June 2025 - American Security Safes - High Security Safes for Home & Business

How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Family and Valuables Safe

Posted on June 24, 2025June 16, 2025 By David Hendrick

Hurricane season has arrived and typically lasts until November. Areas that are close to the coast and/or tropical regions are prone to hurricanes. Specifically, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and even the New England states are all potential areas where hurricanes can cause the most damage.

No matter where you live, it’s important to understand how to best prepare for a hurricane if you receive notification that one is heading your direction. We thought it would be the perfect time to give an overview of what steps you should take to protect your family and what you should do to protect the valuables you can’t take with you.

If you’re considering a waterproof safe you’ve found on the market, you must understand that there isn’t a 100% “waterproof” safe currently on the market. This guide will cover what other security measures you should invest in and how to best protect your valuables.

FAQs for How to Prepare for a Hurricane

What areas are at risk during hurricane season?

Hurricane season typically lasts from the beginning of the year until November. Coastal and tropical regions are most prone to hurricanes, with specific high-risk areas including Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and even some New England states.

What should be included in a hurricane prep kit?

Typical items include non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights and batteries, and important documents like insurance, medical records, etc.

How should I prepare my home for a hurricane?

Board up all vulnerable areas like windows and reinforce any doors. For valuable items you have to leave behind, it’s beneficial to invest in a high-quality safe that could add an extra layer of protection during high winds and/or floods.

Should I purchase a waterproof safe?

While no safe is completely waterproof, it’s still worth investing in a high-quality fire or burglary-rated model. These safes are built with durable materials and advanced features that offer strong protection, even in extreme conditions.

Understanding Hurricanes and How to Prep For Them

First things first, you should understand your area’s hurricane threat level and where the possible evacuation zones you may need to relocate to are. Hurricanes are often given a name and are monitored and labeled by the following categories:

Category 1: Winds ranging between 74-95 mph
Category 2: Winds ranging between 96-110 mph
Category 3: Winds ranging between 111-129 mph
Category 4: Winds ranging between 130-156 mph
Category 5: Winds are 157 mph or higher
Source: National Weather Service

Depending on how high the category is for the hurricane in your area, local authorities may enforce evacuations to commence. It’s important to have a plan before evacuations or a hurricane hits your area. This reduces panic and stress, knowing that you and your family are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Evacuation notices typically come with directions and locations citizens should go to, but it’s important to know what you plan to do with your valuables before disaster strikes.

This is where a reliable safe can make all the difference during catastrophes like a hurricane. Unfortunately, you can’t take your whole home with you, so in order for the things you leave behind to stand a chance against high winds and flooding, a durable safe could be the solution.

While there isn’t such a thing as a waterproof safe, investing in a high-security or fire-rated safe is worth it even during situations like this. When a safe is highly rated for burglary and/or fire, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the model has been crafted with high-quality materials that could hold up well during storms.

Build a Hurricane Emergency Prep Kit

A hurricane prep kit typically looks similar to what you might find in a wildfire prep kit. It should include the following:

Non-perishable food
Water
Medications you or family members need to take regularly
Flashlights, portable chargers, batteries, etc.
Important documents like birth certificates, passports, insurance, medical records, etc.
Personal hygiene supplies

If you need to stock up on supplies, do it early. As a storm approaches, stores quickly become crowded with people scrambling to grab last-minute essentials. Waiting too long can leave you with limited options and unnecessary stress. Instead, plan ahead by assembling a hurricane prep kit before the season starts. A little preparation now can save you time and worry later.

Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Impact

No matter if you plan on staying or need to evacuate your home, before the storm rolls in, you can take some steps to bolster your home. Here are a few things you can do.

Secure Windows

Use materials like plywood to board up and secure your windows to prevent them from breaking during high winds. This proactive approach gives your home a chance to hold up if the winds cause projectiles to fly towards your windows.

Clear Your Yard

If you have an opportunity to help prevent projectiles like branches from flying into your home, pick up any large debris lingering around your property. You can’t help if branches or trees fall in the surrounding areas, but you can try and take some preventative measures to lower the chances of something damaging your home during the storm.

Reinforce Doors and Garages

Garage doors are especially vulnerable to high winds. If possible, install braces or a retrofit kit to strengthen them. For entry doors, check the hinges and deadbolts to make sure they are secure and properly aligned. A strong door frame and locking system can help maintain the structural integrity of your home during the storm.

Can You Protect Your Valuables With a Waterproof Safe?

