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Additionally, some fireproof document bags sell in sets, with a smaller bag you can tuck inside a larger one for additional protection. Size and Compartmentsįireproof document bags range in size from envelope-size bags with a single compartment to larger, briefcase-size bags with multiple zipped compartments or pockets for keeping papers organized. Still, not all bags will have this rating, and the rating is not an assurance of absolute fireproof protection. Some bags bear a rating of “UL 94,” which means Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety certification company, has tested and approved the materials for resisting fire and melting.
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To determine the level of fireproof protection, look for the maximum amount of heat the bag can withstand, typically between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. No federal regulations exist for testing fireproof document bags, but manufacturers use materials known to be resistant to fires in making their bags. If you want absolute fire protection, consider a fireproof safe that’s rated to withstand flames for 1 or 2 hours. If the bag is amid actual flames, don’t expect the contents to escape unscathed. Most fireproof document bags are made from silicone-treated fiberglass, and the better ones come with two or more layers of treated fiberglass for added heat protection. Instead, it offers a modicum of security against intense heat if a fire breaks out and the document bag is nearby. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fireproof Document BagĪ fireproof document bag should be thought of as “fire-resistant” rather than fireproof, as this type of protective bag can and will fail to protect its contents from a raging fire.
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