combine the features of burglary resistance and thermal protection. Some even offer other features such as time delay access or depository features. As with all safes, look for the Underwriters Laboratories seal. If you don't see it, it's just a safe by appearance alone. Multi-purpose safes tend to be some of the heaviest and most expensive of all safes. When carefully shopped, they should represent an investment which will serve for many generations.

 Included in this group are what are often refered to as "bank safes." They are commonly of heavy steel construction clad with high density mineral (composite) walls. Most people think that all safes are of this category while, in fact, most are not. When you read in the news about a safe being burglarized, chances are that it was a simple fire safe being used to store valuables. This illustrates that you should know more about your safe than a burglar.