on your finger can prevent the lock from recognizing your fingerprint. During an emergency, it can become very inconvenient if you have to continuously press your fingerprint on the safe and can’t get inside.

False Positives

In some cases, biometric locks have been known to open with unauthorized fingerprints or other similar impressions. Whereas with a traditional keypad code or combination lock, if you’re the only individual who knows the passcode, your valuables will be better protected.

No Certified Lock Ratings

Most biometric locks do not carry the same level of security certification as traditional mechanical or electronic locks, leaving your safe vulnerable.

If security is your top priority, choosing a high-quality mechanical or electronic lock backed by industry certifications will provide you with the most reliable protection.

Instead of rolling the dice on a biometric lock, consider an electronic keypad or a combination lock for better security. Check out a few of our lock options which are UL-rated and come with many of our safe models:

ESL10 Electronic Safe Lock

• U.L. Listed Type 1
• Splash-proof keypad
• Audible and visual feedback

Explore Lock

ESL20 Electronic Safe Lock

• U.L. Listed Type 1
• Up to 8 users
• Audible and visual feedback
• Supports time delay
• Supports dual control

Explore Lock

Mechanical Safe Lock With Front-Read Dial

• UL Listed Group 2
• Three-wheel with 1,000,000 possible combinations

Explore Lock

Mechanical Safe Lock With Key-Locking Spy-Proof Dial

• UL Listed Group 2
• Three-wheel with 1,000,000 possible combinations

Explore Lock

Cheaper Safes Provide Enough Security

It’s easy to be tempted by the low prices of off-brand safes found online or in big-box retailers, but these safes often fail to provide real security. While they may appear sturdy or claim to be “fireproof” or “waterproof,” these claims are rarely backed by legitimate third-party certifications.

Here’s why cheaper safes often fail:

• Low-Quality Materials: Many low-cost safes use thin sheet metal or plastic parts that are easy to break into with basic tools.
• Unreliable Locks: Cheaper safes often come with low-quality electronic locks that can be easily overridden or fail over time.
• Misleading Fire/Water Ratings: Without certification from recognized organizations like UL or ETL, a “fireproof” or “waterproof” claim is essentially meaningless.

Investing in a high-quality, certified safe made from solid steel and advanced locking mechanisms is the best way to protect your valuables in the long run.

A Heavy Safe Doesn’t Need to be Anchored

You may assume that if a safe weighs several hundred pounds, there’s no need to anchor it to the ground. However, burglars can and will find ways to remove unanchored safes, especially if they are motivated by high-value items inside, and once they get your safe to a secure location, breaching it becomes inevitable. Plus, a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, or wildfire can easily dislodge your safe from its original location if it’s not anchored down.

Anchoring your safe to a concrete floor or wall significantly increases its security by providing:

• Theft Deterrent: Even with the right tools, burglars will have a hard time removing a securely anchored safe.
• Stability During Disasters: In the event of natural disasters like earthquakes or floods, anchoring your safe can keep it from tipping or shifting.

We highly recommend having a professional install and anchor your safe to ensure that it’s done correctly.

It Doesn’t Matter Where Your Safe Is Stored

Where you store your safe plays a major role in the safety and security of your belongings. A highly visible or accessible location can put your safe at risk during a break-in. Additionally, certain areas in your home may expose your safe to environmental risks like flooding or excessive heat.

To maximize the security of your safe:

• Choose a low-visibility location (like a closet or basement).
• Avoid placing it near water pipes or in areas prone to flooding.
• Keep it easily accessible during emergencies but also not out in the open.

What are the Best Safes for the Home?

Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common myths about home safes, you’re better equipped to make an informed decision. Investing in a high-quality, certified safe is the best way to protect your valuables against theft, fire, and natural disasters.

At American Security, we offer a range of premium safes designed with superior construction, tested fire resistance, and advanced security features. If you have any questions or need help selecting the best safe for your home, our team is always here to assist.

Are you searching for the best home safe on the market? Look no further than American Security’s AM safe series! These particular models have been bestsellers for good reason. A great home security safe should have key attributes that enhance protection and convenience—let’s explore what those are and how our AM safes exceed expectations.

From durable construction and independent fire certification, the AM series delivers a combination of security, reliability, and affordability. Whether you’re looking for a safe to store important documents, jewelry, or other valuables, our AM safes are a worthwhile investment.

When determining the quality of a safe, it’s important to evaluate the materials used to build it. This will have an impact on the model’s fire testing and certifications. Without ratings or certifications backing its claims, you won’t know if it will hold up during an emergency.

For all of our customers, we urge you to conduct your own research to make sure the safe you’re investing in aligns with your security and storage needs. This article will help give you a comprehensive overview of our AM series so that we can help you during your search!

Construction Overview of The Best Home Safes

The AM series is designed with durability in mind. Constructed with a 1/4-inch thick solid steel plate door, these safes are built to resist intense pry attacks and forced entry attempts. The reinforced steel construction provides unmatched protection, making it a secure storage solution for your valuables.

