Waterproof Safes
Waterproof safes offer further protection for your valuables. If your home or office is in a flood-prone area then you should definitely be more inclined to consider a waterproof safe. Even if you do not live in an area prone to flooding, there is a risk of water damage nearly everywhere. Bad plumbing, earthquakes, and even water from a fire hose being used to smother a fire can cause damage to the contents of a safe.
Water has the ability to seep into even the smallest crevices and can do permanent damage to documents, electronics, and other keepsakes. Any type of moisture or damp atmosphere can slowly deteriorate unprotected items.
Note: If you do choose to purchase a waterproof safe, then it is also important to understand that the seal for keeping water out also keeps humidity in. Investing in a gun safe dehumidifier can keep the interior of your safe dry and free of moisture. As an extra precaution, important documents and photos should be placed in airtight containers to prevent damage from humidity.
Jewelry, watches, or devices that have mechanical features should also be placed in an airtight container prior to being stored in a waterproof safe. With pearl jewelry, understand that it is not wise to keep pearls in a completely sealed, waterproof safe; pearls are organic and need oxygen to breathe and maintain their integrity.
If you are thinking about getting a floor safe you'll definitely want it to be waterproof because flooding can easily destroy flooring and other types ground level construction in a hurry. Floor safes are usually embedded into concrete when installed, while this does a great deal to aid the prevention of water damage, floor safes are still vulnerable because of their location.
A waterproof safe is different from a water resistant safe. It is important to understand the difference, and manufacturers should be clear as to what type of water protection their safes have.
Water resistant usually means that it is protected from limited contact with water. For example, if a safe is out in the rain for a certain period of time and the rain does not damage the safe and its contents, then it could be said that this safe is water resistant. Also, water resistant testing may include placing the safe in a certain amount of standing water, such as 3-6 inches, for an extended period of time, perhaps two hours, without the water seeping inside.
Waterproof may mean that a safe has gone through such testing as being completely submersed in water for a certain period of time with minimal water entering the safe. Knowing the difference in theses two terms and how the safe manufacturers test for these features could be the deciding factor when looking for a waterproof safe.
Each safe manufacturer outlines the standards that they require for their safes in order to call it waterproof or water resistent. There are independent firms that test waterproof and water resistive capabilities in accordance with individual manufacturer specifications. For example, Sentry safes relies on the independent testing firm ETL Semko to conduct their water proof and water resistive tests in compliance with their Sentry Group Quality Department.