[ButlerianJihad]

> 95% certain

Really now? Have you not been paying attention to the many news stories about banks that are closing out and shutting down their SDB services?

SDB are a horrible burden for banks and especially because they have little use for actual secured vaults anymore.

If you’re simply using it to squirrel away paper documents for emergency access, I strongly suggest an electronic replacement solution.

If you’re using it to store physical valuables such as watches, jewels, or negotiable instruments, then I feel sorry for you, but consider a storage locker or simply a fireproof safe.

[johntash]

I didn't know banks were closing their SDB services. I've been thinking about getting one as an offsite/offline backup for a few important things, but maybe I'll reconsider.

Searching I do see there are some companies who aren't banks and offer similar private vault services. I wonder how reliable they are.

[ButlerianJihad]

I had an SDB for a couple of months and some of the related incidents were rather surreal. I was finally persuaded against it.

I had been stashing cash and coins in there, and some USB sticks and some ID, as a backup or hedge, if something catastrophic happened to my home, or there was an extended power outage, or comms lines were down for some reason: civil unrest, natural disaster.

But I queried one of the bank managers about their backup systems and power. And he said "oh, if the power went out or something, we would obviously close down." and nobody from the public would be getting into that branch, come hell or high water. It was perfectly logical to expect that, but I had somehow thought they would be a fortress of solitude that could withstand any tempest outside.

So that's why I closed out the box, and basically my best backup plan is readiness at-home, and knowing somewhere to flee to, and/or shelter in place, if something goes wrong here.