Hi, connie. I think bank boxes are more or less safe in that even if the bank fails, you will get access to YOUR stuff, though perhaps not immediately. However, keep in mind that if/when currency controls come in, they will likely also outlaw private ownership of gold, in which case you cannot enter your safety deposit box without an auditor with you to ensure you convert to increasingly worthless federal reserve notes any gold therein at the government-set rate (not the open or black market rate).
So, if you don't have a safe at home, I would highly recommend you install one, and make sure it is the type where you can yourself change the combination whenever you wish.
Another bank was taken down over this weekend, I forget where, and, once again, the deposits are available to depositors through another bank as was the case with other bank failures recently. BTW, I have heard through the grapevine that Charles Schwab banking accounts (not trading accounts, don't know the scoop on them) are insured by Lloyd's of London in the event of an FDIC failure, up to a limit of $100million. I'm going to check this out for myself before transferring any cash there.
Newly