Factors to Consider When Buying a Firearm Safe

Owning firearms comes with a great responsibility, and one crucial aspect of responsible firearm ownership is ensuring their secure storage. A firearm safe not only protects your valuable collection but also prevents unauthorized access, keeping your loved ones and the community safe. 

With plenty of options available on the market, choosing the right firearm safe can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect gun safe for your needs.

The Importance of UL-Certified Safes

There is an abundance of firearm safes available, each claiming to offer top-notch security and protection for firearms. However, not all gun safes are created equal, and not all of them are UL-certified. 

The UL certification is a mark of rigorous testing and adherence to high-quality standards, ensuring that the safe can withstand various attacks and provide reliable fire resistance. While uncertified safes may be cheaper, they may not offer the level of security and performance that a UL-certified safe can guarantee. 

As responsible firearm owners, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of our firearms and valuables by choosing a reputable UL-certified gun safe, providing the peace of mind we need to ensure our collection remains secure and protected.

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an independent safety consulting and certification company that tests and certifies various products, including safes. When a gun safe is UL-certified, it means that it has undergone rigorous testing to meet specific standards, ensuring it provides a high level of protection for your firearms and valuables. Here are the key reasons why a UL-certified gun safe is important:

  • High-security standards – UL-certified gun safes undergo extensive testing for their ability to withstand various forms of attacks, such as drilling, prying, and tampering. They are subjected to rigorous evaluations to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards for security. This certification provides peace of mind that the safe is resistant to common burglary techniques.
  • Fire resistance – A UL certification evaluates not only a safe’s security features but also its ability to withstand fire damage. UL-certified gun safes are tested under extreme conditions to determine their resistance to fire for a specified period. This ensures that your firearms and other valuables remain protected even in the event of a fire.
  • Reliable performance – UL certification assures buyers that the gun safe has undergone extensive testing and meets stringent quality and performance standards. It is a mark of reliability and indicates that the safe will perform as advertised, offering the level of protection promised by the manufacturer.
  • Compliance with insurance requirements – Some insurance policies may require the use of a UL-certified gun safe to cover the full value of your firearm collection in the event of theft or damage. Having a certified safe can help ensure that you are eligible for such coverage and can make the claims process smoother.
  • Peace of mind – Owning a gun safe that has been independently tested and certified by a reputable organization like UL provides peace of mind to firearm owners. You can be confident that your firearms are stored securely, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential accidents.
  • Durability and longevity – UL-certified gun safes are manufactured to meet high-quality standards. This ensures that the safe will last for a long time, protecting your firearms and valuables for years to come.
  • Adherence to standards – UL regularly updates and revises its testing standards to stay current with advancements in security and technology. A UL certification indicates that the safe complies with the latest industry standards, ensuring it is up to date with the best security practices.

When Buying a Firearm Safe

When purchasing a firearm safe, the process extends beyond simply finding a safe that locks. While a locking mechanism is essential for preventing unauthorized access, there are other critical factors to consider, including:

  • Size and capacity – Begin by assessing the size of your gun collection and consider any future acquisitions. The safe should comfortably accommodate your existing firearms, ammunition, and other valuables while allowing room for growth. A general rule of thumb is to opt for a safe that is larger than what you currently need to prevent outgrowing it in the near future.
  • Security features – The primary purpose of a firearm safe is to keep your guns out of unauthorized hands. Look for safes with robust security features, such as a reliable locking mechanism. Electronic keypads, biometric scanners, and traditional combination locks are common options. Choose a lock type that you are comfortable with and one that fits your lifestyle.
  • Fire resistance – Fire incidents can be devastating, and your safe should be able to withstand high temperatures to protect your firearms and other valuables. Look for a safe with a good fire rating, typically indicated in minutes. The higher the rating, the longer your firearms will be protected in case of a fire.
  • Construction and material – The construction quality and materials used in the safe play a significant role in its overall security. Opt for safes made of heavy-gauge steel, which provides durability and tamper resistance. Pay attention to the door thickness and overall weight of the safe, as heavier safes are generally harder to remove or break into.
  • Mounting options – To enhance security, consider a safe that can be bolted to the floor or wall. This prevents burglars from easily carrying away your entire safe, making it more challenging for them to gain access to its contents.
  • Accessibility and ease of use – Quick access to your firearms during emergencies is crucial. Evaluate the safe’s design and layout to ensure you can easily and swiftly retrieve your guns when needed. Some safes offer interior lighting and organization options, making it more convenient to find what you need in a stressful situation.
  • Price and budget – Firearm safes come in a wide price range, so it’s essential to establish a budget before you start shopping. Remember that investing in a high-quality safe is an investment in the safety of your firearms and loved ones.
  • Brand reputation and reviews – Research various firearm safe brands and read customer reviews to gauge the reliability and performance of the safes you are interested in. A reputable brand with positive reviews often indicates a quality product. Some of the most robust firearm safe products in the marketing include:
  • UL-T30 Certified Gun Safe
  • UL-T15 Certified Gun Safe