We mentioned earlier that there isn’t a fully waterproof safe on the market today. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t security solutions that could help protect your valuables for a significant amount of time during a devastating storm like a hurricane. Instead, by shifting your focus on industry standards like burglary and fire ratings, you can still ensure your safe is built with the utmost care and features high-quality materials. Let’s go over this in a little more detail.

Steel Body Quality

The backbone of any high-quality safe is its steel body. The thicker the steel, the better the safe can resist external pressure, impacts, and attempts at forced entry. In hurricane scenarios, heavy-duty steel helps anchor the safe more effectively, reducing its chances of tipping, shifting, or being carried away by storm surge or wind-driven debris. American Security safes are built with reinforced steel walls and doors, offering an extra layer of defense when nature becomes unpredictable.

Door Seals

While no door seal is entirely floodproof, having high-quality seals can make a significant difference. In a hurricane, floodwaters may eventually compromise even the best seals, but they still provide critical resistance to water intrusion, slowing down damage and giving you more time to recover your valuables.

American Security safes are equipped with multi-layered door seals, including intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat. These seals not only help with water resistance but are also highly effective in keeping out smoke and flames during a fire—another common threat during natural disasters. Even if the exterior is compromised, quality seals can minimize internal exposure.

Bolting Down Your Safe

Some safes come with pre-drilled holes and hardware for anchoring, which can prevent movement during high winds or flooding. Most American Security safes are built with anchor holes and come with hardware to help you secure your safe in the room of your choosing.

The Importance of Safe Ratings

Fire and burglary ratings help validate that a safe is designed to endure serious damage to its door and body, confirming that it’s capable of effectively protecting the interior contents.

Fire ratings indicate how long a safe can protect its contents from high temperatures during a fire, often ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. These ratings are typically based on rigorous tests that simulate real fire conditions, giving you peace of mind that irreplaceable items have a better chance of surviving exposure to high heat.

Burglary ratings measure how resistant a safe is to forced entry. A higher burglary rating means the safe has been tested against tools, pressure, and prying attempts, and has proven its ability to delay or prevent unauthorized access. These tests can last hours as the timer starts when the testers are touching the safe and stops whenever they need to switch tools.

When you see these ratings, especially from reputable testing agencies like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL, it’s a sign that the safe has been built to a trusted standard. This gives you the utmost confidence in your investment.

A Real-World Example of How a Safe Helped Protect What Mattered Most in a Hurricane

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene unexpectedly swept through Western North Carolina, causing widespread destruction. In the aftermath, Bryan Craig contacted American Security to share how his parents’ safe protected some of his family’s most valuable possessions amid the devastation.

Bryan’s family home was hit hard by the storm. Intense flooding and landslides ripped through the area, and their American Security safe, which had been in the home for years, was carried away by the force of the storm. Despite the safe traveling miles from where it had originally been installed and badly damaged, the contents inside were remarkably well preserved, offering a small but meaningful sense of relief during an otherwise devastating time.

Read our full story on how the Craig family’s safe was uncovered and how a highly rated safe can make the biggest difference during unexpected disasters.

Key Takeaways on How to Prepare for a Hurricane and Protect What Matters Most

Once hurricane season is here, it sticks around for many months, so it’s important to build out a preparedness plan just in case a storm rolls in. Make sure to keep you and your family informed on storm developments by checking in with local authorities and news stations for potential evacuation notices or new storm updates.

As far as protecting the valuable items you have to leave behind, a burglary and/or fire-rated safe can be a solid choice even for hurricanes or other storms.

Gun Care and Maintenance: How to Store and Preserve Your Firearms Safely

Posted on June 17, 2025June 12, 2025 By David Hendrick

Proper gun care doesn’t end once your firearms are safely locked away. Even if you store your guns in a high-quality safe, regular maintenance is essential to preserving their condition, performance, and safety.

Over time, factors like humidity, dust, and residual oils can cause corrosion or mechanical wear, even in controlled environments. That’s why responsible gun ownership includes not only secure storage but also consistent upkeep. We’ll walk through practical tips for maintaining your firearms and storing them properly, so you can protect your investment and keep your arsenal in peak condition for many years to come.

Gun Care and Maintenance FAQs

How Often Should You Clean Your Guns?

Ideally, firearms should be cleaned after every use to remove gunpowder and primer residue that can attract moisture and cause corrosion.

What’s Needed to Clean Guns?

While caliber-specific kits are available, typical supplies include a bore brush, cleaning rods and cloths, solvents, and lubricant/protectants.

