Fireproof Gun Safes

Gun Safes Save Lives
If you have guns in your home, you likely want to keep them safe from burglary and fire and keep kids from getting their hands on them. Guns that are subject to burglary not only put you at risk for the loss of your belongings but also put you and your family in danger. Imagine a burglar getting a hold of your gun. You would be at his mercy with no defense. If a child were to grab hold of your guns, the situation could become even more detrimental, making it a necessity to have appropriate locked storage for your guns.

Size
The size and number of guns you own should determine the size of your gun safe. A pistol safe is much smaller than a rifle case, but if you only own pistols, it is all you will need. It is important to remember the smaller the safe is, the easier it is for burglars to carry off.

Fireproof
When you shop for gun safes, inquire about the fireproof rating. The higher the rating, the more resistant your guns will be to the fire for a longer period of time. Each unit has its own rating that determines the length of time it can protect your contents from a burning fire.

Burglar Proof and Locking Mechanism
Many safes are rated for their resistance to burglars. This is determined by professionals who attempt to break into the safe. If this is of importance to you, inquire about its rating before making a purchase. You should also look at the locking mechanism of the gun safe. A solid mechanism will consist of a lock and key, combination lock or electronic keypad.

Electronic Safes-biometric

Electronic safes are safes that use some type of electronic locking mechanism. There are two major types of electronic safes – electronic keypad and biometric. The first type, the electronic keypad, is opened by entering the combination to the safe on an electronic keypad similar to the PIN pads used on ATM or debit card machines. This makes opening the safe much more convenient than a traditional mechanical combination dial. In addition, some models support multiple combinations with multiple PIN numbers, allowing you to grant access to more than one user.

  Electronic safes also use what is referred to as a biometric locking mechanism. A biometric locking mechanism uses some unique physical attribute to grant access to the safe. In the case of electronic safes that physical attribute is a person’s fingerprint. The user simply places their index finger on a special scanner for about a second, and if the fingerprint is a match the safe is opened. This scanner uses a laser to scan the fingerprint, much like the laser scanners used at grocery and retail stores to scan bar codes. The scanner converts the fingerprint information into a unique number using a special software algorithm, and if this number is a match the safe is opened. In addition, electronic safes that use a biometric scanner allow for more than one user to be “enrolled”. This is done by simply placing the scanner in the program mode and scanning the user’s fingerprint.

  There are a number of other factors to consider when choosing electronic safes. One factor is the burglary rating. The burglary rating usually gives an indication of how long it would take a knowledgeable person (in other words, a locksmith) to break into a safe with common locksmith’s tools. While these ratings may seem to be for a short amount of time (common numbers are 5 or 10 minutes), most burglars do not have a lot of time on their hands. If you have a good overall security plan (such as an alarm system and surveillance system), then you can insure that a burglar will not have enough time to break into a burglary rated safe.

  Electronic safes are also available with fire ratings to protect the contents of the safe in the event of the building catching fire. Fire ratings are specified in the number of hours that the safe can remain in fire conditions without the temperature inside the safe rising above a certain number. A common fire rating is a 1 hour 350 degree rating. This rating means that the safe could be exposed to a 1700 degree F fire for 1 hour, and the internal temperature of the safe would not reach more than 350 degrees F.   Another factor to consider when choosing electronic safes is what is to be stored in the safe. Important documents require a fire and burglary rated safe. Other delicate valuables, such as computer backup media, require a special media safe. A media safe differs from a regular safe in the fire rating assigned to it. A media safe is usually rated at 125 degrees F, rather than the 350 degree F rating for a document safe. This is because computer media is much more fragile and can be damaged at a lower temperature. Electronic media safes are also rated for a maximum humidity of 80% in fire conditions. In addition, they are designed to protect the media from dust, magnetic fields, and electrostatic charges. There are also special electronic safes designed for the storage of guns (rifles and shotguns). Gun safes are larger than regular safes to accommodate the length of the guns. Models are available with electronic locking mechanisms as well as with burglary and fire ratings.

