The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably active, with a series of severe and persistent storms causing significant damage across the Northern Hemisphere. With 17 named storms recorded so far, 11 have reached hurricane status, and five have intensified into major hurricanes. If you live in or near a hurricane-prone area, being prepared is crucial in case of an emergency.

Once you’ve established a safety plan for your family, it’s equally important to protect essential documents and valuable items. A safe is an effective option, but you’ll need to evaluate certain features to ensure it can withstand a hurricane’s extreme conditions. Fire and water protection ratings differ widely across safes, so be sure to review the UL and ETL certifications.

Water-resistant
Flooding and heavy rainfall are major hazards during a hurricane. However, flash floods can strike almost anywhere and cause severe destruction. An ETL certification means the product has been rigorously tested to withstand flooding and water damage. Roloway ETL-verified waterproof products are designed to remain sealed and dry, even with prolonged water exposure for up to 72 hours.

Safe Box | 0.23 Cubic Feet with Silver Keypad | Roloway

Safety
Looting is a concern in areas that are damaged or evacuated during natural disasters. If you must leave valuables behind, knowing they’re secure brings peace of mind. Safes offer varying levels of security – from basic deterrence to advanced protection against theft – so you can choose one that meets your needs.

Dimension
Choosing the right safe size is another key factor. Do you need one that stays at home or one you can quickly carry if you evacuate? Hurricanes often provide some time for preparation, allowing you to gather key belongings before leaving. Keep in mind that both size and materials are important considerations, and some people opt for two safes to address different needs.

Safe Box | 0.23 Cubic Feet with Silver Keypad | Roloway

Ease of Use
In a rushed evacuation, having your important items ready to go is essential. A fire-resistant document bag can help keep everything organized and protected, saving valuable time in an emergency.

Fire Resistance
While hurricanes don’t often directly cause fires, conditions like downed power lines, broken gas lines, and delayed emergency response can increase fire risk. Fire protection ratings from UL can help you gauge a safe’s level of resistance. Roloway UL-classified safes, for instance, are tested to withstand temperatures from 1150°F to 2000°F, keeping contents safe during up to two hours of direct fire exposure.

Impact Resistance
To survive a hurricane’s force, your safe must be built from materials strong enough to resist impact. Powerful winds and structural damage can cause a safe to fall through floors, putting your belongings at risk. Roloway’s UL-classified safes feature a rugged construction with impact resistance to ensure the door stays closed, keeping your items protected.

Hurricanes are not just a coastal issue. Hurricane Ida, for example, affected nine states. Wind and water damage can be felt hundreds of miles inland, with impacts that don’t depend on the storm’s strength. Knowing your risks and preparing ahead, including safeguarding valuables, is essential. For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit Ready.gov.