Fireproof Document Bags – In the digital age, we have become accustomed to knowing there’s always a copy of anything important. It may have been saved on your computer, on an in-house server, or in the cloud, but it’s out there. This system of backups for the backups is very effective, but it can cause us to forget how important it is to protect actual paper documents.
No matter what digital versions exist, there will always be documents that must be physically printed and handled. Electronic versions are not permitted for certain uses, and other documents have historical value that renders computerized forms worthless.
When handling those documents, you must always be vigilant against fire. It is easily the most destructive enemy of paper documents so a good system of document protection must be fireproof. In addition, you may have computers, memory devices, or other sensitive items that need to be protected from fire as well. Consider these specific criteria when you’re shopping for a fireproof document bag. Click here for the Best-Selling Fire Safety Products.
Maximum Temperatures
Although paper will burn at just 454 degrees Fahrenheit, a fire in a structure or a vehicle can reach temperatures far beyond that level. For example, if your bag is in the trunk of a vehicle that catches fire, the burning gasoline could easily expose it to temperatures of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit–far beyond what it would take to incinerate your belongings.
Your fireproof document bag should be durable enough to withstand that type of thermal conditions. Many bags provide protection at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher, a good level to consider if you plan to travel with the bag.
Capacity
Like so many things, fireproof document bags often get used more than we expect at the time of purchase. The more we use them, the more ways we think of to use them. Before long, we realize that the bag is not big enough for all the things we have chosen to do with it.
Always buy a bag larger than what you think you’ll need. They are soft-sided and will not take up much additional space, and you’ll always have the additional capacity as you start thinking about more and more things to carry in the bag. In time, you may choose to substitute it for a standard briefcase, or you may simply place a briefcase inside it. Whatever you choose to carry, you’ll be glad to have a larger bag for it.
General Security
Although fire is a specialized threat that you’re thinking about when buying a fireproof document bag, the usual threats to security are just as significant. The bag you purchase should also provide a strong line of defense against theft.
The flaps, zippers, and other closures required to keep fire away from your belongings are not enough to keep unwelcome hands away. Protect your valuables by choosing a bag with a sturdy, effective lock. Don’t forget that you need to be able to unlock it easily under normal conditions as well as after it has been exposed to fire.
Water Resistance
In your pursuit of fire safety, don’t forget that water is just as destructive as fire. If your bag is exposed to fire, the most likely method of extinguishment will be water, often in very large quantities and under high pressure.
A document bag that is adequately waterproofed will keep its contents safe first from the fire and then from the water, increasing the chances that all your fragile items will emerge unscathed from the situation.
Carrying Method
Fireproof document bags are carried in many different ways. Some are tucked inside an attache case or some other bag. Some are carried alone, by hand or with a shoulder strap. There are as many ways to carry the bag as there are people to carry it.
In addition to the types of handles available on your bag, you should also pay close attention to the quality of the handles. Once again, security is an issue. Fast-moving thieves will snatch any bag they see, regardless of how worthless its contents might turn out to be. You should purchase a bag with strong, sturdy handles. Make sure they are made of a durable material and attached firmly to the bag. You’d be surprised at the number of bags that excel in fire resistance but do poorly in this simple area.
Humidity Management
When a bag is constructed tightly enough to keep fire out, it will also keep moisture in. This can create some serious problems. Dampness can support the growth of mold, leaving documents stained and even smelling bad. There are two main ways to avoid this problem.
First, empty the bag and leave it open from time to time. This will help it air out and stay drier inside. The owner’s manual might also offer tips on how to remove any mold that does accumulate. Second, use a drying material such as packets of silica gel. These are the familiar “Do not eat” packages found in shoe-boxes, and they serve the same purpose. Silica gel draws up moisture to keep contents dry and clean. A quality fireproof bag will provide a means for using silica gel or a similar desiccant.
With so much talk about cybersecurity and data protection, we have forgotten about some of the older forms of protection and security. Keeping important documents safe from fire is just as important as keeping them away from hackers and data thieves, and the only way to do that effectively is to invest in a fireproof document bag.
Summary
A quality fireproof bag will provide all the protection you need from even the most prolonged fires. It will also remain tightly sealed against the water used to bring that fire under control. Before there is even a fire to be concerned about, the bag will also make sure that would-be thieves cannot pull it away from you or gain access to its contents. Keeping all these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose the right fireproof bag for your needs.