Banks are probably the biggest customers of fire safe manufacturers; but they're certainly not the only market. Forget about detective shots used for blackmailing. Incriminating evidence of secret affairs you see in Hollywood films might provide fire safes a prominent screen time, but they often undermine the value of a safe's security features.

Most homes and businesses today have small things - documents, keys, a wad of cash - which they consider absolutely necessary to keep in the premises under lock and key. These things are so important they want to make sure whatever they put inside will survive a raging fire.

If the things you'd like to preserve and protect are valuable enough, investing in a good quality fire safe would be wise. But how do you choose which fire safe to bring home with you? What do you look for in a fire safe?

Name. Top-notch manufacturers of fire safes have acquired a reputation because of the quality of the products they produce. Especially if you're not familiar with quality standards and can hardly make out what the numbers on the label mean, go for a safe bearing a reputable name. Brinks, SentrySafe or Fire Fyter safes may not be the cheapest in the market, but you would be sure their products have been tested for quality.

Label. Safes come in different types, depending on the main hazard they were intended to protect against. If you'd like to protect your things from fire, make sure you get a fire safe with the words fire resistant etched somewhere in the label. Some safes might contain the words fire retardant on the label; these are not what you need because they won't serve your purpose.

Fire retardant materials are often used in security safes that are intended to dissuade burglars. This material slows down the burning effects of fire. Fire resistant materials generally withstand extreme temperatures and keep your documents and things inside it safe, but these may be more easily broken into.

Fire Safes and Standards

Fire Safes are specifically designed to control the conditions inside the safe, regardless of a raging conflagration outside. Manufacturers work with the assumption that its contents are heat-sensitive and would easily be damaged by escalating temperatures. Fire safes have insulated walls and smoke seals around the edges that help maintain a cool temperature inside. Because insulation is accomplished with layers of fireboard, fire safes often have thick walls and doors - at least an inch thick. Fire safes are rated based on resistance tests. A one-hour fire safe is likely to suit your needs.

Buyer Beware

Choosing a fire safe that meets your needs is an important purchase decision. Mistakes can be costly and irreplaceable.It's important for you to know what you are putting your money on. Despite the brand names and the labels, the responsibility for making sure you get a good quality is still yours. Do your research and pay attention to product reviews. This would help you make a sound purchase decision as to which fire safe to buy.