When it comes to protecting your firearms, not all safes are equal in quality. In Alberta – where harsh winters, rural properties, and the very real risk of fire are part of life – choosing the right safe is about more than just keeping your gun collection secure from theft. The big question is: should you invest in fire-burglar-rated gun safes Edmonton residents trust, or stick with unrated fire-burglar gun safes?
Let’s explore the options…
Unrated Gun Safes | Solid Security & Basic Protection
Unrated gun safes are designed first and foremost to keep your firearms out of the wrong hands. They’re built with durable steel, solid locking mechanisms, and enough weight to deter quick theft. For many gun owners, this level of protection checks the main boxes: secure, reliable, and affordable.
The limitation? Unrated safes don’t offer meaningful protection against one of the biggest threats to your valuables – fire.
Which is where fire-rated gun safes come in…
Fire-Rated Gun Safes | Next-Level Peace of Mind
A fire-rated gun safe takes things further than storing and securing. Fire-rated gun safes are built with special insulating materials like fireboard or composite material that create a barrier between extreme external heat and the interior of the safe. Fireboard can be 1/4 to 5/8 of an inch thick and contains a certain level of moisture that is released when heated in a fire. This process keeps the interior of the safe cooler for a longer period. The more layers of fireboard, the longer it will stay cooler.
In the unfortunate event of a house fire, that extra layer of defense helps keep the inside temperature low enough to prevent your firearms – and any other valuables you’ve stored – from being destroyed
Typical ratings will specify how long the safe can withstand certain temperatures, for example:
- 30 minutes at 1,200°F
- 60 minutes at 1,400°F
- 90 minutes or more at higher temperatures
The higher the fire rating, the more time you have before the contents inside reach a dangerous temperature. For many Albertans, that extra time is priceless.
Why Fire-Burglar Safe Ratings Matter in Alberta
Here in Alberta, fire isn’t just a “what if” scenario. Between rural homes, wood-framed construction, and our recurring wildfire season, fire risk is something every homeowner needs to think about. Something else to consider is that fire-burglar-rated gun safes not only protect your firearms or valuables in the event of a fire, but also safeguard precious heirlooms, important documents, and irreplaceable valuables stored inside from burglary, making them a solid choice for security.
Bonus: Some insurance providers even recognize fire-rated safes and may offer discounts for having one. That’s not only top-tier protection, but also an opportunity for potential savings.
Which One Should You Choose?
In the end, when choosing whether to go with a fire-burglar-rated or unrated gun safe, it ultimately comes down to your priorities:
- Choose an unrated gun safe if theft prevention is your main concern and you’re looking for a cost-effective entry point.
- Choose a fire-rated gun safe if you want the added peace of mind that your firearms and valuables are protected from both theft and fire.
Many of our customers in Edmonton opt for fire-rated models because they offer the most complete protection for Alberta lifestyles and concerns.
Find Your Safe at Dial Locksmith & Safeworld
At Dial Locksmith & Safeworld, we do more than just carry big-name brands like AMSEC, INKAS, Securfort, and MGM. We stock a wide range of top-of-the-line trusted safes, including fire-burglar-rated gun safes that Edmonton homeowners and business owners rely on every day. Whether you’re starting with your first safe or upgrading to a fire-rated model, our team can help you compare options and choose the perfect fit for your needs.
Ready to find the right safe for your needs? Contact us today or stop by our Edmonton showroom to explore your options.
