First you will want to decide if you need a vertical or lateral file. Next think about the size you want, either a 2, 3, or 4 drawer. Remember that with safes and fireproof file cabinets it’s always best to buy them bigger than you think you will need. By the time you get everything together to put in the file cabinet it will probably be a lot more than expected. It’s always better to have extra space than not have enough when it comes to protecting your documents.
There are several different types of fire protection you can choose from. If you see that something is UL rated, it means that an independent testing group has tested that model and approved it to certain standards. UL 1 Hour rating means the unit reached a max interior temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit at 1700 degrees over a 60-minute period of time. While a UL 2 Hour rating means the max interior temperature of 350 degrees would be reached over a 120-minute period in 1850 degree temperatures. Remember that paper chars at 450 degrees and the average house fire usually reaches the heat intensity of around 1200 degrees.
Another option to consider is an impact resistant file cabinet. This is a very important feature for your file if it is going to be on a floor above the ground floor. If there is a bad fire, the file cabinet may fall through the floor and you want the cabinet and its contacts to remain safe when they land on the ground.
If the majority of your important information is stored on digital media, you can still keep it locked up in a fireproof media safe made specifically for DAT Tapes, CDs, and more.
