What Should I Keep in my Home Safe?

August 15, 2023

Your house is your haven – it’s where you should feel the most secure. But even the safest homes can be susceptible to theft, accidents, emergencies such as house fires, or natural disasters. 

As someone who likes to be prepared for anything, you’re probably wondering what I should keep in my home safe?

Here are the top 9 things that you should consider keeping in your home safe to ensure extra protection:

1. Insurance Policies and Agent Contact Information

A person holding a home insurance policy

Home insurance policies differ from country to country. However, there are some general tips you should always keep in mind regarding your home insurance policy.

First and foremost, you should always make sure that you have the contact information for your insurance agent readily available. In the event of an emergency, you will need to be able to contact your agent as soon as possible.

Secondly, you should always keep a copy of your insurance policy in a safe place. This way, if you ever need to make a claim, you will readily have all the information you need.

Finally, you should always ensure that you are familiar with the terms and conditions of your home insurance policy. This way, if you ever have any questions, you can ask your agent for clarification. Also, have your trusted family member aware of it as well.

These simple tips will help ensure you are always prepared in an emergency.

2. Original Birth Certificate

Most people don’t realize that they should always keep their vital documents, such as original birth certificates, safe at home. This document is one of the most important pieces of identification and can be used for various purposes.

Your birth certificate will be required if you need to apply for a passport, ace your driver’s license, or even prove your identity. It’s also a good idea to keep all these documents of your family members in a safe place in case of an emergency, such as a house fire or flood.

It’s always important to know where is your birth certificate and to keep them safe. Keeping it in a home safe is the best way to ensure it will be there when you need it.

3. Passport

Passports and other important documents should be kept in a home safe when not in use

There’s no doubting the importance of a passport. The document allows you to travel internationally and proves your identity and citizenship. So it would help if you always kept it safe – especially when you’re not using it.

The best way to do this is to keep your passport in a home safe. That way, you know it will be secure, and you won’t have to worry about losing it or having it stolen.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a home safe for your passport. Firstly, you must ensure that the safe is big enough to fit your key.

You should also consider the security features of the safe, such as how difficult it is to break into to deter burglars and whether it has a fire-resistant or waterproof rating.

Once you’ve chosen the right safe, make sure you always keep your passport in it when you’re not using it. That way, you can be sure it will be there when you need it.

4. Social Security Card

You should always keep your social security card in a safe place in your house.

While carrying it around with you may be tempting, it is essential to remember that this card contains sensitive information that could be used to steal your identity. You should report your card to the Social Security Administration immediately if your card is lost or stolen.

It is also a good idea to keep a copy of your social security card a safe place at home.

This can be helpful if you ever need to replace your card. You can obtain a replacement card by contacting the Social Security Administration or visiting your local Social Security office.

5. Wills

Elderly signing last will will

When it comes to your will, you should always keep it in a safe place where it can’t be damaged or lost. A home safe is the best option, as long as it’s fireproof and waterproof.

It would be best if you also considered storing copies of your will in a safety deposit box at your bank or with a trusted friend or family member.

If you don’t have a will, now is the time to create one. After saving money for your children’s future, a choice allows you to specify how you want your assets to be distributed after death.

Without a will, it might be a bad idea that your assets will be just distributed according to your state’s intestacy laws. These laws may not reflect your wishes, so it’s essential to have a will in place.

If you have a will, review it regularly and update it as needed. It would help if you also kept your beneficiaries up to date on your assets and your wishes for how they should be distributed.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late to create or update your will. Make sure your wishes are known and written so your loved ones can follow them after you’re gone.

6. Financial Documents

When it comes to important financial documents, you should always err on the side of caution and keep them in a safe place.

This could be a fireproof and waterproof safe in your house with a security system or a security deposit box at your bank.

Some of the most important financial documents you should keep in a safe home include:

  • Financial statements
  • Tax returns
  • Investment documents

By keeping these documents in a safe place following security measures like having a good lock combination, you can rest assured knowing that they will be protected in the event of a home fire, flood, or natural disaster.

Additionally, it will be easily accessible if you ever need to reference them for any reason.

7. Property Titles

An image of a house and keys

As a homeowner, you are likely aware of the importance of keeping your home and its contents safe.

This includes your property titles. Your property titles represent your ownership stake in your home, and as such, they should always be kept in a safe place.

There are a few different ways to do this. First, you can keep them in a home safe.

This is probably the best option, as it will protect your titles from home fires, theft, and water damage.

Another option is to keep them in a safety deposit box at your bank.

This can be a good option if you don’t have a safe home, but it is essential to remember that you will need access to the box to retrieve your titles if you ever need them for safety and security.

Finally, you can keep them in your home’s file cabinet or another storage system.

This is not the ideal option because titles are perfect targets for burglars aside from cash and jewelry. And it is not as secure as a home safe or safety deposit box, though it is better than nothing.

No matter where you keep your property titles, it is essential to make sure that they are stored in a safe place. This will ensure that you can always access them if you need to.

8. Legal Documents (Living Wills, Power of Attorney, etc.)

Having a living will, power of attorney, and other legal documents in place is crucial for everyone.