Finding the Right Safe

While it may be tempting to purchase a generic firearm safe from big box stores due to their convenience and seemingly lower prices, it is essential to prioritize the safety and security of your firearms by opting for a specialized retailer like Dial Locksmith & Safeworld

Our knowledgeable team provides valuable insights and personalized recommendations based on your specific needs. Unlike generic options, we carry a curated selection of high-quality firearm safes, including UL-certified models with enhanced security features and fire resistance. Additionally, we offer after-sales support, ensuring you make an informed choice and have a seamless experience with your firearm safe.

When it comes to safeguarding your valuable firearm collection, trusting a reputable and knowledgeable retailer like Dial Locksmith & Safeworld is always in your best interest for optimal protection and peace of mind.


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How to Successfully Move a Residential Safe Up the Stairs

When it comes time to move residential safes, a factor that’s often overlooked is transporting the safe up or down a set of stairs. If it’s not done properly, you run the risk of exceeding the weight that the stairs can withstand and, worse yet, serious injury.

Transporting a safe up or down a flight of stairs is no easy feat, and it’s not as simple or straightforward as some may assume. It’s always in your best interest to hire professionals to deliver, move, and install residential safes in Edmonton. 

What to Expect With Professional Moving Services for Safes

Professionals who specialize in moving residential safes up the stairs follow a systematic approach to ensure a safe and efficient process. Specific techniques and equipment used may vary depending on the size, weight, and unique characteristics of the safe being moved. Here is an example of how this process works:

  • Assessment – Professionals assess the weight, size, and shape of the safe, as well as the safety of the stairwell and surrounding environment. They determine if the safe can be safely moved up the stairs and identify any potential obstacles or challenges. If the safe exceeds the weight that the stairs can withstand, we’ll take a look at other options such as the garage or a room on the main floor.
  • Planning and preparation – A detailed plan is developed to outline the necessary steps, equipment, and manpower required for the safe’s relocation. This includes selecting the appropriate moving equipment, such as dollies, straps, or stair climbers, based on the safe’s weight and dimensions.
  • Clearing the pathway – We ensure that the pathway leading to the stairs is clear of any obstacles or tripping hazards. wWe may move furniture, rugs, or other items that could impede the safe’s movement.
  • Securing the safe – The safe is securely strapped or harnessed to prevent any shifting or movement during the ascent. Professionals use specialized techniques and equipment to ensure the safe remains stable and balanced throughout the process.
  • Lifting and maneuvering – The team follows proper lifting techniques, using strength and coordination to lift the safe onto a dolly or specialized moving equipment. We carefully navigate the stairs, using caution on each step to maintain stability.
  • Communication and coordination – Effective communication is essential during the entire process. The team members work together, providing clear directions and ensuring synchronized movements to maintain safety and prevent accidents.
  • Placement and securing – Once the safe reaches the desired floor, we carefully position it in its final location. We secure the safe to the floor or wall, if necessary, using appropriate anchors or bolts to ensure stability and security.

Final Thoughts

Moving a safe up the stairs is a challenging endeavor that requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and experienced professionals to protect the well-being of those involved. Safety should always be a top priority, with proper lifting techniques, protective equipment, and clear communication among team members.

For more information about moving, delivery, and installation services for residential safes, contact us at Dial Locksmith & Safeworld and we’d be happy to help!


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Why UL Certification Matters: Ensuring Safety in Your Safe Selection

Residential and commercial safes are essential investments for protecting your valuable possessions and sensitive documents. Whether you want to secure jewelry, important documents, cash, or other valuable items, choosing the right safe is crucial.

However, one of the biggest mistakes that people make when buying residential safes or commercial safes is buying them from big box stores or online from Amazon. These generic safes are often not UL-Certified, which can be risky and may compromise the safety of your valuables. 