In addition to its robust exterior, the AM safe features a sophisticated locking mechanism. Each model comes standard with an American Security UL-rated Type 1 electronic lock with a backlit keypad, providing easy access while maintaining security. The combination of high-quality materials and reliable locking technology makes this safe a top contender for home protection.

AM Home Safe Burglary Protection

Burglary protection is key in choosing a quality safe, and our AM series excels in this area. Its solid steel door, reinforced bolt work, and pry-resistant construction make unauthorized access nearly impossible. Weighing between 180-316 lbs. (depending on the model), these safes are difficult for burglars to move or significantly tamper with. If you’re interested in extra security, we recommend anchoring your safe using the 4 pre-cut anchor holes and provided mounting hardware.

The AM safes also come equipped with a UL-rated ESL5 electronic lock, which adds another layer of protection against unauthorized access. This rating signifies that the lock has passed rigorous testing for durability and security, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

AM Home Safe Fire Protection

Fire protection is a major aspect of a high-quality home safe, and the AM series delivers with its independently certified fire rating. These safes are tested by ETL, an industry-standard certification body, to withstand temperatures up to 1200°F for 45 minutes.

This level of fire protection ensures that important documents, cash, and other valuable possessions remain safe for a significant period of time in the event of a fire. Many safes on the market claim to offer fire resistance but sometimes lack certifications. The AM series, however, provides proven protection you can trust.

Who the AM Safes are Suited For

The AM safes are ideal for homeowners looking for a balance between affordability, security, and fire protection. Whether you need a safe for storing important documents, jewelry, firearms, or other valuables, the AM series offers a secure and versatile solution.

These safes are well-suited for individuals who want a secure safe without the intimidating price tag that is often found among many other brands. A variety of size options are available, catering to a wide range of storage needs and/or space constraints. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll have one to three shelves to store your cherished items.

What Makes the AM Series the Best Home Safes

When choosing a home safe, you want reliability, durability, and certified protection. The AM safe series from American Security provides all of these benefits and more. With a 1/4-inch thick solid steel door, UL-rated electronic lock, independently tested fire resistance, and exceptional protection, these safes stand out from the competition.

If you’re looking for an economical yet highly secure safe, the AM series is the perfect choice. With three different sizes available, there’s an option for everyone. Protect your valuables today with an American Security AM safe, the best in home protection! Take a look at the AM series for yourself!

AM2020

Explore AM2020 Model

AM3020

Explore AM3020 Model

AM4020

Explore AM4020 Model

For more details or to place an order, find a dealer near you or contact American Security today.

When it comes to protecting valuable items from fire, investing in a fire-rated safe is an excellent way to proactively safeguard what matters most to you. However, simply owning one is not enough; understanding how to maximize its use and prolong your investment is key. Let’s explore various aspects of fire-rated safes, including what to store, maintenance tips, optimal locations for placement, and additional security measures you should consider.

What Should You Store in a Fire-Rated Safe?

Of course, collecting a list of what items you want to keep in a fire-rated safe is the first step in determining the size and fire rating you need. For digital media such as CDs and DVDs, those items need to stay under 90°F. Also, paper chars at 350°F, so any documents you plan on storing should be taken into consideration when you’re deciding on which fire rating you want to go with.

The primary purpose of these fire safes is to shield your possessions from extreme temperatures and flames. Below are some items that should be considered for storage:

• Important Documents: Items like birth certificates, passports, and legal documents are vital and often irreplaceable.
• Financial Records: Tax returns, bank statements, and investment information should be safeguarded to prevent identity theft and loss of financial assets.
• Valuables: Jewelry, collectibles, and heirlooms should be stored to avoid significant personal and monetary loss.
• Firearms: For avid gun collectors, a fire-rated safe provides a secure storage solution that protects firearms from fire damage while also keeping them out of the hands of unauthorized users or children.

In addition to those items, consider storing family photographs and videos that capture irreplaceable memories. These sentimental items can often hold more value than their monetary worth, making their preservation just as important. You might want to also include any emergency contact information or medical records, as these can be vital in times of crisis. Having a comprehensive list of contacts and medical histories can expedite assistance during emergencies.

For sensitive items such as paper documents and/or digital media, we recommend storing them within another bag or container in your safe. This is because many fire-resistant safes are made out of materials that emit steam when exposed to high heat, which could inadvertently damage paper and electronics.

How Should You Take Care of a Fire Rated Safe?

Proper care and maintenance of your fire-rated safe is key to promoting its longevity and effectiveness. We recommend the following steps to help keep your safe in excellent condition.

