I agree with Jim Legg. Just put them in the safe and take them out periodically (about once a month) to check them and give them a rubbing of light oil and they should be OK..... Who doesn't like to have their electricity on when they leave the house? So, do you unplug the fridge? I am paranoid, too, but that sure beats me. As far as storing a gun upside down- some of mine are up and some are upside down. Some people worry about the pad getting crushed, too. Good luck.