Recommend me a key safe

[Justgotobed]

Hi looking for advice on key safes.

Both of my parents have recently been in ill health & carers have suggested a key safe might be a wise addition to their home.

I have looked into a few but would like to know what people's views are on key pad vs combination lock.

Any suggestions appreciated.
Tia.

I'm looking into this at the moment. The main issue seems to be household insurance

www.thurrock.gov.uk/crime-prevention/key-safes

www.nrshealthcare.co.uk/health-aids-personal-care/dementia-memory-aids/door-entry-key-safes-alarms/masterlock-combination-keysafe?fee=25&fep=1988&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=RM%20-%20Shopping%20-%20Health%20Aids%20%26%20Personal%20Care&utm_term=4582489586692281&utm_content=Door%20Entry,%20Key%20Safes%20%26%20Alarms

I had the above, it is in perfect condition after 10 years I think! The only thing I would say is it can be tricky to turn the wheels, so I would probably go for a push button one next time.

keysafe.co.uk/c500-keysafe.html Looks good.

Keypads - the buttons can be stiff depending on the make, most are fine

Combination lock - always the risk that the last person who used it only changes one number leaving it potentially slightly vulnerable.

Get the biggest one you can unless the only keys that are going in it are small Yale one, nothing worse than scrambling around on a cold wet night trying to fit a too big key into a tiny box.

If your parents already have carers, do they have any kind of alert or alarm system in place? Often council run 'telecare' schemes will fit a key safe as part of the package.

Thanks for the quick advice.

Lots to look at i think I'm leaning more towards push buttons, not entirely convinced that combination wheels will stand up to the wild Scottish rain & snow for long.

Hi hatgirl, yes alert system is being organised but our local authority don't provide key storage. Sign of the times budget cuts I think.

How do they affect insurance?

Not surprising really as they are expensive for local authorities to fit as they usually need to get a separate handyman in to do it to the person who installs the alert system.

The positive however, is that you can also give the key safe number to the people who run the alert system and they can pass it on to emergency services etc for easy access if needed.

As a user of these, I find the push button ones the most efficient when my fingers are freezing cold!

We've installed the type with wheels. Working OK for about 3 years so far - in the Scottish weather!

A combination lock with wheels or buttons mean you can pass on the code over the phone, and change it or update it as required. Good advice about checking the size of the keys before buying.

That's good to know imnot dp has found one with wheels that we can collect & fit tomorow, looks like it has a sturdy rainproof cover for the wheels.

Thanks everybody no doubt I'll be back soon looking for more solutions to the next problem.

Never thought my "oldies" would cause more worries than the "teen".

Don't put it in a really obvious place. It makes the house occupier appear very vulnerable. On the other hand it needs to be relatively easy to get to. Difficult!