August 2024 - American Security Safes - High Security Safes for Home & Business

Hidden Gun Storage: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on August 26, 2024

Many gun owners strive to have discreet storage for their firearms while still keeping them accessible at all times. It’s important to strike a balance between these two needs and determine exactly what type of storage you require. There are a variety of gun storage options, and American Security provides high-quality safes for you to choose from. We’ll cover the basics of everything you need to know about hidden gun storage and what products we recommend.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hidden Gun Storage

There are a few things you need to keep in mind before making the leap for your storage investment. This includes the following:

Accessibility

Especially during an emergency situation, you want easy access to your firearms should a threat arise. 43% of gun owners take home defense into account when it comes to gun storage, as it’s one of the main reasons people own firearms in the first place. The last thing you need is an inconvenience when protecting your family.

The good news is that there are plenty of secure gun storage solutions that also ensure seamless accessibility. For example, you can keep your firearm within arms reach with our Under Bed Gun Safe. Constructed of 18 ga. and 7 ga. steel, featuring an illuminated electronic lock, you won’t ever have to run to your closet or somewhere else in your home to protect yourself.

American Security’s Under Bed Safe

Security

While accessibility is naturally top of mind, security is another deciding factor. It’s understandable that you want your firearms to be easily accessible, but not to the point where your items get into the wrong hands.

Investing in a quality safe protects other members of your family like children from accessing weapons. Even if you don’t have kids in your home, it’s a good idea to lock up your guns and protect them from potential theft attempts.

Discreetness

We understand that accessibility is a component to consider, but discreteness is also on that list. While the hiding place for the safe is important, there are some other accessories you can purchase that can help your gun safe blend into its surroundings.

For example, AMSEC sells a safe cloak you can use to transform your safe into looking like a wood cabinet. This is the perfect solution for those who are storing their gun safe in their home whether it be the bedroom, closet, etc.

Size and Capacity

Depending on how many guns you plan on storing (with the potential of adding more to your collection in the future), you want to consider what type of gun storage option will be best for the long term.

If you only plan on owning a small handgun, one of our small pistol safes will do the trick:

However, if you own a rifle and a couple of handguns, our under bed gun safe can accommodate space for a few different firearms. If your collection is more robust, you may have to make the leap to a much larger gun storage solution. Just make sure you select a secure place to store the safe no matter what size you end up going with.

Installation Options

Consider whether you need professionals to help install your gun storage option for you. Depending on whether you own or rent your home, and how long you plan on living where you are, you may want a non-permanent gun storage solution that doesn’t require major home modifications.

If you plan on staying at your home indefinitely, installing a permanent gun storage solution could be beneficial. This could include a built-in wall or floor safe. These options are typically very customizable to fit your needs and the structure of your home. Installing permanent storage can also boost your property’s value if you ever reconsider moving in the future.

Legal and Safety Considerations

In the United States, federal law does not mandate specific storage requirements for firearms. However, transferring a firearm to a person prohibited from possessing it is illegal, and proper storage can prevent unauthorized access.

State laws regarding gun storage vary significantly. Some states have laws requiring firearms to be stored securely when not in use, especially if children are present in the home. For example, California requires that all firearms be stored in a locked container or with a locking device when not in use. Many states also enforce Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws that impose criminal liability on gun owners who fail to store firearms securely, thereby allowing minors to access them. The specifics of these laws vary by state.

Overall, just make sure you check on what your particular state enforces and abide by the laws enforced in your area. The team at American Security can help you find the right gun storage solution to fit your needs while also following state regulations.

Pros and Cons of Hidden Gun Storage

With discreet gun storage comes a variety of pros and cons. However, from our experience, there are many more pros to effectively hiding your firearm than cons. Here are just a few:

Pros

Enhanced Security

Concealed gun storage solutions help prevent unauthorized access by children, guests, or others who should not handle firearms. The hidden nature of these storage options adds a layer of protection against accidental or intentional misuse.

Discreetness

Hidden gun storage solutions are designed to blend seamlessly with home decor, allowing homeowners to maintain the aesthetic appeal of their living spaces. Furniture with concealed compartments, wall safes behind paintings, or in-floor gun storage solutions can keep firearms out of sight without disrupting the look of a room.