What Parts of a Gun Need to Be Cleaned?

Parts such as the barrel and other moving parts like the breech, trigger housing, slide, bolt, and cylinder all need to be cleaned of any dirt and residue. Then, after brushing/wiping all areas, the gun will have to be lubricated in order for it to function properly and then oiled to protect from rust and/or corrosion.

What’s The Best Way to Store Guns?

Proper firearm storage involves the following:

Investing in a high-quality gun safe to protect against theft, fire, and damage.
Controlling humidity within the safe is crucial using dehumidifiers, desiccant packs, or silica gel.
Organizing the safe using racks, pistol holders, and door organizers prevents firearms from leaning against each other and causing damage over time.
Storing ammunition separately from firearms is recommended, ideally in a cool, dry environment. If you’re going to store your ammunition in a safe with your guns, it’s recommended to store the ammunition at the bottom of the safe.

How to Practice Proper Gun Care and Maintenance

Properly cleaning and maintaining your firearms doesn’t have to be complicated, but you do need to have the right tools and take the right steps to make sure certain components are cleaned and assembled properly.

Gun Cleaning Best Practices

After every use, you should clean your firearms as residue from gunpowder and primer can attract moisture and lead to corrosion if left unattended. However, if you don’t use your firearms too often and keep them stored away most of the time, inspecting and cleaning them monthly helps ensure that no rust, dust, or internal issues are quietly accumulating over time without you noticing.

What Supplies You’ll Need

You can find caliber-specific gun cleaning kits, but typically you’ll need:

Bore Brush: These are caliber-specific wire brushes that are sometimes paired with a boresnake (a type of cleaning cloth) to clean the barrel of a gun.
Cleaning Rod: For those hard-to-reach areas of your gun where you might need an extension.
Cleaning Cloth: To wipe away dirt and debris.
Solvents or Degreasers: This loosens any residue buildup
Lubricant and Protectants: To properly oil your guns, lubricant can help moving parts move smoothly, and protectants can offer a great seal around your guns to prevent rust or corrosion.
Gloves: To protect yourself from any harsh chemicals

There’s water coming out of your safe after recovering it from a fire, what should you do?

Don’t panic, this is a good sign that your fire-resistant safe played its part in protecting your valuables! American Security’s fire-resistant safes feature materials that emit steam as part of the process for lowering the internal temperature. Just make sure you dry off and clean your firearms after retrieving them from the safe and re-oil them as soon as you can.

How to Clean Your Guns Properly

Here’s an overview of how you should clean your firearms.

1: Safety Check

Before you begin, always confirm the firearm is unloaded. Remove the magazine, open the action, and inspect the chamber both visually and physically.

Next, follow the manufacturer’s disassembly instructions. Field-stripping the firearm gives you access to the components that need cleaning and ensures safe handling during the process.

2: Clean the Barrel and Other Moving Parts

Start with the barrel. Attach your bore brush or bore snake to the appropriate cleaning rod and apply a solvent designed to remove carbon and powder residue. Run the brush through the barrel several times, allowing the solvent to loosen the buildup. Follow with clean patches or a cloth until they come out without residue. For longer barrels, an extension rod may be necessary to clean thoroughly from chamber to muzzle.

Other parts you can clean during this step include the breech, trigger housing, slide, bolt, and cylinder. Use cotton swabs, brushes, and a small amount of solvent to remove debris from these areas. Be thorough, but gentle; scrubbing too hard can damage sensitive parts or finishes.

3: Oiling and Lubrication

After cleaning your firearm, give each component a final wipe-down with a clean, dry cloth. This removes any leftover solvent or moisture that could lead to corrosion over time. Once everything is dry, it’s time to apply oil and lubricant.

Lubrication plays a key role in keeping your firearm operating smoothly by reducing friction between moving parts. However, it’s important to avoid having a heavy hand with lubrication, as applying too much oil can attract dirt, dust, and carbon buildup, which may hinder performance instead of helping it.

Focus on applying a light coat of oil to high-friction areas, which are typically places where metal parts slide, rotate, or come into contact during use. Depending on your firearm’s design, these areas may include:

Slide rails (semi-automatic pistols)
Bolt carrier group (rifles)
Trigger assembly
Hinges and locking lugs
Cylinder and crane (revolvers)
Operating rod or recoil spring assemblies

When in doubt, consult your firearm’s manual for specific lubrication areas. In addition, you want to use a small amount of quality gun oil and distribute it evenly across your gun using a cloth, swab, or applicator tip. The goal is to create a light, protective film, just enough to shield the gun from moisture and oxidation without attracting excess debris.

