Determine amount of fire protection needed and understanding fire ratings:

Safes that are deemed fireproof have been given a rating. Not every fireproof safe is created equal. For most residential fireproof safes, you can pick between fire ratings of 1,2, or 3 hours, and the rating looks something like this 350-2. So, lets look at what this means exactly:

The first number, i.e., 350, represents the maximum internal temperature the safe will reach. Paper burns at 350 degrees, so the maximum temperature inside of a record safe is 350 degrees. Media is damaged at 125 degrees, so the maximum temperature inside of a media safe is 125 degrees. The second number is the most misunderstood. It is not how long your safe will survive in a fire, rather it is how long the safe was TESTED. A 350-2 hour safe and a 125-2 hour safe were TESTED for 2 hours. The test on these safes is 2 to 3 times hotter than an average fire.

The average fire burns at 800 degrees, burns everything up in 20 minutes, and then moves on. These safes are tested at a constant 1700-2000 degrees, which is dramatically worse than any fire you will ever have in your home.

What does all this mean? It means that a 350-1 hour rating does not protect your records for a mere one hour in a fire. "A fire lasts longer than that," everyone says, and they are right. Based on the information above you can see that a 350-1 hour safe will last much, much longer than one hour in a fire.

350 - ½ hr Requires safe to be heated to 1700ºF for ½ hour. During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 350ºF (the temperature at which paper will burn).

350 - 1 hr Requires safe to be heated to 1700ºF for 1 hour. During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 350ºF (the temperature at which paper will burn).

350 - 1½ hr Requires safe to be heated to 1700ºF for 1½ hours. During this time, the internal temperature of the safe cannot exceed 350ºF (the temperature at which paper will burn).

What you need size wise:

Basically, what are you going to store, and how much room will that take, and thus what size safe is required to fill that need.

Determining the appropriate fireproof protection and size is just the beginning of your security needs. There are many options and configurations available for every fireproof security safe.

Choosing Locks:

When choosing the proper locks, whether electronic or combination, it is important that it is something you are comfortable with and can use.

Electronic Safe Locks - Combination Safe Locks - Key Locks:

http://www.klsecurity.com/ul_fire_rating.htmThere are advantages and disadvantages to the mechanical locks, key locks and electronic locks. If the cost of your fireproof safe is an issue, then the mechanical lock or key lock will be a more suitable choice for you as it is less expensive, but still effective. Both of these options provide ample protection and deterrence from theft and are much easier on the bank account.
For those consumers that money is not an issue, and those who desire extra protection beyond a mechanical or key lock, then a more sophisticated or technical lock design that safeguards against lock picking, manipulation, drilling, pulling, and other forms of attack is for you. You can get features such as restricted key duplication which protects against unauthorized key access.
A combination lock serves as dual security whereby a three-digit combination lock won't operate until the key lock is opened. Additional customized locking options are also available.
The electronic digital lock gives the benefits of multiple combinations and ease of combination change. An easy to see digit pad allows the user to open the lock in about seven seconds, or change the combination within a few minutes.

Now that you know a little more about fireproof safes, you can make an informed decision about what you want for your safe.