Texas homeowners know the importance of a fire-rated safe. But after recent flooding across Comal County, many are asking another critical question: Is my safe waterproof, too?
The truth is, most safes are fire-resistant — but very few are designed to protect against water damage. If your safe sits in a flood-prone area, or even on a concrete garage floor, your valuables may be at risk.
Fireproof ≠ Waterproof
Fire-rated safes are built to withstand extreme temperatures (like 1200°F or more) for a set amount of time — typically 30, 60, or 90 minutes. But that doesn’t mean they’ll keep out water.
In fact, during a flood, it’s common for water to seep in through:
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The door seam
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The bolt holes
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Unsealed lock housings or anchoring points
Even short-term exposure can ruin cash, documents, ammo, and electronics.
When Waterproofing Matters Most in New Braunfels
With the Guadalupe River overflowing and flash floods hitting Central Texas harder each year, waterproof protection is no longer a luxury — it’s a smart move. Especially if your safe is:
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In a garage or ground-level room
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Below-grade (in a basement or crawl space)
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Near exterior walls or drain points
How to Tell if Your Safe Is Waterproof
Look for a verified water-resistant seal and ratings from ETL or UL. Some safes offer waterproofing up to 2 feet of water for 24–72 hours — but this feature is often only found in specialty or dual-rated models.
What You Can Do Right Now
Even if your current safe isn’t waterproof, there are steps you can take:
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Elevate your safe on a riser or concrete block
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Use waterproof document bags inside
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Seal bolt holes with silicone
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Consider relocating to a second floor if feasible
Need Help Choosing the Right Protection?
At Heavy Metal Gun Safes, we help homeowners in New Braunfels and beyond find safes that match both fire and flood threats. From high-end gun safes to document vaults, we’ve got options that are built for Texas extremes.