Fireproofing a safe can be a worthwhile investment. While many fire-resistant safes are available for purchase, these can be very expensive, especially in larger sizes. Instead, you can protect your current safe using some low-cost materials found at your local home store, as well as positioning the safe smartly in your home. These two tasks combined will provide you with a safe that can withstand a fire, should one ever occur in your home or office.
Instructions
1. Fireproof your safe by purchasing a few sheets of 5/8-inch thick drywall. Measure the dimensions of the safe and cut the sheets of drywall to size. You should have two layers for each side of the safe. Fasten onto the safe with a strong glue or with wire. Fill in the corners and any other uncovered areas with firestop caulking.
2. Cover your safe in gypsum board, using the same method as the drywall. You can choose whether you want to install one or two layers. The gypsum board is more durable than the standard drywall, meaning it will hold up better with less thickness. You can again use the firestop caulking for any exposed places. Unfortunately, it will be very difficult with either the gypsum or drywall to cover the front of the safe, which means it will need to stay exposed.
3. Place your safe somewhere it will be protected from fire damage. A location surrounded by concrete is ideal, such as a basement area. A garage can also work for this, but be sure to position your safe where it is not seen when you have your garage door open. Keep the safe away from any drapes, curtains, rugs or anything else that can catch on fire. Instead, situate it in a bare area away from the rest of your belongings.
4. Install a residential sprinkler head in the room where the safe is kept. Keep the safe raised up on cinder blocks to keep it from sitting in standing water in the instance the sprinkler is set off by a fire.
5. Insure your documents or other safe contents, even if you fireproof your safe. Homemade fireproofing is never fool proof and most store-bought fireproof safes protect up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. With the variances of products and options available, safes are usually, at best, fire-resistant rather than fire proof. For this reason, take the time to review warranties, get valuables insured and protect logistically as much as possible before placing anything in a safe.
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