This inconspicuous approach also provides peace of mind for gun owners, knowing that their firearms are securely hidden particularly from children or any other frequent visitors.

Versatility

Many hidden gun storage options can be customized to accommodate different types and sizes of firearms, as well as additional accessories like ammunition, magazines, and cleaning supplies. Customizable interiors and adjustable compartments ensure that each gun storage option meets the unique requirements of the owner.

Cons

Speed of Access

In emergency situations, accessing your firearms may take slightly longer than if they were left out in the open. However, you need to take into account your local gun storage laws and the other family members that are present in your home. The peace of mind that comes with safely storing your safe outweighs the brief time it takes inputting a code or lock combination to access your firearms.

It may be worth practicing accessing your guns within your safe so that you are used to the process of unlocking the safe should an emergency arise.

Installation and High-Cost

Depending on how robust you plan on getting with hidden gun storage, it may be a large upfront investment if it requires professional installation. Any customization will also increase the cost but may be worth it for your long-term needs.

Key Takeaways on Hidden Gun Storage

It is crucial to strike a balance between keeping firearms accessible for emergencies and ensuring they are discreetly stored to prevent unauthorized access. Options like under bed gun safes provide a good compromise, allowing for quick access while keeping the firearm hidden. You also want to make sure you choose a gun storage solution that fits your current firearm collection and allows for future expansion if you’re a gun enthusiast.

Not only are there personal factors like family members and accessibility you have to consider, but you should also research what your local gun storage laws are for your state to ensure that you’re abiding by the regulations that are put in place. If you need any assistance with choosing your next gun storage solution, American Security is here to help.

Biometric Safes vs. Traditional Safes: Which One is Better?

Posted on August 20, 2024August 26, 2024

No matter if you’re a homeowner or a business owner, ensuring your valuables are protected is of the utmost importance. However, many would probably assume that purchasing a safe that features biometric protection would be the best, most secure option. What if we told you that’s a myth?

There are many pros and cons to biometric safe technology, and we’re here to uncover them for you. The many pitfalls of biometric safes are the reason American Security focuses on providing customers with mechanical or digital keypad locks. These traditional options deliver a higher level of reliability and security. Ready to see why? Keep reading and we’ll give you the details.

Understanding Biometric Safes

Biometric safes are constructed with a locking system (lock & keypad) that relies on your personal biological features and uses technology such as fingerprint scanning to open the safe. By recording patterns of your fingerprint, it can open by your interaction alone and remain locked if another individual tries to access the safe. This option is quite popular as it offers convenience by providing quick access for the safe owner. In fact, 81% of consumers assume that physical biometrics is the most secure form of identification.

There are also biometric safes that allow you to set up multiple users in case you have other family members who require access to the safe. However, a safe is a large investment, and we understand that you may be indecisive on what type of locking system would be best for your situation. Let’s go over some pros and cons that come with biometric safe products.

The Perks of Biometric Safe Locks

Depending on your requirements, biometric safes do offer some perks to consider.

Eliminate the Need for a Key or Passcode

One of the main perks of owning a biometric safe is the fact that you no longer have to keep track of a key or remember a passcode combination. It’s easy to lose or forget these things, and it can be a major inconvenience to have to contact a locksmith in order to access your valuables.

Easy Access

Especially for gun owners, should an emergency arise and the individual needs to access their firearms or valuables, easy access is important.

Unique to the Individual

As you can probably imagine, biometric data is unique to the individual, which means a burglar would not be able to guess this information compared to trying to crack a passcode. The intruder would have to go to extreme measures to replicate your physical features in order to break into your safe.

The Vulnerabilities of Biometric Safes

While we covered the perks, there are some cons you need to consider before you make the leap toward a biometric safe.

Technology Dependence

By now most of us know that technology can fail. Many biometric safes allow for easy access, but there are other times when sensors could malfunction and make it more difficult to access your belongings. In addition, the battery of these locks can die and can also leave your safe exposed to potential electrical overrides.