No one knows when they may become incapacitated or when they may need someone to make decisions on their behalf.

If you don’t have these documents in place, your family may have to go through the court system to get the authority to make decisions on your behalf, which can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful.

Keeping these documents in a safe place where your family can easily find them is essential. Please keep them in a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box at your bank. Make sure your family knows where they are and how to access them.

If you don’t have these documents, now is the time to get them. Talk to an attorney about drafting a living will, power of attorney, and other legal documents that will protect you and your family in an emergency.

9. Spare Keys and Titles to all Vehicles

Car spare keys and imporant documents should be kept in a safe storage.

As a car owner, you should always keep a spare key and title to your vehicle in your home safe.

If you lose your keys or get stranded somewhere, having a spare key can be a lifesaver. Likewise, if your car is stolen, having the title in your possession will give you the best chance of getting your vehicle back.

Keeping these essential items in a safe place is one more way to help protect your investment.

While it may seem unnecessary, having spare keys and titles can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road. So be sure to keep them in your home safe today!

Additional Things to Keep in Your Home Safe

You can do many things to keep your home safe, and one of them is to keep your important things in a secure location.

If you have valuables or sentimental items you don’t want to risk losing, consider keeping them in a fireproof and waterproof safe.

This will help to protect them in the event of a fire or flood. You may also consider backing up your photos and other important files onto a USB or an external hard drive.

This way, if something happens to your originals, you’ll still have copies you can access.

These precautions will help ensure that your house and your belongings are safe from harm. Make sure to take the time to secure your home and keep it protected against potential dangers.

Things You May Consider Keeping with Your Home Safe

Home security systems can deter burglars and provide you with peace of mind

There are other things you should always keep with your home safe for emergency purposes: a fire extinguisher, an aid kit, a home security system, camera, door and window sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and a garage door opener.

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a must-have in any house. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 37,000 house fires occur annually in the United States. Having a fire extinguisher on hand can help you put out a small fire before it gets out of control.

Smoke Alarm

Smoke alarms are also a must-have, as they can warn you of a fire before it gets out of control.

Home Security Systems

Home security systems are another great way to keep your home safe. They can deter burglars and provide you with peace of mind.

Security Camera

These are a great addition to your security, as they can help you identify intruders.

Door and Window Sensors

They are also a great way to keep your home safe. They will notify you if someone tries to enter your house through a door or window.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are another vital part of keeping your home safe. They can warn you of high levels of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

First-Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit in your home is also a good idea. This can be used in an emergency, such as a medical emergency or a fire.

Garage Door Openers

Garage door openers are also a great way to keep your home safe. They can deter burglars and provide you with peace of mind.

No matter what home security system you have, it is essential to have an emergency plan in place. This should include a list of family members and their contact information and a list of local police and fire departments.

A home safety plan is the best way to keep your family safe. If you have a security system, test it regularly and keep the batteries fresh.

If you don’t have a security system, consider investing in one. They are a worthy investment and can provide you with peace of mind.

There are many things you can do to keep your home safe.

These are just a few of the most important things to remember. By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your family safe from harm.

What Do You Need to Do When Someone Breaks Into Your Home Security?

Security camera monitoring a break-in

If someone breaks into your home, the first thing you should do is call the local police department. Many police departments offer home security tips that can be vital in keeping your family safe. Here are just a few of the things you should do for your home safety:

-Install smoke detectors/alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Test them monthly to make sure they’re working correctly.

-Consider a security system. It can be a significant investment, deterring burglars and giving you peace of mind.

-Make sure your outside doors are solid and in good condition. Install deadbolts on all exterior doors.

-Ensure that all first-floor windows are locked.

-Consider adding glass break sensors to your security system.

-Install security cameras, both inside and outside of your home.

By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep your family safe during a break-in.

Home Safety Essentials

You must do some home safety essentials to ensure your home is safe even during natural disasters.

First, ensure you have working smoke detectors/alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices can save your life in a fire or gas leak.

Second, keep your home well-lit, both inside and out. This deters criminals and makes it easier to spot potential dangers.

Third, secure all doors and windows, and keep valuables out of sight.

Finally, have a plan in case of an emergency; always have a first aid kit and emergency supplies.

Following these simple tips can help keep your home safe and sound.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many valuable items that you should always keep in your home safe. By reviewing this list and ensuring you have these items in your home, you can help protect yourself and your family from potential harm and your home safety.

Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Aside from your home security systems and fire safety, such as fire extinguishers, having a home safe is essential to protect your most valuable items.

You must have these nine things in your home safe. You never know when you might need them.

Alex Bradley

Written by

Alex Bradley

Multitasking guru who’s not just wrangling words as a witty blogger, but also juggling the roles of a husband, dad, and dutiful son to an age-defying parent. With a keyboard in one hand and a toolbox of tech gadgets in the other, Alex weaves playful blog posts that crack open the world of senior-friendly gizmos. Drawing inspiration from his family adventures and late-night “Eureka!” moments, his posts are your compass to navigate the realm of safety-enhancing and smile-inducing devices for the golden-aged generation.