In the workplace a biometric safe may be programmed to accept several users. A boss could be given the capability to reprogram the safe while employees only have ability to access the safe. Having voice recognition in combination with keys or pass-codes could be extremely useful in the event of robbery. Special units that contain a panic feature would allow people indicate if there is someone attempting to force a registered user to open the safe.

At home the multi-user feature could be used to allow both parents to protect children from items that may be dangerous. Hunting rifles and ammunition could be stored in a biometric gun safe to prevent curious children from accidental injury. In other cases an entire family might want access to a safe simply for keeping important documents such as birth certificates and passports.  The ease of use of a biometric reader makes it an ideal place to store your gun for quick access in the case of an emergency.  Simply put your finger on the reader and the safe pops open.

For special circumstances a safe may be chilled or heated in order to store temperature sensitive materials. From electronics to fine wine a safe may be tailored to meet specific needs of individuals and businesses. An investment to protect investments should be available in more than just different sizes, shapes and colors; it should reflect the unique needs of users.  Doing your research can help you get the best price and property protection for your valuables.

Protecting valuables requires more than just a key or combination. A quality biometric safe will include an outer housing case that is water and fireproof. In the event of flood, fire or other natural disaster the biometric technology should still be functioning perfectly. No matter what the reason behind locking away valuables, a biometric safe will keep items protected and minds at ease.

First question is how large of a biometric safe do you need?  You need to ask yourself some questions:

1. What will you be storing in the safe?  Papers and documents take up much less room than guns and jewelry and computer discs.
2. Are you interested in storing any guns in the safe?  If so, what quantity?  Many biometric gun safes are designed for 1-3 guns.
3. How about any rifles in the safe?  Obviously you can fit a long rifle in a metal box only 18″ long.  Do you have a place for a 4 foot high gun safe?
4. Does the safe need to be portable or easily movable?  Many people keep small portable biometric safes under the seat of their car for securing guns or cash when away from home.  Alternatively, maybe you live in an apartment and move frequently.  Do you need/want a safe that you can pick up and carry yourself?  Larger gun safes can be 4 feet high, 2 foot square and weigh 700 pounds.  Not something you casually decide to move much!

Does it need to be a fireproof biometric safe?  This will add expense to the purchase. The rating of fireproof safes is critical. The rating usually denotes two things: how long it can withstand the high temperatures of a fire, and the maximum temperature that it will still safely protect the contents. The higher the number or rating of the safe, the better as this will provide for the most protection in the event of a fire. Look for protection that will last at least an hour and withstand temperatures of at least 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.  A few manufacturers such as Sisco Honeywell even carry waterproof fireproof biometric safes!

Additional features to consider when buying a biometric safe:

• Many manufactures include a 2nd way to access the contents.  This is typically a round key (like you see on pop machines).  This will allow you to open the safe even in the event that the biometric information is lost or in an emergency.
• All of these safes require power.  All will have batteries, some will allow you to also run them on and AC power supply.  Keep in mind that the security information is saved permanently even if the batteries die.  Just replace the batteries from the front of the unit and it is in business again.  AC power just simplifies life.  All reputable manufactures will have a low battery warning that may be at least blinking light, but audio also.
• Smaller safes should have the ability to be mounted to the floor or a larger piece of furniture or cabled to something immovable to prevent a thief from simply picking up the safe and breaking it open at his leisure back at his property!
• If you are purchasing a biometric gun safe, insure it comes with a foam lining inside to protect the guns.
• Depending upon the manufacturer, some safes will store only 10 fingerprints and others will store 50.  Determine your need.
• How long is the warranty on the safe and what does it cover.  Many of the more expensive models will be a lifetime replacement if any tries (or is successful at) prying their way into your safe.

Lastly, check the thickness of the steel with each manufacturer.  While the thickness is not the absolute critical piece of this as a determined thief will eventually get into the metal box, the thicker the steel, the longer it will take him, possibly deterring him from trying or requiring him to make enough noise or take enough time that he may be caught.