Once lubricated and oiled, reassemble the firearm and perform a quick function check to confirm everything is working smoothly before storing it away. This might include sliding certain components back and forth to spread the lubricant evenly and check to see if enough was applied.

How to Take Care of Your Guns After a Fire

It might be jarring when you uncover and open up your gun safe after a fire and find water pouring/dripping out from the interior. While it might seem alarming at first, this is actually a good sign. If your safe is from American Security, the moisture is likely the result of our fire-resistant materials doing their job. These materials release steam to lower the internal temperature, helping protect the contents from extreme heat.

With that being said, moisture and firearms don’t mix well for a long period of time. This is why always keeping your guns properly oiled is so important. A light coat of oil can provide an extra layer of defense against unexpected exposure to humidity or water.

After a fire, take the following steps as soon as possible:

Remove all firearms from the safe.
Wipe down each piece thoroughly to eliminate any moisture.
Allow everything to dry completely in a well-ventilated space.
Reapply gun oil and lubricants to restore that layer of protection.
Conduct a function check to make sure each firearm is still in working order before placing it in a new secure storage solution.

Gun Storage Tips for Long-Term Protection

There are a few best practices you should follow to properly store your arsenal from unauthorized individuals and ensure that you’re not exposing your firearms to the elements.

Use a High-Quality Gun Safe

Choosing the right gun safe isn’t something you want to put off, especially when it comes to protecting your firearms from theft, fire, or long-term damage. We’ve had numerous customers tell us they wished they’d gone bigger, chosen a fire-rated model, or picked a safe with better long-term durability. The good news? These issues are preventable with the right investment up front.

At American Security, we’re known for building some of the most trusted, high-performance gun safes on the market. Whether you’re looking for premium protection with our BFX series or something more budget-friendly like the TF series, every safe we make meets industry-leading standards for security and quality. You’ll find options in multiple sizes, colors, and configurations to match your collection and your space.

Not sure which safe fits your needs best? Visit an American Security dealer near you. They’ll walk you through the options and help you choose a model that gives you confidence and peace of mind for years to come.

Control Humidity

One of the most overlooked aspects of firearm storage is humidity control. Even in a secure safe, excess moisture can lead to rust, corrosion, and long-term damage to your firearms. That’s why we recommend monitoring the internal environment of your safe, especially if you live in a region with high humidity or fluctuating temperatures.

One of the most effective ways to regulate moisture is by installing a safe dehumidifier. These devices maintain consistent humidity levels, helping to protect your guns from the gradual wear and tear caused by condensation and damp air.

For added protection, you can place desiccant packs or moisture-absorbing silica gel inside your safe. These compact, affordable solutions help absorb excess moisture and are easy to replace as needed.

You can also find digital hydrometers online to place inside your safe to help monitor and gauge the internal temperature. To keep the temperature consistent, we recommend storing your safe in a cool, dry environment. Avoid areas where conditions can fluctuate, like a garage or shed.

Strategic Gun Safe Organization

Proper organization inside your gun safe isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a large role in protecting your firearms from unnecessary wear, scratches, or damage. Stacking or leaning guns against each other can lead to dings, scuffs, and even functional issues over time.

To keep your collection secure and accessible, use dedicated storage solutions like rifle racks, pistol holders, and door organizers. These help maintain spacing between firearms, prevent shifting, and make it easier to access what you need without disturbing the rest.

All American Security gun safes come equipped with a built-in door organizer, giving you added space and flexibility without additional costs. Whether you’re storing long guns, handguns, or accessories, a well-organized interior extends the life of your collection and makes routine maintenance easier.

Whenever possible, it’s best to store your ammunition separately from your firearms. However, if you need to keep both in the same safe, be careful not to overcrowd the space and place the ammunition at the bottom of the safe.

Using dedicated storage containers for your ammunition is a smart way to stay organized and create a designated area within your safe. Just like your firearms, ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry environment to prevent moisture damage, corrosion, or reduced performance over time.

Key Takeaways on Gun Care and Maintenance

Proper gun care and maintenance help you preserve your firearms for the long term. With the right habits and tools in place, you can extend the life of your collection and keep it in excellent condition for years to come.
Here is a quick recap of the best practices we touched on:

Always disassemble your firearms before cleaning.
Use the proper tools, such as bore brushes, cleaning rods, and solvents.
Apply lubrication sparingly to moving parts to reduce friction without attracting excess residue.
Store your firearms with care by using racks, door organizers, and storage containers.
Keep ammunition separate when possible and store it in a cool, dry environment.

