Home Security Safes and Your Valuables
Since the prices of good home safes are falling, having a safe in your home is a wise investment. Home safes are designed to keep the smash and grab burglar (those burglars who spend only 3 to 5 minutes in your home), nosey kids, dishonest babysitter or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property. There are wall and floor safes that are fireproof as well and prevent loss of irreplaceable items from fire loss.
Installation Is Normally Something Any Homeowner Can Do
It is important to anchor home safes into the floor or permanent wall framework. You should select the location in an area that is not normally associated with the items being hidden. A spare bedroom or even kitchen is a good choice. If using a floor safe, choose a location that can be easily concealed by moving an object over the installation. Once it is installed follow these tips:
- Use the safe everyday so it becomes routine
- Protect the safe code and change it occasionally
- Again, install it away from the master bedroom or closet
Operation Identification
This is a program supported by most police agencies. They recommend that you engrave your drivers license, not your social security number, on televisions, stereos, computers, and small electronic appliances. They suggest this so they can identify and locate you if your stolen items are recovered.
Photograph your valuables in their locations around your home and make a list of the make, model, and serial numbers. This can be very important for proof when filing insurance claims. You should keep this list in a safety deposit box or with a relative for safe keeping. Keep receipts of the larger items in case you need to prove the value of the items for insurance purposes. Beyond that, if possible, photocopy important documents and the contents of your wallet. You will be thankful that you took these steps in case your home is ever destroyed by fire or flood, is ransacked, or if your wallet is lost or stolen.
- Identify your valuables by engraving your driver’s license number
- Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables
- Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other documents
- Store the copies in a safe deposit box or with a relative