First Alert 2096DF Fireproof Safe Review

Average Overall Rating

The popularity of the First Alert 2096DF has grown over the past year. It has stood out from the crowd by offering some very useful high-end features and benefits at an affordable price. It seems to be a popular buy with home owners or those with a small office at work.

This home safe has been well designed and will provide years of safe secure protection for your valuables even in the event of a house fire or flooding. It is part of an exclusive line of fireproof and waterproof safes created to offer a complete security solution for the three major hazards: theft, flood and fire.

This is a medium sized fireproof home safe that has exterior measurements of  23.38 x 17.63 x 24.13 inches and an interior capacity of 2.14 cubic feet. It has a big enough interior for storing large and small valuables and so would be ideal for your average homeowner.

Let’s take a closer look at what else this First Alert safe has to offer.

First Alert 2096DF Features At A Glance

First Alert 2096DF Interior Spacing

This First Alert 2096DF home safe comes with 2 adjustable and removable shelves that can be used to dissect the storage area for better organization. With both shelves placed into position you can create 3 smaller areas for storage. With 1 of the shelves put into position you will have 2 separate areas of space.

Because the shelves are adjustable you are able to create the storage spacing that suits you best. If you have larger items to be stored away such as jewelry boxes or large upstanding folders then you have the option of removing all shelving.

For additional convenience there is a hanging file rack with lipped edges which will come in very handy for keeping irreplaceable documents tidy such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and other personal files.

The First Alert 2096DF also has a door pouch which is a great feature for anyone who uses certain documents regularly but doesn’t want to be rummaging around in the safe looking for them.

Just slot the papers in the pouch and now they are secure and also very easy to get to.
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First Alert 2096DF Locking Mechanism

There are 6 solid steel locking bolts on the door. Three on the opening edge and three on the closing edge. Having locking bolts on either side of the door will keep it firmly in place. This is vital if someone was to try to pry the door open with a crowbar or some other tool.

The bolts are activated with the Electronic Digital Locking system controlled by a small keypad on the front of the safe. The First Alert fire-safe allows you to use your own personal 3 to 8 digit pass code for unlocking and locking.

Now, if your memory isn’t quite what it used to be then there is no need to worry because the 2096DF also includes an override key that will open the safe if the pass-code is forgotten or the batteries go dead.

I just want to also point out that there is no need to be intimidated by the keypad. You don’t have to be a technical genius to work this thing. It is very simple and all is explained very clearly in the user manual.
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First Alert 2096DF Secure Construction

Let’s start with the patented concealed anti-theft hinges. Take a look at the image and you will see that there is no way any prying tool can be used to break these things off.

For fire protection this safe has been tested in tough conditions and has been awarded a UL classified 1 hour fire rating. This verifies that it will withstand an external temperature of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for the specified amount of time.

The interior will maintain at a temperature of less than 350 degrees and will protect electronic media including memory sticks, CDs, DVDs, hard drives as well as documents and other valuables.

For waterproofing there is a water tight seal that will prevent any water damage that may be caused when hoses are used in fighting a fire. The safe will also remain air tight inside even in the event of a flood.

That’s right, because of the composite construction of the First Alert 2096DF this waterproof safe will float to the surface in a flood and will remain dry inside even if fully submerged.
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Conclusion

This is a good sized and well constructed fire and waterproof safe. It is very good value especially if bought from Amazon which always has discounted prices.

First Alert seem to have thought of everything regarding securing a person’s belongings and even with a digital locking system they thought to make it easy to understand for all to use.

It is a heavy safe, meaning even two strong burglars would have issues walking away with this. That is a huge positive because these days thieves are becoming accustomed to locating safes in peoples’ homes. If they find a light enough safe they will take it away and open it elsewhere.

For the owner the 2096DF includes a removable extendable handle with two wheels so that it can be easily moved. Just lift the handle up, tilt the safe and wheel it to your desired location.

All First Alert fire safes are covered by a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty and will be replaced free of charge if damaged in a fire.

There are also 2 other sizes of this safe to choose from. Check these links below:

First Alert 2092DF Price Drop! The 2092DF is the medium version of this home safe range. It measures around 20 x 18 x 18 inches with a 1.31 cubic ft capacity. It weighs in at around 90 pounds and at this time of writing has dropped 6% in price.

First Alert 2087DF Price Drop! The 2087DF is the smallest of this home safe range with overall measurements of around 17 x 15 x 19 inches and a cubic capacity of 0.94 cubic ft. It weighs 77 pounds and at the time of this writing has dropped 18% in price.

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Features

Specifications

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Pros and Cons

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Useful Accessories

Wireless rechargeable Dehumidifier Absorbs excess moisture. Has a moisture gauge to indicate when need to recharge. Can pull moisture from 100 cubic ft. No batteries required.

Dry-Packs Portable Dehumidifier Box Silica Gel Special moisture absorbing boxes. Humidity Indicator built into the box. Electric free. Protects up to 33 Cubic Ft.

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Amazon Customer Reviews

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How To Use Your First Alert 2096DF

In order for this safe to protect its contents properly from a fire the door must be closed and fully locked. During testing the safe was placed in a fire with a temperature of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. Its interior temperature remained below 350 degrees Fahrenheit for at least an hour during the exercise.

Although this safe has been tested for fireproofing and waterproofing not all items can be fully protected. Below is a list of important facts for you to take note of if you are to get the best from this fireproof safe.

1. The First Alert 2096DF has verified fire protection for memory sticks, CD’s, DVD’s and USB drives.
2. The safe is not intended to protect audio cassettes, video cassettes, floppy discs, data cartridges, film, photos or photo negatives in a major fire.
3. With items such as photos, jewelry or other delicate valuables it would be recommended for you to seal them in an air-tight container before placing them in the safe. The reason for this is to protect those items from moisture that can build up within the safe over time. To counter this issue it would be a good idea to purchase a mini dehumidifier that can be placed inside the safe and run either on batteries or a re-charge. Also, try to get into the habit of opening the door and airing out the safe for at least 20 minutes every two weeks.
4. Avoid placing the First Alert 2096DF in areas of high humidity.
5. This safe has not been designed to store medication, combustible items, guns or other weapons.

Maintenance Of The 2096DF

To make sure that the safe continues to operate and accurately read the pass codes you will need to maintain its performance by following some simple precautions:

• Depending on how often the safe is in use it would be a good idea to replace the batteries at least once a year or even sooner. This will ensure best results and performance from the safe. Always clean the battery contacts on the batteries and in the compartment before installing.
• Do not operate the digital keypad if your hands are excessively dirty.
• Use a mild liquid cleaner to clean the surface of the safe. You can use liquids such as an everyday household window cleaning spray to help prevent any surface scratching. Make sure to wipe the surface dry afterwards.

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First Alert 2096DF  User Manual

If you have lost the original operating instructions that came with the safe then feel free to download a copy of the manual: Here

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