These best practices are meant to help you preserve the long-term value and lifespan of your arsenal, and it’s important to invest in the right security solutions to help you achieve that. Explore American Security’s wide variety of gun safes, featuring coveted industry ratings and features that will give you the peace of mind you and your family deserve.

American Security TF Series Gun Safe: The Economical Security Solution For Your Arsenal

Posted on June 10, 2025June 4, 2025 By David Hendrick

American Security’s TF gun safe series is known for its perfect balance of affordability and quality. We’ve discussed before that, depending on where you purchase them, “cheaper” safes can either be a great deal or a dice roll. Lucky for you, you’ve landed in the right place! Here at American Security, we pride ourselves on the quality of our designs and the materials we use to craft all of our safes, even the budget-friendly ones.

Let’s dive into everything the TF gun safes offer to help you make the right decision for your security needs.

TF Gun Safe FAQs

What are the key features of the American Security TF gun safe series?

Key features include a 14-gauge (14GA) steel body and a 0.1875″ thick solid steel plate door for burglary resistance. They also incorporate drywall for fire protection, four-way bolt work, and a UL-listed ESL5 electronic lock.

How does the construction of the TF Series safes provide burglary protection?

The TF Series safes provide burglary protection thanks to the heavy steel door with a thick solid steel plate that resists prying, a 14-gauge steel body for protection on all sides, and four-way bolt work that secures the door.

What kind of fire protection do the TF gun safes offer?

The TF gun safe series has a 30-minute factory fire rating at 1200°F.

Does the American Security TF Series come with a warranty?

Yes, the TF series models come with a lifetime warranty when used in a residential setting against theft and fire in the event of an unexpected emergency.

What types of gun owners are the TF Series safes suited for, and what sizes are available?

The TF Series safes are suited for gun owners who have a potentially hefty arsenal but are looking for a budget-friendly security solution. The TF5924 can fit 17 guns in the safe itself and 1 on the doo, while the TF5517 can fit 11 inside the safe. Read on to explore more features and browse images of both models.

TF Safe Series Construction

The TF Series offers an ideal combination of value and protection, making it a strong choice for gun owners looking for dependable security at an accessible price point. While it is the more affordable option within the American Security lineup, the TF Series is still built with the same commitment to quality and durability.

Each safe in the series features a tough 14-gauge (14GA) steel body that forms a solid barrier against break-in attempts. The door is reinforced with a 0.1875″ thick solid steel plate, providing serious resistance to drilling, prying, and other forced entry methods. In addition, the TF Series features four-way bolt work that secures the door on all sides, providing an extra layer of protection against intruders.

After the steel, the TF safes also incorporate drywall panels – two boards lining the ceiling and door, and one in each wall. These panels, paired with the steel, offer a significant amount of fire protection should unexpected disasters occur, like a house fire or wildfire.

TF Gun Safe Series Burglary Protection

A key feature of the TF gun safe series that helps with burglary protection is the heavy steel door, constructed with a thick solid steel plate that helps the safe stand up to prying attacks. This is also why we selected a 14-gauge steel body to provide the same level of protection on all sides.

Beyond its solid construction, the TF Series is equipped with a UL-listed ESL5 electronic lock. This lock has been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories, a trusted name in safety standards. The ESL5 lock offers reliable protection against unauthorized access while providing smooth and convenient entry for those who are authorized.

TF Gun Safe Series Fire Protection

The TF Series is not only built to guard against theft, but also to offer a strong line of defense in the event of a fire. These safes are rated to withstand external temperatures of up to twelve hundred degrees Fahrenheit for a full thirty minutes, giving you critical time protection when every second counts.

This fire resistance comes from a combination of built-in drywall panels (made out of a material known as gypsum), the robust steel body, and dual door seals. These seals expand under heat, helping to keep smoke and flames from penetrating the safe’s interior. During a fire, the fire-resistant materials inside the safe will begin to release steam as part of their protective response. This moisture helps regulate internal temperatures and reduces the chance of heat damage to your valuables.

It is important to understand that if you open your safe after a fire and find moisture or water inside, it means the fire protection system performed exactly as intended. Typically, gypsum board or drywall emits steam when exposed to high heat. This steam barrier is part of the fire protection process, shielding your valuables and limiting damage. Keep in mind that if firearms are stored inside, be sure to dry and re-oil them thoroughly after they’ve been retrieved from the safe after a fire to prevent corrosion and keep them in working condition.

