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Fireproof Filing Cabinet
With a fireproof filing cabinet in your home, you can feel confident that your irreplaceable personal documents won't be destroyed in a house blaze. In the office, a fireproof filing cabinet gives you a sense of reassurance about the security of your confidential client or patient files within your cherry wood cabinets. Fireproof cabinets make homeowners, business owners, government employees and archivists feel safer about their paper files.
Many manufacturers produce one or more fireproof filing cabinet models, and you may feel overwhelmed when you compare your choices and request quotes from different vendors. The cheapest fireproof cabinet won't necessarily provide the greatest security, however. When you're shopping for filing products, look for models that are fireproof rather than simply fire resistant. Locking bars, combination locks or other security devices add another dimension to the safety of your valuable files.
Fireproof Cabinet Construction
The most secure fireproof filing cabinet is constructed using a fireproof metal and is insulated with gypsum or another material that protects your documents from the effects of flame. A fireproof cabinet is thoroughly tested before being made available to customers to ensure that the cabinet walls and insulation will keep your files safe in the event of a fire. Secure filing cabinets can withstand prolonged exposure to heat and flame.
A secure filing cabinet should be able to withstand impact as well as extreme heat or flame. The construction of a fireproof filing cabinet is reinforced to provide optimal security for your confidential personal or professional files. If an intruder breaks into your home or office, your filing system will be protected by the impact resistant construction of the casing. Security bars offer additional protection for confidential files that must be protected according to law.
Some manufacturers stand behind their products by offering to replace the model after a fire. Even if your documents are completely protected from flame, the exterior of the unit itself may be damaged in a blaze. With a warrantied product, you'll have the confidence of knowing that you can receive a new version of your filing system in the event of a fire.
Cabinet Styles
Fireproof filing cabinet models are available in a variety of attractive yet functional styles, so you don't have to sacrifice the appearance of your filing system in order to have more security. The style that you choose should complement the decor of your home or office, yet provide an efficient storage space for your documents. Vertical files are ideal for offices where floor space is at a premium. Vertical cabinets are taller than they are wide, and they generally include between one and four file drawers.
Lateral or horizontal models are wider than they are tall. The depth of the drawers in a lateral system makes them ideal for large legal documents and printed materials that are longer than the standard 8.5 x 11 inch size. A horizontal model also offers a convenient surface for storing reference books, personal keepsakes, photos or magazines.
Consider the type of files you intend to store when you're choosing your product. Some models are designed to hold standing files, while others are designed for hanging folders. If you prefer to have your documents organized in suspended folders, a hanging system may be most appropriate for your needs. The drawers of a hanging fireproof filing cabinet include a metal frame that can be used to suspend a set of folders for easy access to your documents.
Maximizing File Security
Fireproofing a document system does not provide enough security for some users. If you need additional protection for your valuable papers, add a locking bar or a combination lock to guard your documents against intruders. Locking bars attach to one outer edge of your file drawers, securing the entire unit. Sections of the bar can be detached to provide access to the files in your fireproof filing cabinet.
A safe offers even more security for your will, life insurance policy and home or automobile titles. You can also store jewelry, small pieces of art or cash in a safe. Most safes are protected by their construction against fire, impact, water or other hazards. After a major disaster, you can recover your most valuable belongings if they've been stored in a reinforced safe. With a secure combination lock, no one but an authorized person will be able to access the items in your safe.
Investing in a fireproof filing cabinet, a safe and a burglar and fire alarm system will make you feel more comfortable about the security of your documents and valuables. It's worth your time to review your options carefully before you choose the products that are best for your work routines. Compare quotes from several vendors to find a strong, durable model that will protect your personal or professional documents for years to come.
