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Why Are Fire Resistant Filing Cabinets Necessary?

Fireproof filing cabinets are very important because fires spread fast and can take a long time to be extinguished. Even a secure file cabinet designed to withstand temperatures of 1,700 degrees or more can break down after hours of exposure. Whether your office is located in an urban or rural area, your office is dependent on the resources of your nearest fire department, their average response time, and how long it would take to put out an engulfed building fully. A house fire can fully engulf a home in as little as four minutes, which is why it’s important to secure documents like birth certificates, living wills and social security cards in a fireproof file cabinet. Choosing a fireproof file cabinet offers the most peace of mind when it comes to your document protection.

What Are the Key Features of Fire Resistant File Cabinets?

The UL rating is one of the main priorities when looking into a FireKing® cabinet or another fire safe filing cabinet. There are several UL ratings:

The number refers to the upper-temperature limit of a fireproof file cabinet's contents. If exposed to 1700 degrees of heat, a Class 350 lateral or vertical file cabinet won't have an internal temperature higher than 350 degrees. Class 350 is sufficient for paper documents. Class 150 protects magnetic tapes and film. Class 125 cabinets are ideal for computer disks, data cartridges and backup storage.

Other features to consider with a fireproof file cabinet are whether you need fall protection or water protection. Many fire safe filing cabinets can withstand drops up to 30 ft. They are also water resistant in case sprinklers go off in your office building. Many fireproof filing cabinets also have locks to keep the contents safe. You can purchase fire safe file cabinets in multiple colors like black, beige and sand.

Why Should You Consider a Fireproof Filing Cabinet?

Businesses with multiple stories should consider a fireproof file cabinet that has been impact tested. When a building burns, structural damage can cause floors to collapse. A file cabinet that has been impact tested retains its ability to resist heat after being dropped 30 feet. This feature ensures that your documents and data remain safe if they fall between floors during a fire. This feature isn't as crucial for single-story buildings or businesses. Fireproof file cabinets may be necessary for areas where natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and hurricanes are known to occur.

How Else Can You Upgrade Your Office Alongside Fireproof File Cabinets?

Upgrade your office alongside fire resistant file cabinets by checking out Quill’s selection of office supplies. Make sure your office is fully stocked to improve overall efficiency.