Proper firearm maintenance is always important, but especially so after a fire. Taking the time to care for your collection after such an event will help preserve it for years to come.

We also want to make sure to note that the door seals do not create a 100% airtight seal. This is intentional because if a safe were completely airtight, the pressure buildup during a fire could cause it to behave like a sealed container under extreme stress, potentially turning it into an explosive hazard.

Instead, the seals are engineered to provide just the right amount of protection. They expand under heat to create a tight barrier that slows the entry of smoke, flames, and heat, but they also allow for a controlled release of pressure when necessary. This design helps maintain the structural integrity of the safe during intense fire conditions while still protecting the items inside.

Options for TF Safes

Choose your TF safe based on your aesthetic needs, whether you want it to stand out in your space or provide discreet security. We offer a couple of different textured color options, and for hardware, a 3-spoke comes on the TF5924, while an L-Handle comes on the TF5517.

These TF models also come with a lifetime warranty when used in a residential setting against theft and fire if you experience an unexpected emergency.

Who the TF Safes Are Suited For

The TF gun safes are great for those who may have a hefty arsenal but also want a budget-friendly security solution. Let’s take a look at the safe sizes to see how much each model can store so you can visualize adding your own collection into one of these interiors.

TF5924 Gun Safe

59″ H x 24″ W x 18″ D
388 lbs.
Gun Capacity: 17 in safe, 1 on door

Explore TF5924 Model

TF5517 Gun Safe

55.25″ H x 17.75″ W x 16″ D
286 lbs.
Gun Capacity: 11 in safe only

Explore TF5517 Model

The TF Series: The Best Economical Gun Safes

Now that you’ve gotten a complete overview of the TF gun safe series and the features they come with, explore the product pages on your own and compare against some of AMSEC models to help determine which model would best suit your storage and security needs. And if you need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the American Security team–we’ll be happy to help!

What to Look for in a Jeweler’s Safe

Posted on June 4, 2025June 3, 2025 By David Hendrick

Jewelry retailers face a unique set of security challenges. With a high concentration of valuable inventory often stored in compact spaces, they are prime targets for both burglary and internal theft. That is why investing in the right safe is not just a precaution but a critical step in protecting your business.

At American Security, we wanted to create a guide to help jewelers make informed decisions when researching safes. Below, we outline the most important features to look for in your next purchase so you can better protect your assets and confidently meet insurance requirements.

Jeweler Safe FAQs

What are the key considerations for ensuring a jeweler’s safe complies with insurance and industry standards?

Jewelers should look for safes with specific burglary and fire resistance ratings, often based on certifications from trusted third-party organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Many insurers require a minimum of UL TL-15 or TL-30 burglary ratings. A high fire protection rating (one or two-hour) is also important and can positively influence policy costs and coverage.

How does fire protection factor into choosing a jeweler’s safe?

Even without direct exposure to flames, jewelry businesses are vulnerable to fires from various sources. Safes with a one or two-hour fire rating, the highest levels available, are recommended for commercial use. These ratings signify that the safe has been rigorously tested to maintain an internal temperature below 350°F (the charring point of paper).

What aspects of construction quality are important for a jeweler’s safe?

Important factors include the quality and thickness of the steel used, as well as the composite materials layered between the inner and outer walls for insulation. High-grade, reinforced steel and effective insulating materials contribute significantly to a safe’s performance against forced entry and fire.

Understanding the Threats Jewelers Face

The nature of the jewelry business—high-value items stored in small areas—makes it especially vulnerable to theft. External break-ins are a major threat, but internal theft can be equally concerning. On top of that, unexpected disasters such as fires can destroy your entire inventory in an instant.

This is why selecting a high-security safe is so important. A well-constructed, certified safe not only provides protection from theft and fire, but it can also help your business stay in compliance with insurance standards. That’s why it’s important to look for safes that come with certifications from trusted organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories to ensure you are getting reliable protection. Let’s dig into a few safe features that help you get the right level of security and meet certain regulatory requirements.

Key Features to Look for in a Jeweler’s Safe

There are a few aspects you should evaluate as a business owner of a jewelry establishment.

