Advising Customers On Household Safes
Locksmiths and other professional security agents are often asked to recommend products to customers concerned about the safety of their living space. Understanding a few things about the most common and popular products will help you advise your customers about the best way to meet their particular needs. Knowing about the advantages of these products – as well as their drawbacks – will make you a valuable source of trusted information.
Deterrent Safes
Deterrent safes are some of the most common household security devices. They are affordable, easy to use, require no special storage or installation, and come in many different sizes. A deterrent safe is characterized by its shape; it is shaped to look like something else. Candles, books, and clocks are common indoor deterrent safes. Outdoor safes are given the shape of garden gnomes, decorate stones, wall-mounted thermometers, and similar decorative objects. When asked about deterrent safes you should be sure to mention that not all of these items function the same way. Some are more like keepers than safes. Such an item would contain a hidden compartment that isn’t secured by a lock or that doesn’t have to lock in order to conceal something placed inside. Outdoor deterrent devices are likely to be secured by a latch or other simple means rather than with a lock. This is because the dirt and moisture present in outdoor environments can interfere with the function of a lock and prevent it from opening. Further, outdoor safes are most useful when they’re easily accessible. People are likely to place keys to a safe on their key ring, which they’re not likely to have if they’re locked out of their home.
Fire Resistant Safes
Most steel safes have a certain degree of fire resistance, though the safes that are especially designed to be fire resistant will perform the best under extreme conditions. First, it is important to make the distinction between something that is fire resistant and something that is fire proof. In a sense, virtually everything can be damaged by fire and heat of sufficient temperatures, so when an object is described as fire proof, what is actually being commented upon is its ability to withstand high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. Properly speaking, steel household safes are fire resistant. They are designed to withstand the conditions associated with a standard house fire, which include hot air and smoke as well as flame. A fire resistant safe will be described in terms of how long that safe will resist fiery conditions. This length of time will be specified on the packaging; thirty minutes is typical of compact document safes. Larger wall or floor safes have longer time periods associated with them. Manufacturer documentation will give specifics with regards to the fire and heat resistance of each particular model.
In Conclusion
Security professionals do more than just assist people who are locked out of their vehicles. You’re in a unique position to counsel people about the differences between the many modern security products and help them make the choices that are right for them.
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Jon Jordanson and Metro Lock and Safe have teamed up to help educate the citizens of Phoenix Arizona with tips about home security, locksmiths, and home safes. Let us help you stay safe.