  There are a two more features that should be considered when choosing electronic safes. One is an electronic locking mechanism with an audit feature. The audit feature tracks user access and allows an authorized person to view when the safe has been accessed and by whom. This information is displayed on a local display panel or, on some models, can be uploaded to a personal computer for viewing. One final feature, limited to electronic safes with electronic keypads, is a backlight so that the safe can be quickly accessed in a darkened room. This feature is especially important on gun safes, where the user might need access to the safe at night.

  As you can see, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing electronic safes. Taking all of these factors into consideration before making your purchase will help insure that you choose the electronic safe that is right for your. Because a safe is more than just a metal box!

Electronic Safes

Information on Electronic Safes
In basic terms, an electronic safe is one that is accessed through an electronic locking mechanism rather than a combination dial or a key. These safes are easier for the owner to access, allowing for both convenience and security. There are two basic types of electronic locking mechanisms: keypad and biometric.

Keypad
The electronic keypad works in much the same way as taking money out of an ATM machine. The owner will have a code to enter into the keypad that will grant access. In some models, you will be able to add additional codes so each person who will access the safe can have their own code.

Biometric
This type of safe is not as common but is growing in popularity. To access this type of safe, the owner must place his finger on a special scanner that will match fingerprints before granting access. This type of safe is one of the most secure types on the market because it is virtually impossible to replicate a fingerprint to gain access. The owner must be present.

Storage Options
As you consider exactly which electronic safe to get, you need to think about what you will store in it. For documents and jewelry, a standard safe is sufficient. However, CDs and DVDs require a special media safe, while firearms require a safe designed for guns. Knowing what you will store will ensure you make the right choice.

Security
The main reason for getting a safe is the security it provides, both from theft and from fire. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the ratings for the safe, as well as how much security you need. For instance, if you are storing important items, you want to make sure you have a safe with a good fire rating for optimal protection. With fire ratings, you need one rated for 350 degrees for most things. However, if you are storing media, you need one rated at 125 degrees instead, as well as one that offers protection from humidity, dust, static and electromagnetic fields. As far as security ratings, this will depend on the value of what you store in the safe.

Internal Options
The final consideration for electronic safes is the internal options. Purchase a safe that is larger than what you need to accommodate more items in the future. You can also choose from a variety of shapes and internal shelving options so you get the kind of storage you need.

Electronic Fire Safes

Electronic Fire Safes Information
An electronic fire safeis one that has some type of electronic locking mechanism and is rated for fire safety of the contents. A fire safe can be purchased with a traditional mechanical locking mechanism, but an electronic lock is much more convenient. When choosing an electronic fire safe, there are a number of factors to consider.

  First is the type of electronic lock. There are basically two types – the electronic keypad and the biometric scanner. With an electronic keypad type, the combination to the safe is entered on a standard numeric keypad, in much the same way as you enter a pin number at the ATM or grocery store. A biometric electronic fire safe has a fingerprint scanner as the unlocking mechanism. You simply place your finger on the scanner for about a second and the safe opens. The biometric scanner type provides the best of both security and convenience.

  The second, and possibly most important factor is the fire rating of the electronic fire safe. There are two types of fire ratings – one for paper, and one for media. This is due to the fact that while paper will begin to burn at a certain temperature, media, such as floppy disks or CDs, will begin to melt at a much lower temperature. In addition, media cannot withstand the effects of high humidity.

  The ratings safes designed to store paper documents are specified at 350 degrees F – the rating is the number of hours that the safe can remain in a fire situation without the internal temperature rising above 350 degree F. This is the temperature at which paper would start to burn. The rating for media safes is determined in a similar manner, except that the internal temperature that is used is only 125 degrees F – a much lower temperature. In addition, media safes are designed so that the humidity inside the safe does not reach more than 80% during fire conditions.

