Flood & Water Damage Prevention

You take home protection seriously… you lock your doors and windows, put a hold on your mail when you’re away, regularly change fire detector batteries, and have an emergency family evacuation plan. You’ve even made a written and photo inventory of your home’s contents for insurance purposes and keep it in your file cabinet. Well, here’s a better “safe” idea.

Every homeowner and tenant should have a safe in which to keep valuable items and documents. The problem, however, is that many people buy a safe without really thinking about what it will protect the contents from. Fear of burglary is certainly a primary reason people buy safes that range from small wall units to huge bolt-down floor models. If you own firearms, you should definitely own a gun safe and keep it locked at all times. But there are other less obvious hazards to be considered when buying a home safe.

Suppose the worst happened and a fire broke out in your home. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames with water. Lots of water. You’re confident your documents are protected inside your fireproof safe but when you finally open it, you’re devastated to find the contents damaged or ruined. Not by fire. By water.

Or consider this. We’ve all seen news reports of the aftermath of floods and storms. We watched sadly as homeowners wade through hip-deep water hoping to salvage documents, photos, and treasured mementos. People who thought their home safes would protect their valuables discover that the river, the rain, the ocean, the sewage seeped in through cracks and openings and ruined everything. And watery disasters aren’t always weather related – even a burst pipe in your home can create a deluge.

Don’t take the risk. Determine what you will need to protect and select a waterproof fireproof safe accordingly. There are many brands and types on the market, from small portable models that are ideal for apartment dwellers to large models complete with bolt-down kits. The options and price ranges are wide and with a little research you’ll be able to find a safe that’s right for your needs and budget. It’s a wise investment that will be with you…  through fire and rain.

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