False Positives

In certain situations, a biometric safe lock might mistakenly grant unauthorized access due to a false scan. This vulnerability introduces a significant security risk, potentially exposing your valuables to theft. Even the most high-quality biometric safes can sometimes produce these false positives, making this option less foolproof than you may initially think.

Environmental Factors

Some other physical factors could contribute to a biometric safe malfunctioning. For example, if your fingerprint is compromised in any way by cuts, or if there’s any dirt or wear and tear on biometric sensors, this could make accessing your valuables more difficult.

Inadequate Locking Mechanisms

Many biometric locks are relatively inexpensive and may feature inadequate locking mechanisms behind the lock itself. This can make them vulnerable to bypassing techniques, such as removing the covering and electrically restarting the system to open the safe. Because of this, many large lock manufacturers have discontinued their production of biometric locks due to their inconsistencies and lack of protection.

Fail-Safe Features

To address potential failures in the biometric lock, most biometric safes also include a traditional mechanical or key lock. This backup option is designed to ensure access if the biometric system fails, but it adds complexity and might not fully mitigate the risks associated with biometric technology. In fact, it could leave your valuables even more vulnerable since picking a key lock is not a difficult task.

Lacking Certifications

A majority of biometric locks are not certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). These are reliable standards that uphold parameters that determine the level of security of a safe. Without a certification, you could be rolling the dice on a safe lock that won’t promise the protection you need.

The Reliability of Traditional Safes

The longstanding use and reliability of traditional safes is unmatched. Consider these factors before you finalize your next purchase.

Mechanical Simplicity

Traditional safes are typically constructed with mechanical locks or digital keypads. American Security provides either option, and we stand by the durability of this traditional approach. There’s less maintenance involved and these locks historically have a long lifespan.

If you go with one of our digital locks, they’re still battery-operated. However, if the battery dies, the lock still retains your passcodes and leaves no alternative way for someone to electronically override the system. Plus, the batteries on our locks are easy to replace.

Certified Quality

Most of American Security’s digital keypad locks are UL Type 1 Certified and our mechanical locks are UL Group II Certified. For our digital keypads, this means not only are your passcodes protected but they’re radiologically resistant, which protects your safe from potential threats posed by radiological devices that could be used to interfere with or compromise the lock’s functionality. As a result, the UL certifications boost a safe’s overall burglary rating and security level.

Consistent Performance

With this mechanical simplicity, comes consistency that you won’t always find in a biometric option. You won’t be fumbling trying to get your fingerprint in just the right spot, there’s simply a straightforward code you use to access the safe.

Higher Security

It’s true — traditional safes generally offer greater security compared to biometric alternatives. Mechanical locks and digital keypads are usually more difficult to tamper with, and there’s no digital technology that can be exploited or hacked.

Which Safe Lock Should You Get?

The following list covers some of the factors to consider when choosing a lock. Most industry-standard safe locks can be interchanged to suit your needs, whether you like the look and feel of a mechanical lock or want something simple like a digital lock that you or another family member can access in a duress situation. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

#1: Mechanical Locks

Most reliable
1 million possible combinations
Not reliant on technology or a battery
High-quality locking mechanism
All of AMSEC’s mechanical locks are UL-Certified
4-way drive cam for universal mounting

AMSEC Mechanical Spy-Proof Dial Lock

Learn More

#2: Digital Keypad Locks

Battery-operated but won’t leave your safe vulnerable if the lock dies.
High-quality locking mechanism
Most of AMSEC’s digital locks are UL-Certified
Quick entry for easy access
Auto-relocking feature
Penalty lockout
Mute/silent feature

AMSEC ESL20 Digital Keypad Lock

Learn More

#3: Biometric Locks

Easy access
Typically backed by low-quality locking mechanism
Most are not UL-Certified
Technological inconsistencies

Key Takeaways

In the end, it comes down to the features, level of accessibility, and security you need in your next safe. However, biometric products are not always the best choice, as these safes come with some flaws you have to keep in mind.

American Security sells a variety of traditional safes that boast of quality compared to other biometric alternatives. Discover which safe is right for you and our team can also help narrow down your final decision.

Why AMSEC Safes are the Ideal Security Solution for the Cannabis Industry

Posted on August 5, 2024August 7, 2024

The Importance of Marijuana Security Solutions

Working in the marijuana industry requires robust cannabis security solutions for your business. Of course, there are local regulations you need to keep in mind as well. Ensuring the safety and security of cannabis products, cash, and customer information is paramount for operational success and legal compliance.

In fact, 85% of small business retailers said they experience theft at least once a year, so what steps can you take to prevent this significant loss? While surveillance systems provide a layer of protection, those alarms can only do so much. That’s where American Security comes in.

American Security has established itself as a trusted provider of robust and innovative security products designed to meet the needs of various industries, including the cannabis sector. Our extensive range of safes, offers unparalleled protection, making AMSEC a preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable security solutions.

Cannabis businesses are lucrative targets for criminals due to the high value of cannabis products and the large amounts of cash often kept on-site. As the industry expands, the threat landscape becomes more complex, requiring the need for advanced security measures to safeguard assets and ensure business continuity.

Common Threats Faced by Cannabis Businesses

Cannabis businesses face numerous vulnerabilities that can jeopardize their operations and financial stability. These threats include:

Theft

The high value of cannabis products and cash makes cannabis businesses prime targets for theft. Criminals often target dispensaries and grow facilities, seeking to steal products and money. Break-ins are a significant concern for cannabis businesses, as burglars may attempt to gain access to valuable assets stored on-site. Robust physical security measures, such as high-quality safes, are essential to deter and prevent break-ins.

Compliance Issues

Failure to comply with security regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and the loss of operational licenses. Ensuring that all security measures, including safes, meet regulatory standards is critical for business success.

Why AMSEC Safes Are the Ideal Cannabis Security Solution

Superior Construction and Durability

AMSEC safes are known for their exceptional construction and durability. Made from high-quality materials and designed to withstand extreme conditions, these safes offer unparalleled protection against theft, fire, and other threats. Their robust design ensures that cannabis products and cash are securely stored, reducing the risk of loss due to unforeseen events.

Advanced Security Features

AMSEC safes are constructed with durable materials and feature robust locking mechanisms to protect what matters most. This combination enhances the overall security, providing multiple layers of protection against unauthorized access.

Customizable Solutions

AMSEC offers a wide range of safes with customizable features to meet the specific needs of cannabis businesses. Whether a business requires a small safe for cash storage or a larger safe for securing cannabis products, AMSEC provides tailored solutions that ensure optimal security. This flexibility allows cannabis businesses to choose the best security solution for their unique requirements.

Types of Cannabis Security Solutions Available

Pharmacy Safes

AMSEC’s pharmacy safes like the NARCO8336, offer secure storage featuring robust security locks to prevent intrusion. With 6 Adjustable shelves per door, you can fit all the products or cash you need to protect. If you’re searching for a smaller option, our NARCO3824 safe is a single-door container that comes equipped with 6 roll-out trays with 4 full-width & depth adjustable dividers. Even with a relatively smaller safe like this, we design the interior to maximize the available space.

NARCO8336 Safe

High-Security Safes and Vaults

Depending on how you plan to set up your security within your cannabis business, you can opt for one of our other high-security safes or upgrade to an entire vault. You’ll have to ask yourself how much you’re planning on storing. While a vault door provides ample space, you may only require a safe from our AMVAULT series which still offers plenty of storage without the need for an entire walk-in structure.

AMVAULT TL-30X6 Safe

Smart Safes

If you’re looking to take your security up a notch, AMSEC sells a wide range of smart safes that can streamline your cash management process. This option provides a secure way to keep track of your money and hold accountability for your authorized employees who handle the day-to-day cash flow. As a result, cash handling is less stressful and simplified.

BR3113XL CASHWIZARD

Key Takeaways

Working in the cannabis industry requires you as the business owner to take proactive steps to protect your sensitive assets. Give yourself peace of mind and invest in a robust safe that prepares your business for the worst-case scenario. As a cannabis dispensary, you can’t take risks by leaving your products and large sums of cash vulnerable to unauthorized individuals.

Feel free to get in touch with us and we can assist you in finding the perfect cannabis security solution that fits your particular needs.