  The third factor is the size and shape of the electronic fire safe. Safeandvault.com has a large variety of different sizes and shapes available. Different sizes of 1 or 2-hour electronic fire safes are available, with 1 or 2 hour fireproof ratings. In addition our 2-hour fireproof safes are also burglary rated for the maximum in security. The 2 hour fireproof and burglary rated safes also include a glass relocker mechanism (if someone attempts to tamper with the lock, it breaks a glass-enclosed spring that relocks the safe) for added security.

  As you can see, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing an electronic fire safe. You’ll need to decide on the type of electronic lock, the burglary and fire rating that you need, and the amount of storage that you need in order to determine the size and shape of the safe. In addition, you’ll need to decide whether or not you will be storing electronic media in the safe. If you are be sure to choose a model that has a media fire protection rating.

Drop Safes

The Importance of Drop Safes
If you run a business that receives deposits of cash, checks or valuables, drop safes are the most effective way to keep your items from harm. Meant for temporary storage, these units are convenient to hold your items for a short amount of time, but they should be emptied on a daily basis to ensure their utmost safety.

Various Types
The drop safe comes with a slot front, hinged hopper or rotary hopper. The slot front is meant for users to drop their envelopes or other items directly into the compartment. There is a baffle mechanism that precludes the ability for anyone to reach in and grab any items out. The hinged hopper is made for larger items to be deposited into the safe and contains a large compartment that comes toward the person, allowing the products to be dropped in. The rotary hopper is similar in construction, except it requires a 180-degree turn to drop items in, offering the most security.

Size
The size of the drop safe you choose depends on its overall use. If you are simply storing cash or other small items, a small unit is sufficient. If you need to store a cash drawer or other large products, you should choose a larger unit. Keep any growth of your business for the future in mind when you choose the size.

Locking Mechanism
Drop safes come with either a key locking mechanism or an electronic keypad. Both types of locks are secure because the key lock typically contains two keys, one for the guard and the other for the supervisor. The electronic keypad requires a secure PIN to enter the safe, allowing only those who know the PIN access to its contents.

Drop Safes For Cash Management

Drop safes, also known as depository safes, accept deposits from anyone, but only persons with authorized access can retrieve the deposits. They are ideal for businesses that handle large amounts of cash, jewelry, or other valuables on a daily basis. They also provide a convenient way of handling non-returnable deposits such as payments enclosed in envelopes. Drop safes are best for temporary storage – they are not as secure as burglary-proof safes because of the opening to the outside. For example, you might use one to store cash during the day, and then move the contents to a more secure safe or deposit it to the bank at night. Also, again because of the opening to the outside, drop safes are not fireproof.

  Drop safes can be divided into three different types. These types differ in the type of opening used for the deposits. The first type uses a slot on the front or top of the safe to accept deposits. There is a baffle attached to this slot on the inside to prevent someone from “fishing” the contents back out of the safe. The second type uses a hinged hopper on the front of the safe, much like a freestanding mailbox. This type will also use some type of anti-fishing baffle on the inside. The third type is the most secure. It uses a rotary hopper mounted on the top of the safe. This hopper must be rotated a full 180 degrees in order for the contents to be deposited.

  Drop safes come with a variety of other available features. One such feature is a secure, dual-custody key system. This system requires two keys, a “supervisor” key and a “guard” key, to open the safe. Another convenient feature is an electronic keypad locking mechanism. All the user has to do to open the safe is enter the combination on a PIN pad, much like using an ATM or debit card machine. These electronic locks are also available with an audit feature, which allows authorized persons to determine when the safe was accessed and by whom. This information is usually displayed on a local display, or on some models can be uploaded to a personal computer.

  Drop safes are also available with a more secure, double-door system. This type of safe is divided into two sections – the top half for accepting deposits and the bottom half providing more secure storage with no opening to the outside. Drop safes are also available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There are also a variety of interior arrangements available. Some models offer convenient storage for cash drawers. These are ideal for a retail setting.

