How To Choose Where To Put Your Gun Safe at Home

Whether your gun safe holds your hunting arsenal, important records, prized items, or self-defense weapons, you want to keep the safe secure in your home. Every home is different, and the unique characteristics of your residence influence the ideal placement of your gun safe. Read to find out how to choose where to put your gun safe at home.

1. Consider Intruders

A safe signals to intruders that it holds something worth stealing inside. Thieves will focus on any safe they discover inside the home. Visibility is why keeping your safe out of your garage is a good idea. Whenever you open your garage door, passersby can see what’s inside.

Similarly, any areas of ingress and egress are likely targets. Avoid rooms that feature an entry to the home, such as a living room with a back door to the yard. If you place the safe in a higher-risk area, bolt it down to the ground.

Remember that while a gun safe is necessary for securing your weapons at home, you'll want to have your gun with you if you encounter a dangerous or life-threatening situation outside your home. Depending on where you live, you might need a permit to carry. Find out how long it takes to get a concealed carry license in your state.

2. Watch for Water

Gun safes aren’t entirely waterproof, so you need to choose a location where they won’t get water damage. Keep in mind that if a pipe bursts in your home, the safe is less likely to get waterlogged if it’s off the ground.

Room humidity can penetrate the safe, so avoid putting the safe in a bathroom or laundry room if possible. But if you decide to place your safe in a humid area, use a dehumidifier.

3. Beware of Fire Hazards

The final tip for choosing where to put your gun safe is to be aware of fire risks in your home. You want to avoid potential hazards regardless of your safe’s fire rating. Just like with water damage, no gun safe is entirely fire-proof.

Place your safe away from the most likely culprits of home fires. In particular, the kitchen accounts for over half of residential fires, so avoid placing your safe there. Keep the safe away from fireplaces and flammable chemicals like lawnmower fuel in your garage.

If your home has a basement, this is a great option for your safe. And depending on the design of your gun safe, a home office might be an ideal place for concealing the safe, either on a bookshelf or under your desk.