Do You need a Safe?
Do you need a safe? I think most people view a safe as something people with guns need, or is for those who keep cash in their home. In reality, you are correct, people who keep cash and guns 100% need a safe, but do you know who else may need a safe?
EVERYONE
After doing some research on crime and fire statistics I was astonished at what I found out. According to the FBI in 2013 there was almost 8,632,512 property crimes across United States Of America. This includes crimes that involve burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Although this rate has had a steady decline over the last 10 years, it is still a scary thought.
Let’s add another element, Fire! When I was a child and I first learned fire safety, I was terrified of it. Each night I would pack up all of my valuables in a toy suitcase and keep it by my bed. (By valuables, I mean, my favorite stuffed animal, a toy watch, and my barbie dolls.) I did this for months! Was I right to do this? Maybe! According to the U.S. Fire Statistics in 2011 there was approximately 1,389,500 fires across the nation. A total combined loss of 11.7 billion dollars in 2011. I look at my safe as my adult version of that old toy suitcase, except, I can leave it behind for later so I can focus on more important things.
Safe Solution: Sentry Safe 1.2 cubic feet model# SFW123CS.
The reason I thought this would be perfect for my needs is it’s size. It’s dimensions are 19.3 x 16.3×17.8 and weighs 94 pounds. This compact safe is perfect to hold files, memory cards with family photos, backups of your computer, small handguns, jewelry, family heirlooms, and anything else you think you may need in it.
When I received my safe I had to laugh because this was the first time that I have seen the delivery guy bring my package up with a dolly. After moving the package into the house package in I see why – it’s heavy – 94 LBS!
Make sure that you read your directions carefully. If you don’t, you will never get this thing open. It took several tries to get it open but I finally got it! Since practicing a dozen more times, I finally have it down to opening on the first try!
I can’t lift my safe; it is a good thing my husband was around to take care of it for me or it would still be at the front door! The door is sturdy and the bolts are much bigger than I thought they would be. Learning how to open it is a little like learning a secret handshake, difficult at first, but really easy once you master it.
The inside is quite roomy. I was able to fit a big file packet inside of ours and we still have more than enough room leftover. I could probably put my grandmother’s photo albums inside of here too!
Still unsure about a safe? Here are some of the features from Sentry Safe:
- Get up to $50,000 in insurance protection for your valuables when enroll in the SentrySafe $50,000 Fire Protection Guarantee.
- UL Classified to survive in a fire for 1 hour in up to 1700°F
- the event of a fire SentrySafe will replace your fire-resistant product to help get you back on your feet
- ETL verified water resistant in up to 8 in of water for up to 24 hrs
- Mechanical dial lock provides reliable access to important documents and valuables
- ETL verified impact resistant to provide reliable protection in the unpredictable conditions of a fire
- ETL verified for the protection of USB drives, CDs, DVDs & portable hard drives
- 4 Large 1-inch bolts provide reliable protection against theft
- Pry-resistant hinge bar reinforces the door of the safe for added protection against theft
- Bolt down hardware (included) to ensure thieves cannot remove the safe from your home or office
- Steel construction for durable and reliable protection
- Multi-position shelf helps you organize your safe to fit your needs
- Door pocket and key rack provide quick access to frequently needed items
We went through the struggle of having our belongings in storage unlawfully withheld a few years ago. I thought everything was lost. I could replace everything, but I couldn’t get over the loss of the important things. I was thankful that we were able to recover all of our belongings but those few months taught me a valuable lesson:
1) Always keep copies of your family’s papers in a safe location that is protected from theft, fire, and natural disasters. This includes birth certificates, legal documents, insurance papers, social security cards, and ALL career certifications and degrees.
2) Copy all of your family photos onto memory cards (even the old ones that you will have to scan yourself).
3) Family heirlooms are truly not replaceable.
The rest of your belongings really don’t matter. I know there may be a few things that do, but for the most part, everything else is just “things” that can be replaced. Family photos, however, cannot be replaced. Almost losing those really broke my heart (like, entire therapy sessions could have revolved around that loss.) Don’t lose everything before you realize you can prevent the loss; there is no fixing it once it is gone!
Please visit Sentry Safe for more information
on why you need a safe and to select which one is right for your home.
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