  As you can see, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a depository safe. Be sure to consider the type of depository opening, type of locking mechanism and whether or not you could benefit from a dual-door drop safe. Taking all of these factors into consideration will help ensure that you choose the drop safe that is right for your needs.

Depository Safes

Use Depository Safes for Safety
Depository safes are those that allow deposits to be dropped in through various methods, including a slot or hopper, whether hinged or rotary. This type of safe is the perfect solution for businesses that deal with large amounts of cash or other valuables. All models of the depository safe are meant to eliminate the risk of anyone fishing the contents out of the safe through the use of a baffle.

Temporary Storage
The depository safe is meant to provide temporary storage of valuables, such as cash, checks or jewelry. The slot or hopper is meant to deter thieves from stealing the contents of the safe, but the longer items sit there, the more tempting it becomes for potential thieves. The typical use for this method of storage is to use it during the day with a collection of all the contents at night.

Size
The size of your depository safe plays a role in your purchase. The size of the objects, as well as the number of objects or envelopes that will be stored, will determine the size you need. If you need to store cash drawers or have a separate area for long-term storage, you will find various choices for your safekeeping needs.

Features
There are a variety of features to choose from to make your safe the most secure. You can choose to install electronic keypads or dual-key systems that require a standard key, as well as a supervisor key, to open it. For the utmost security, audit locks can also be installed. These locks monitor the times the safe is opened. This makes it easier to track down any missing contents.

Biometric Safes

Biometric safes are ones that use a biometric scanner to grant access. A biometric scanner is a locking device that grants access based on some uniquely identifiable physical attribute, such as the pattern of the iris or retina in the eye, handprint, or fingerprint. Biometric safes use fingerprint scanners for convenience, security, and safety. Eye scanners would not be very convenient, and although completely safe, some people would object to having their eye scanned by a laser.  

  Using biometric safes is the height of simplicity? You simply press a button to “wake up” the scanner from low-power mode, and place your index finger on the scanner for about a second. Your finger is scanned by a laser similar to the ones used in grocery stores to scan the barcodes on your groceries. Using a special software algorithm, the scanner converts the pattern of the fingerprint into a unique number. If this number matches one of the numbers stored in the scanner, the safe is unlocked. All of this takes place in a matter of seconds.  

  Biometric safes have a number of distinct advantages over traditional mechanical or electronic locks. They are totally secure – only an authorized fingerprint can open the safe. This requires the physical presence of the authorized person. A combination or pin number written down and misplaced can result in unauthorized access to a traditional safe – this cannot happen with a biometric safe. Another advantage is convenience. No keys or little slips of paper to keep up with, no combination or pin number to remember. Plus, it’s easy to authorize access to multiple users – just place the scanner in program mode and have them place their finger on the scanner.  

  I mentioned earlier that you have to be physically present to open biometric safes. That’s a good thing, right? Well, there are a couple of situations where this might pose a problem. Say, for example that you are out of town and need access to information contained in your safe. With a traditional safe, you could call a friend or associate and give them the combination or pin number, allowing them to open the safe and provide the information you need. Then when you get back in town you can change the combination for safety’s sake. You can’t do this with a biometric safe if yours is the only fingerprint that has been enrolled – you have to physically be there with your finger to open the safe. The same type of situation could come up if you were incapacitated or died suddenly – your loved ones or business associates would not be able to access your safe. There are a couple of simple solutions to this problem.  

  One is to give some trusted friend or associate access to the safe when you first acquire it. Then, in an emergency, this person can open the safe for you. The safe itself provides another solution. Most models of biometric safes can be opened with a special key that is unique to that safe. The opening for the key is usually hidden under a logo or nameplate that has to be removed in order to use the key.  

Biometric safes represent the best in a marriage between security and technology. They are highly secure, convenient and cost-effective when compared to other electronic safes.