The use of security safes and vaults has become increasingly popular in modern day commercial entities. Government agencies have not been left out either, with government locksmiths continuing to receive safe-related service requests. This is mainly attributed to the fact that government agencies handle huge amounts of cash on a daily basis.

Heads of government agencies are not likely to be well-versed with safe-related matters and those looking to invest in the same on behalf of the agency can have a difficult time making the right choice. This article provides heads of these agencies with information on factors to consider when making a first-time investment in a commercial safe.

Size And Weight

Size and weight are important considerations to make when shopping for security safes. When it comes to size, government agency heads need to be remember that the size of a security safe is looked at in two ways. The external size of the safe refers to the amount of physical space that the safe will occupy while the internal size refers to the amount of storage space inside the safe after its installation. The best security safe would be one whose external size allows it to fit into available spaces within the government office without hindering its operation, and whose internal size is sufficient to accommodate the huge sums of money handled by the agency and other items to be stored in the safe.

Weight is also an important factor to remember when looking for a security safe. The weight of the safe directly determines how secure the safe is, with heavier safes offering greater security.

Fire Resistance

Fire outbreaks have the potential to damage valuable items stored in a security safe. Fire resistance for security safes is rated in terms of the type of material that will be protected by the safe and the duration for which this protection will last. Fire resistance ratings are indicated on the surface of the safe, or on its packaging. The more sensitive the items to be stored in the safe, the higher its fire rating should be.

Locking Mechanism

Security safes can feature one locking mechanism or a combination of two. Key locks are easy to use but not as secure. Mechanical combination locks are harder to open as their operation requires a three or four number combination. Electronic locks are user friendly and they can be operated by multiple users.

Heads of government agencies need to understand the pros and cons of the different locking mechanisms before spending public funds on a security safe.