UL certification ensures that a safe has undergone rigorous testing and meets stringent standards for security and performance. UL-certified safes are tested for resistance against burglary, fire, and other threats. They offer verified performance, fire resistance, and adhere to high-quality construction and locking mechanisms. 

What is UL Certification?

UL Certification is a mark of safety and quality assurance given to products that have undergone testing and evaluation by the independent organization, Underwriters Laboratories (UL). UL is a globally recognized company that sets rigorous standards for product safety, performance, and compliance with industry requirements.

UL Certification involves rigorous testing and analysis of residential safes and commercial safes to verify that the product meets or exceeds specific criteria for security, fire resistance, and other relevant factors. A UL-Certified safe has demonstrated its ability to provide the intended level of protection for valuable items, important documents, and other belongings.

How to Choose the Right Safe

With a wide range of options available in the market, it’s important to consider various factors to ensure you select a safe that meets your specific requirements. Here are some of the top things to consider when choosing a safe that provides the perfect balance between security, convenience, and peace of mind.

  • Evaluate your needs – Begin by assessing what you plan to store in the safe. Determine the size and type of items you want to protect. This evaluation will help you determine the appropriate size, fire protection rating, and security features required for your safe.
  • Determine the level of security – The level of security you need depends on the value of the items you want to protect. Look for safes with reliable locking mechanisms, such as electronic locks or mechanical combination locks. Consider the thickness of the safe’s walls and door, as well as the presence of pry-resistant features, drill-resistant plates, and bolts.
  • Check for fire resistance – At Dial Locksmith & Safeworld, we like to say that a burglar picks and chooses, but a fire takes all, highlighting the importance of a fire-resistant safe. Look for safes with a UL fire rating, which indicates the safe’s ability to withstand fire for a specific period. 

The average fire temperature is 650 degrees Celcius. Paper chars at 205 degrees Celcius, making your important documents vulnerable. UL fire ratings guarantee the temperature inside the safe does not exceed 175 degrees Celcius to protect your valuables from damage.

  • Consider size and storage capacity – Select a safe with ample space to accommodate your belongings. Ensure it has adjustable shelving or compartments to organize your items effectively. Take into account not only the current storage needs but also any potential future requirements.
  • Examine installation and anchoring – Consider how and where you plan to install the safe and whether the company you purchase the safe from will provide installation services. Some safes are designed to be bolted down, providing an added layer of security. 
  • Consider budget – Set a budget based on the value of the items you want to protect and invest accordingly. Remember that a high-quality safe is a long-term investment in the security of your possessions, so prioritize quality and security features over price.

Protect Your Valuables With Confidence

By investing in a UL-certified safe, you can have confidence that your valuables are safeguarded by a product that has met independent verification and validation. If you’re looking for a wide selection of UL-certified safes and expert guidance in finding the perfect solution for your needs, contact Dial Locksmith & Safeworld today. 

Take the proactive step towards protecting what matters most and trust the professionals to assist you in securing your valuables.


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Locks, Lights & Safes: How to ward off thieves and vandals

Businesses and residences are constantly targeted for break-ins. Many thieves and vandals make the assumption that they are not protected or locked down, and think it will be easy to “smash and grab” without running into security guards or setting off alarms. Don’t let this happen to you.

Protect Your Property

There are three simple and effective ways to make sure your property is secure and less likely to be targeted by thieves.

#1: Keep Your Property Safe

The first thing you will want to invest in for your property is a secure safe to keep your money, valuables and important documents protected from burglars and fires. SafeWorld® has several different types and models to choose from for the needs of your property:

  • Burglar-resistant safes
  • Fire-resistant data safes
  • Floor and wall safes
  • Gun safes
  • High-security safes

If your safe is compromised in any way, we provide services like safe opening, lock changes, combination changes and general maintenance. Changing the locks and the combinations every one to two years is a great way to ensure the safety of the property you keep in a safe.

#2: Keep the Perimeter Light

To ensure that your property is less of a target for robbery, provide adequate lighting for the interior and exterior of your building; always leave a light on at night. This helps police officers or security guards see into the building and make sure no one is lurking in your property or causing damage. Don’t obscure the view of your building from the street with trees and bushes either. Foliage makes it easier for criminals to sneak around and hide.

#3: Keep It Locked Down

Make sure that all entry points to your property and storage areas have locks and that any employees you entrust with the keys have been thoroughly screened. If there is a breach, make sure the lock is changed.

If you need assistance or information, call us in Edmonton during business hours or our 24/7 mobile service at 1-866-723-3953. SafeWorld® is always happy to help.