Security Ratings for Insurance

Security ratings are one of the most important aspects you should be aware of during your search for the right safe. These determine a benchmark in the level of burglary resistance a safe has. Plus, the higher the security level, you may be eligible for higher insurance coverage. Insurance ratings for safes include:

B Rate
C Rate
E Rate
UL RSC Level I
UL RSC Level II
UL TL-15
UL TL-30
UL TL-30×6
UL TRTL

Fire Protection for Jewelers’ Safes

Even if your business does not work directly with open flames, the risk of fire is still very real. Whether from electrical faults, neighboring units in a shared plaza, or other unforeseen emergencies, a fire can threaten your entire inventory in a matter of minutes. That is why fire protection should be a key factor when choosing a jeweler’s safe.

For commercial use, we recommend selecting a safe with a one or two-hour fire rating—the highest levels of fire protection available. These safes are rigorously tested in controlled furnace environments, where they are exposed to extreme heat for the full duration of their rating. During testing, the internal temperature of the safe must remain below 350°F (the point at which paper begins to char).

Locks & Locking Mechanisms

The locks and the mechanism behind a lock are some of the most critical components of any safe. It not only determines how you access the safe but also plays a major role in deterring theft. Choosing the right type of lock with a robust locking mechanism and understanding the available security features can make a significant difference in your overall protection.

High-security mechanical locks are known for their reliability and durability. These traditional dial-based systems require no batteries or electrical components, making them a dependable option. However, they typically require more time to open and do not offer advanced access features. Electronic or digital locks, on the other hand, provide quicker access and offer a range of programmable features that make them ideal for modern businesses.

At American Security, we place significant emphasis not only on the lock itself but also on the internal locking mechanism that serves as the final line of defense against forced entry. We engineer these components with precision, ensuring that even if the exterior lock is compromised or tampered with, the locking mechanism remains a formidable barrier to unexpected burglaries.

It’s best to look for locking mechanisms that feature quality steel components and anti-tamper features like hardplates, advanced boltwork, glass relockers, etc.

Construction Quality of the Safe

The overall construction of a safe plays a vital role in both its security performance and fire protection capabilities. While steel thickness is an important factor in how a safe is rated, it is only part of the equation. The quality of the steel itself, along with the materials used in the safe’s core construction, can significantly influence how well it performs under real-world conditions.

A safe with a thick body made from substandard steel may look secure, but could still be vulnerable to forced entry or extreme heat. Look for safes constructed with high-grade, reinforced steel that has been tested for strength and durability. Equally important is the composite material layered between the inner and outer steel walls. These insulation materials are often what provides the fire resistance, so it is worth evaluating how and where they are used.

Beyond the safe’s outer shell, pay close attention to the integrity of the boltwork and door construction. High-quality boltwork systems feature multiple locking bolts that extend deep into the safe body, securing the door on multiple sides. Look for bolts that are at least one inch thick and made of solid steel.

Hinges and door reinforcements are also key indicators of whether a safe is high quality. External hinges may allow a wider door swing, but internal hinges add an extra layer of security by reducing tampering points. Regardless of hinge style, the door should be built with anti-pry features such as reinforced frames, recessed doors, and interlocking construction that makes prying extremely difficult.

There’s a reason the American Security CF7236 safe stood its ground during an attempted burglary at a jewelry store in Glendora, California. It all comes down to the quality of our construction. Every model we build is engineered with premium materials and advanced security features designed to protect what matters most.

Interior Flexibility

The worst thing you can do is invest in a safe that’s rigid and doesn’t allow for flexible changes if there are certain assets that need to fit inside your safe. If you’re looking to store more than just cash, a jewelry safe that provides ample space and customization through adjustable shelving or drawer inserts can make all the difference.

Size and Storage Capacity

Choosing the right safe size is about more than just fitting what you have today. It is about planning for the future. As we mentioned, interior flexibility is important, but the overall capacity of your safe should also be a top consideration. As your inventory grows or changes over time, you will need a safe that can keep up with your evolving business needs.

Consider not only your current collection, but also the potential for seasonal increases, new product lines, or expansion into higher value items. A safe that is too small can quickly become a liability, forcing you to compromise on what you store securely, or worse, leaving valuable items exposed.

Look for safes that offer both ample storage space and smart design features like adjustable shelving, drawers, and dedicated compartments. This will help you stay organized while maximizing the use of every inch of space. Additionally, consider the physical footprint of the safe itself. Make sure it fits within your store layout without disrupting daily operations.

Ultimately, a well-sized safe is an investment in both security and efficiency. Choosing a model that meets both your present and future capacity needs ensures you will not need to reinvest in a larger unit too soon.

