As the buckets, spades and flowery shorts made an appearance for the summer months, it came as no surprise to see that the Great British obsession with the weather has gathered an even greater pace. Simon Ruggles (Marketing & Sales Operations Manager at SentrySafe UK) explores the surprising rise in Waterproof Chest sales, adding to the buoyancy in the safe market.
As the summer of 2013 draws to a close, it is no surprise to most that the UK has experienced some of the hottest days since the 1970s. Hitting a sticky climax of 33.5oc in July, the met office confirmed that the recorded temperature from Heathrow and West London successfully smashed the previous record of 2006 (32.2oc). It may come as a further surprise, therefore, that 2012 was one of the wettest years on record.
It seems that a clear pattern is identifiable from our national weather statistics. With four of the top five wettest years occurring since the turn on the millennium, UK businesses and home owners continued to face the increased risks posed by extreme weather and rainfall.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported that flooding cost British insurers over £400 million in damages during 2012. With claims relating to flooding affecting over 8,000 homes and causing widespread disruption to business, it is no surprise that the market for Waterproof and Fire-Safe chests continues to grow exponentially.
WORLDWIDE TESTING FROM ETL
US based ETL provide worldwide testing verification for Waterproof chests sold into the UK market. Consumers and business owners alike are turning to a variety of these verified chests to protect important insurance documentation, business critical information and irreplaceable valuables. Usually complete with the added protection of fire-resistance, chests offer a cost effective (yet margin rich) solution for those looking to increase the peace of mind currently offered by their filing system, entry level safe or tandem cabinets.
But why are these little units becoming such a competitive offer compared with the traditional safe? Waterproof chests verified by ETL offer protection above and beyond the certification attached to most ‘Water Resistant’ Safes. With full submersion possible for 24 hours, these units offer unique peace of mind for those particularly concerned about the effects of water damage. Whilst Water-Resistant safes offer the perfect safe guarding for many office or consumer environments, the threat of full submersion is often not tackled by design.
An ideal addition to existing security storage, these units guarantee against leaks, sprinkler systems and the full force of tidal or flash flooding. With some 5.5 million homes in England and Wales at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, it is clear that Waterproof Fire Resistant chests are a growing trend in store, online and with trusted locksmiths. One in six properties in the UK is currently at risk, with experts predicting a further 4.5 million homes could fall into flood risk areas – a total of 10 million homes and businesses.
While the waterproof fire chest may present itself as a non-traditional opportunity in comparison to safes, locks, padlocks and latches, enterprising stockists are capitalising on the growing focus enforced by changing weather patterns. Has your customer considered the risks of flooding and water damage? Has a risk assessment included the environment agency flood map, the potential unforeseen risks of sprinkler dispersal or the degradation of plumbing and pipes?
Available in a variety of sizes and capacities, the waterproof chest lines offered by various manufacturers give depth and breadth of range to meet the many functional needs of the consumer. From large capacity lidded storage in the foot of a free standing tandem, to a small unit within an existing safe or under the bed, a number of products are available to capitalise on growing volumes within the market.
Further information on flood risks can be found at:
www.knowyourfloodrisk.co.uk
www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