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Quick cleaning tips to protect your safe

Strongbox, coffer, or repository: whatever you call it, your safe is the secure home to your most valuable possessions. Now that your family heirlooms, documents, and jewels are safe from theft and fire, you might be thinking about how to keep them safe from a less obvious threat – dust and dirt.

Has the stainless steel and polished wood of your safe lost its lustre? Follow the tips below if your safe needs a little touch-up.

Determining Your Safe’s Material

First, you must find out what your safe is made of in order to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance, without damaging it. Is your safe metal? What kind of metal is it? Does it have wood? What kind of wood? Is yours a digital lock or mechanical combination lock? Once you have answered these questions, you can use the correct procedure for the type of safe.

Cleaning Steel, Titanium and Digital Locks

The best products to use on your stainless steel and titanium safe are a microfibre towel and a quality metal wax or polish. Be sure to apply the polish or wax to the surface of the metal, not the rag.

Coat the entire surface with the polish or wax. Be generous in the amount you apply, but remember that a little goes a long way! Rub the wax or polish in small circular motions until it is shiny and clean. If you opt for something other than wax or polish, a glass cleaner like Windex® is a good alternative.

Use compressed air to blow out the crevices of your safe and to blow off your digital lock. With a Q-tip® soaked in rubbing alcohol, clean the surface of the digital lock, careful not to apply too much liquid or press too hard.

Cleaning Exotic Wood Drawers and Combination Locks

Find a gentle wood cleaner, such as Orange Glo®, for the type of wood your safe drawers use. Start by dusting off the wood and using the compressed air to clean out any cracks or crevices.

Spray your towel with a small amount of Orange Glo® or a mixture of Windex® diluted with water. Never apply liquid, wax, or any other abrasive cleaning agent directly to the wood. Gently wipe away any dirt and rub the wood until it shines. Let it dry before closing the safe.

Use the compressed air to clean the combination lock. If you are finding that your lock or any of the hinges on your safe are sticky, a small amount of Tri-Flow® should do the trick.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance, feel free to give our 24/7 mobile service a call at 1-866-723-3953. We are always happy to contribute to a SafeWorld®!


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6 Tips for safeguarding your home while on vacation

You’ve been planning a special getaway for months. Now you can hardly wait to get to your destination and let the vacationing begin.

Of course, there’s nothing worse than finding things have gone wrong on the home front while you were away. How can you safeguard your home and belongings so you’ll have the peace of mind to truly enjoy that holiday you spent so long planning? Here are 6 tips to follow before you jet off somewhere exotic.

1. Enlist your neighbours’ help. Of course, no one wants to put a burden on friends or family, but if you are reasonable in your requests (and come home bearing thank-you gifts), your neighbour may be delighted to help keep an eye on your property and keep your front door clear of sales flyers, deliveries or newspapers that find their way to the front steps.

2. Hire a trusted person to house or pet sit. If you are going to be gone a while and don’t want to inconvenience your friends with too many tasks while you’re away, consider investing in a good pet-sitting service, or ask a trusted friend or family member to stay in your home during your vacation.

3. Use caution on social networks. If you’re the type who loves to share every moment of your day online, be aware that not just friends may see your newsy posts. There are criminal elements online too, and if you constantly mention the fact that you’ll be out of town for the next month, you may get more attention than you bargained for. Use restraint in social media. Or be creative and continually mention that your best friend is staying in your place while you’re gone.

4. Use lighting timers rather than leaving lights on 24/7. Even if conventional wisdom suggests that “always leaving a light on” will deter prowlers from scoping out your property, it looks strange if lights never go off. Use a timer to automatically turn lights on and off. Criminals won’t be able to know for certain if an actual person turned off the lights. Your utilities bill will also reflect your conservation.

5. Stop all regular deliveries. True, you can’t keep all advertisements and papers from your doorstep while you’re away, but it certainly helps to put regular mail and newspaper deliveries on hiatus. Try to ensure that you’re not expecting any deliveries from FedEx or UPS too.

6. Winter proof your home and unplug high-power devices. It’s tough to keep pipes from freezing even when you stay at home during a Canadian winter. You need to be extra careful when you leave your home empty during the cold or stormy months. DO keep your heating system active and pipes well-insulated. Unplug any electronic device that would be damaged in the event of power surges or storms.

By following a few simple tips, you’ll return home from your vacation loaded only with mementos and memories – not worries. Ask SafeWorld® for even more tips to protect your home!


Posted in: Blog