For some those who use bank safe deposit boxes are a throwback to the past. Today, it’s so simple to keep financial documents and other important records in digital formats that the notion of storing important documents in a locked vault at a bank sounds like something from the 20th century. In fact, there’s evidence the safe deposit box is in the decline. The New York Times reports that banks are no longer able to have them available, while a lot which do have them claim that at least half or more of their safes are being used up.

But safe deposit boxes do serve a function. Even in our paper-free digital world however, there are times where you require an original duplicate of a paper-based document, like your birth certificate, or the deed to your home. There’s no way to digitally copy tangible objects that are important to you, like family heirlooms, or collectibles. To protect these valuable items and papers the safe deposit box is the most secure option safe box

But that does not mean that you shouldn’t utilize a safe deposit container to store all the things you value. If your possessions are stored in a secure box in the banking institution, it is possible to only have access to them during times when the bank is not open — which can be an issue for documents that you may need access to in the event of an emergency. Additionally, there are certain physical items which, for any reason should be stored in a different location.

If you do have the safe deposit box, here’s a look at the items you should not put inside it. If you don’t have one then here are the things that may be enough to make you think about getting one.

If you’ve never experienced one A safe deposit box is a wide, long metal box that is kept in a locked area at the credit union or bank. A typical safe deposit box comes with two keyholes. Therefore, the only method to open you is insert both keys simultaneously. You have one key and the bank keeps another. If someone else such as your spouse has the same box as you, each has one copy of the key for the renter.

Two keys provide an additional layer of protection. If someone is able to steal keys to the safe deposit box they’ll not be able to gain access to it without assistance of an employee of the bank. But , the bank won’t be able to let you into the box, or even the locked room that it’s in for anyone. The majority of banks require identification proof before they’ll allow access to the box, for example the signature of a person they check against the signatures on your the file.

The safe deposit box can be a feature option that’s not part of the typical bank account. Based on The New York Times, banks can charge anything from $20-$200 per year for a safe deposit box, contingent on the size and location of the bank. Some banks offer a reduction on this charge.

The only natural catastrophe that they aren’t always able to protect themselves from is flooding. Experts advise sealing important documents photos, documents and other fragile items in a watertight container or zip-top plastic bag prior to placing them in a safe deposit box. This will protect you against water damage in the event in the event of flooding.