• Regular Inspections: Periodically check your safe for any signs of damage. Wear and tear can accumulate over time without you even realizing it, so inspect the exterior and interior regularly. Also, if you use a digital keypad lock, make sure the buttons that you repeatedly press for your code aren’t worn down.
• Keep It Organized: The last thing you want during an emergency is to have to sift through a disorganized safe to access what you need most. Make sure the interior is set up in a way where you can grab what you need and go at a moment’s notice.
• Check the Lock Mechanism: Test the lock periodically to make sure it works smoothly. If you notice any issues, consider consulting a locksmith.
• Climate Control: Store your safe in a cool, dry environment that avoids extreme temperature fluctuations, which can affect its condition. The interior of safes can often accumulate moisture, so it’s important to keep the inside of the container as dry as possible by using silica gel packets or a dehumidifier.

Explore AMSEC’s Dehumidifier

In addition to these basic care steps, it’s a good idea to maintain an up-to-date list of the items stored in your safe and keep a copy in a secure, separate location. In an emergency, it can be challenging to recall where things are located and what’s inside your safe, so having a digital backup—such as a digital document stored in the cloud—can provide peace of mind and help you stay organized during unexpected situations.

Where to Keep a Fire-Rated Safe

The location of your fire-rated safe is just as important as what you store in it. Here are some areas to consider for optimal placement:

• Hidden Locations: Situate your safe in areas that are not immediately visible to intruders. This can include behind furniture or within the walls.
• First Floors: In the event of a house fire, floors can easily collapse. To prevent your safe from falling and experiencing an impact, try to find an area on the first floor of your house instead. Plus, since heat rises, the bottom floor of your home will likely have a lower temperature than the rest of the house during a fire.
• In a Closet: Keeping your safe in a closet with the door closed can help reduce the temperature and exposure to smoke for a longer period of time.

It’s just as important to keep in mind accessibility when you’re selecting where you store your safe. For instance, if you’re a gun owner and want your arsenal close by in case of a break-in, many people in this circumstance keep their safe in a closet near their bedroom. For documents that need to be accessed frequently, keeping your safe in a home office or master bedroom might be best for that easy access. However, balance this with the need for security; a compromise might be to use a discreet but accessible location that still offers protection from prying eyes.

Another factor to consider is the flooring and structure of the area where you plan to place the safe. Heavy safes can be cumbersome and may require a sturdy, level surface to prevent tipping or damage. Depending on the weight of your safe, if you plan on storing it on an upper level, you may need to reinforce the floor. If you’re placing your safe in a basement, ensure that the floor is dry and free from potential water damage, as basements can be prone to flooding. It’s also wise to think about future needs; if you anticipate needing to store more items in the future, choose a location that allows for easy expansion or relocation of the safe without too much hassle.

In addition to where you store the safe, we advise anchoring your safe for extra security. This adds another layer of protection against burglars and prevents the safe from tipping or dislodging during natural disasters such as tornadoes, wildfires, and other extreme weather conditions.

Additional Safe Accessories

While a fire-rated safe offers excellent protection, combining it with some useful accessories can help you better organize the interior. Consider the following options.

Use Additional Fire-Resistant Bags/Containers

By keeping your valuables and documents in additional fire-resistant bags and containers within your safe, you’re adding another layer of protection should it all be subjected to high heat.

Cabinets

For smaller items like jewelry pieces, purchasing additional cabinets that can sit inside your safe can help you organize your collection instead of piling these cherished items randomly inside.

LED Lighting

To help you navigate the interior of your safe faster, an LED light kit can help illuminate the container so you can quickly find what you’re searching for. It’s much more convenient instead of looking for a flashlight in the case of an emergency.

Safe Cloak

To help store your safe in a discreet manner, a safe cloak can help make the vault look like an ordinary cabinet. It helps a little on the security side of things but can also serve an aesthetic purpose if you’d prefer to have the safe blend into its surroundings.

Key Takeaways on Using a Fire Rated Safe

To boost the longevity of your safe and maximize your investment, it’s important to take care of the product so that it lasts for many years to come. To use a fire-rated safe to the best of your ability, we recommend:

• Regularly maintain your safe to ensure it operates as intended.
• Select an optimal location that enhances its security and accessibility.
• Implement additional security features to protect against the elements (like fire-resistant bags, dehumidifiers, silica packets, etc.)

By following these guidelines, you can fully leverage the benefits of a fire-rated safe and safeguard your valuables against potential threats. The time spent organizing and maintaining your safe will provide long-term reassurance in your asset protection efforts.

Additionally, we urge you to familiarize yourself with the specific fire ratings for safes, as different ratings indicate varying levels of protection against high temperatures. For instance, a safe rated for 30 minutes will offer a different level of protection than one that holds a 2-hour rating. Understanding these ratings can help you make informed decisions on what type of safe to invest in and what items you should consider storing inside of it.

Finally, think about the potential need for accessibility during emergencies. While it’s important to secure your safe, you should also be able to access it quickly if necessary. This balance can be achieved by choosing a location that is both discreet and easy to reach.

Now that you understand the importance of maximizing the use of a fire-rated safe, it’s time to take action and make sure your valuables are protected with the best. American Security Safes offers a wide selection of top-quality safes to suit your specific needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late; Browse our models and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve!