In spite of how unpleasant it is to think about, house fires happen at any time, to anyone. Although the likelihood of this happening to you is low, you should nevertheless take steps to protect your family and your valuable documents.
Even the most catastrophic home fires can be protected by the best fireproof cabinets, making it a worthwhile purchase. Check that it is fireproof before you put it in a safe. Find out which companies have a good reputation for safety. Do not be afraid to ask questions. You should consult an expert before choosing a safe model.
Are Fireproof Cabinets Effective?
The quick answer is “yes.” Contents stored in fireproof cabinets will be protected from blazes and any other hazards. However, not all safes are alike; there are several varieties. Fireproof cabinets can cost anywhere from $16 to well over $200. Choosing the right fireproof cabinet may require some investigation as well as selecting what will be stored inside.
The Operation of Fireproof Safes
A safe’s description will include details such as how much temperature it can tolerate, what catastrophes it can withstand, and how long it can retain its contents.
A safe’s “UL Rating” is the most important certification to look for. Underwriters Laboratories is a product safety and testing agency that has been in business for over a century, hence the “UL.” This rating indicates how fire-resistant a safe is. Your documents will remain intact for a certain amount of time. Consult the UL rating to determine what type of paperwork will be safe from damage in your safe.
If you live in an area where it’s easy for fires to get out of control, you may want to invest in a UL Class 350 safe. It can protect its contents against the heat of at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit for at least one hour, which is the time that most fires last before they’re brought under control. If you know there will be firewall traffic and you won’t be able to get to your home on time, or if you plan on keeping the safe in a seasonal or vacation property where there are fewer people around to detect the fire promptly, it may be prudent to invest in a UL Class 350 safe.
What Documents Should I Keep in a Fireproof Safe?
The sensitive information contained in important documents like your birth certificate or the title to your home makes it difficult to replace them after a fire. Having these records intact after a tragedy like a fire might ease the burden of cleaning up your belongings and starting over in a new house. In case of a fire, keep these records in a fireproof cabinet.
Lock up and safeguard the following goods (and similar ones):
- Birth certificates and passports for every member of the family.
- insurance contracts for homes, cars, and life insurance.
- Information on safety deposit boxes, including keys.
- Stocks, bonds, bank accounts, retirement funds, and other investment-related documents.
- ID cards for social security.
- any individual wills as well as family member wills. This contains healthcare and power of attorney forms.
A thumb drive containing family photographs and memories is also a good idea in case the original goods are lost in a fire.
Despite the fact that your safe will protect your belongings in the event of a fire, even the best safes aren’t built to stand up to an extended calamity. Also, even if a safe is fireproof, it can still be hacked into. If you are concerned about theft, you may want to consider a burglary safe.
