With Hurricane Helene's recent landfall and the subsequent record storm surge and flooding, protecting your valuables in the event of a flood has never been more crucial. But are the valuables in your safe truly protected? Is your safe genuinely waterproof? The answer may surprise you.
- Safes are made of steel, which is not pliable. So, the manufacturing challenges to mass-produce steel boxes that seal perfectly every time would be colossal, especially in China. Even the multi-billion dollar auto manufacturers can't do that here in America. They need rubber gaskets and seals to do that. There are not many rubber seals on a fire-resistant safe.
- A properly installed safe is bolted down, which requires holes in the bottom of the safe. This is not good for waterproofing.
Many safes have power outlets inside, which can be a potential vulnerability. This feature requires a hole somewhere, and holes are typically unsuitable for waterproofing.
So why do some manufacturers claim to be waterproof? The reasons are not entirely clear. None of the US-made safes we carry at Blue Ridge Safe claim to be waterproof. Most that make that claim are small Chinese-made safes. These manufacturers maybe hoping to attract customers searching for terms like 'Best Waterproof Home Safe' or 'Best Waterproof Gun Safe' and make a sale based purely on their claim. However, it's important to note that even the best waterproofing technology has limitations, especially in the case of prolonged submersion or high water pressure.
How to Protect Your Safe from Flooding: Essential Tips
So, you've done everything right, invested in a quality safe, and installed it properly. What else can I do to proctect my safe from flooding?
- Install your safe on the upper floor- At Blue Ridge Safe, we are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and tools to do so. Not all safes can be installed upstairs, but if yours can, rest assured, we've got you covered.
- Elevate your safe—If your safe is too large or if there is any other reason it can't be installed upstairs, raise it as high as you can. Many of our customers have poured concrete pads specifically for their safety, and we have also built custom platforms for other clients.
- Move your safe- Many times, natural disasters happen with little or no notice. However, if you have notice, we at Blue Ridge Safe will be glad to Move Your Safe in an emergency. We understand the urgency of the situation and are ready to provide the support you need. We can even store it temporarily in our Warehouse, providing you with the flexibility and support you need during such challenging times.
In conclusion, my friends, while waterproof containers and fire-resistant safes exist, they are not the same. So, does a waterproof safe exist at all? The answer is Yes. A couple of manufacturers make small waterproof safe boxes, like Vaultek and Fireking Sure Seal. However, they are small and not very fire-resistant, if at all. So, don't be misled. Instead, seek guidance from the security experts at Blue Ridge Safe. We provide Security with Integrity for every home and every business, ensuring you are well informed and guided in your safety measures.