Ease of Access vs. Security

With any safe, but especially a jeweler’s safe, it’s important to balance the need for quick daily access and a strong level of security. You need a safe that allows for efficient daily operations while also providing the highest level of protection against theft, tampering, or unauthorized access.

For retail jewelers who frequently access their safe throughout the day, ease of access becomes especially important. In these environments, features such as digital electronic locks with quick code entry, time delay options, and auto relocking mechanisms can significantly improve workflow without compromising safety. Adjustable shelving and organized compartments can also speed up transactions by making it easier for staff to locate specific items quickly.

On the other hand, if the safe is being used primarily for long-term storage or housing high-value inventory that is not accessed regularly, then security should take precedence over speed. In this case, consider higher grade locking mechanisms such as mechanical dial locks with dual control, reinforced door construction, and internal relocking devices.

Additionally, safes used for storage can benefit from added features like audit trail systems, which track access history, or integration with existing alarm or surveillance systems for real-time monitoring. Here at American Security, we do offer integrated cloud software for our smart safe lineup if that’s a layer of protection and visibility you’re looking for.

Whether the safe is for day-to-day retail use or long-term storage, the goal is to find a solution that fits both the pace of your business and the value of what you are protecting. The right combination of fast access and uncompromising security allows you to work confidently while keeping your inventory safe.

Compliance with Insurance and Industry Standards

For jewelry businesses, compliance with insurance requirements is key. Insurers who specialize in high-value inventory often have strict guidelines around security, and failing to meet them can put your coverage, claims eligibility, and premiums at risk.

Most insurance providers require jewelers to have a safe that meets specific burglary and fire resistance ratings. These standards are often based on certifications from trusted third-party testing organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). Many insurance agencies require a minimum of a TL-15, TL-30, or TL-30×6 burglary rating, which means it can resist attacks using common hand tools and power tools for 15 or 30 minutes.

While the TL-30 and TL-30×6 safes share many similarities, there are important distinctions between them. A TL-30 rating means the safe has been tested to withstand a concentrated attack on the door for up to 30 minutes, or on the body for 5 minutes, by two skilled technicians using a range of tools. The TL-30×6 rating is even more rigorous, indicating the safe can endure attacks on all six sides, including the door, for a full 30 minutes. Here are a couple of our high-security safes with these ratings:

CF3524 AMVAULT TL-30

UL-certified TL-30 burglary protection
120-minute fire protection
Massive 6″ thick door

Explore CF Model

CE4524 AMVAULT TL-15

UL-certified TL-15 burglary protection
120-minute fire protection
Massive 6″ thick door

Explore CE Model

CFX452020 AMVAULT TL-30×6

UL-certified TL-30X6 burglary protection
120-minute fire protection
Massive 6″ thick door

Explore CFX Model

Insurance companies may also review your safe’s fire protection rating. A safe with a one or two-hour fire rating can help safeguard documents, cash, and inventory from fire-related losses, which may positively influence the cost and scope of your policy.

Selecting a high-quality, certified safe can also improve your chances of negotiating lower premiums. By demonstrating that your business takes security seriously, you reduce the insurer’s risk, which often translates to better coverage terms.

How to Make a Jeweler’s Safe More Secure

There are a few additional actions you can take to help bolster the security of the safe for your jewelry store. This can include the following.

Bolt Down the Safe

Most of our safes come with anchoring equipment that you can use to better secure your business assets to the ground of the building you’re storing the safe in.

Pair the Safe With Alarms

It’s never a bad idea for jewelry boutiques to invest in alarm security in addition to their safes. This just adds another layer of protection and will better alert you and those around your business about a potential burglary that’s occurring.

Restrict User Access

Try your best to minimize the number of individuals who have access to the safe. Only give code access to the people on your team who frequently require access to the assets inside the safe.

Invest in Cloud Software

If you’re looking for a higher visibility into your operations, it’s probably safe to say you should invest in a cloud software solution that allows you to see what’s going on with your safe even when you aren’t physically near the safe.

How American Security Can Help Jewelers

At American Security, we offer a wide range of advanced security safes designed to meet the unique needs of jewelers, from smart safes to high-security models built to withstand the toughest threats. Our team is available to consult with you directly, helping you identify the ideal features and specifications to match your business operations and risk profile.

Many of our safes are tested and certified by some of the most respected organizations in the security industry. This means you can feel confident knowing your inventory and cash are protected by products built to the highest standards of quality and performance.

Whether you are upgrading an existing safe or investing in a new solution for a growing business, American Security delivers protection you can trust. Contact our team to determine the perfect safe for you!