Store cash, precious metals and valuables against fire, water and theft
Each type of valuable is harmed by different things. Plan storage for each. This step is about physical protection only, not about whether to hold these assets.
How
- Cash: paper burns and rots. Keep it in a fire-rated safe, in waterproof bags. The FDIC and Ready.gov suggest a small amount at home in small notes for when cards and ATMs do not work; UK police advise against keeping large sums at home. Decide what suits you.
- Precious metals: they survive fire better than paper, but are easy to carry away. Store them in a burglary-rated, anchored safe and keep any certificates or receipts in the fire safe.
- Jewellery and small valuables: UK police list jewellery, passports and cards as items to keep in a home safe.
- Documents and data: use a fire safe with the right class for the media (paper versus drives).
- Split storage: do not keep everything in one place. If one safe is lost, the rest survive.
- Neutral note: this platform gives no investment, financial or insurance advice. Some insurers ask about safes and stored valuables; check with yours.
Do these first
Sources
- Protecting your important documents and cash (Consumer News, September 2021). US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), accessed 2026-11
- Build a Kit. Ready.gov (FEMA), accessed 2026-11
- Keeping your belongings safe. Avon and Somerset Police (UK), accessed 2026-11
- Safe Burglary and Fire Ratings Explained. Dean Safe Company, accessed 2026-11