Home security is a growing industry in the United States. Research reveals that at least 39 million U.S. households are currently protected by alarm systems, and as many as 45 million households have video doorbell components.1 Then there is the sad reality that about a quarter of U.S. residents don’t use any kind of security measures to protect their homes.2
For those one in every four U.S. residents, consider a safe as a great holiday gift idea. They are a unique gift that unlocks holiday peace of mind lasting beyond the festive season.
Action Locksmith can assist with all your home safe needs.
The fact is that a safe is one of those things that we all know we need, but most of us just never get around to purchasing. That’s why a safe is a perfectly thoughtful holiday gift idea. It’s not too far off-trend either.
In 2021, Amazon sold more than 1.7 million Ring video doorbells, with many given a holiday gifts.3 Clearly, Americans are concerned about home security and will invest in products that improve their home’s safety.
Safes come in all shapes and sizes and can have specific uses, such as for document storage, media storage, gun storage, collectible storage, etc. There are wall safes and floor safes. A bit of pre-holiday sleuthing will provide information on what type of safe to get those on your gift list.
Locksmith Advice
If you are unsure, talk with your local locksmith. A professional locksmith sells and installs many safes and is knowledgeable about the most popular brands and consumer uses for safes. There are a lot of options when choosing a safe and a professional locksmith can help you select the best options for your gift recipient.
An example is the locking mechanism. Most safes come with a dial combination lock (like the one on your high school locker) or a digital keypad lock (like the one on your front door). A safe with a digital lock generally cost more than one with a combination lock, but combinations locks can be difficult to operate for those with accessibility issues.4
Safe Considerations
Another consideration is whether the safe needs to be fireproof or waterproof. Look for safes which have either been tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). A good fire safe will have one or two layers of gypsum board in the body and door; better fire safes use two to four layers of gypsum board; and the best safes sandwich fire insulating material between steel plates.5
You will pay more for a safe depending on how long it can maintain a safe internal temperature in a house fire. There are waterproof and water-resistant safes. Water damage is one of the most common claims on home insurance.6 Waterproof and water-resistant safes are rated to withstand a certain amount of water for a specified time, but the waterproofing can be negated if you bolt the safe down.
While there is a lot to know about buying a home safe, in the event of a fire, flood or burglary the person you gift with a safe will be thankful for your thoughtfulness.
If you have questions about safe installation or anything related to doors, locks and security systems, connect with us online and let us know what you need help with. Action Locksmith is a Michigan, family-owned locksmith business with an admiral reputation throughout Southeastern Michigan.
Our hard work, dedication and vast technical knowledge has made us a go-to residential and commercial locksmith. Call today and Save!
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1 2023 Home Security Market Report by Rob Gabriele, 6/21/2023
Link: https://www.safehome.org/resources/home-security-industry-annual/
2 Home Safety and Security Stats and Facts by Rebecca Edwards, 5/1/2023
Link: https://www.safewise.com/resources/security-stats-facts/#Home_security
3 Strategy Analytics: Amazon’s Ring Remained atop the Video Doorbell Market in 2021
Link: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220622005023/en/Strategy-Analytics-Amazons-Ring-Remained-atop-the-Video-Doorbell-Market-in-2021
4, 5 Buying A Safe: A Complete Guide, Mikayla Borchert, 9/19/2023
Link: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/home-safe-buying-guide/
6 Water and Fire Proof Safes
Link: https://www.sentrysafe.com/fire-waterproof-safes