Fire/WaterProof Safe?

[tubaloth]

I guess even rated to hold DVD/Blu-ray discs. I'm not really caring about keeping my DVD collection (even though maybe I would throw Toy Story 3 in there). Its more as a backup of files.

Any idea what I should be looking for?

Also where should I keep it? I was thinking even putting in the garage corner where two walls are cement. Then again would make it a little easier to steal.

[skippy740]

Fire Proof Files, Safes and Image Vault CCTV by FireKing Security Group

This was the brand name of the fire-proof drawers we had at the bank I used to work for. Chances are, for what you're looking for, they probably make it.

[bytebear]

If you are looking to protect media, why not upload to a cloud based storage system?

[pam]

I want to get a fireproof safe. For things such as will, titles to vehicles, deed to home, insurance information. So many things that could be kept in it and good to have in case of emergencies.

[Dravin]

I guess even rated to hold DVD/Blu-ray discs. I'm not really caring about keeping my DVD collection (even though maybe I would throw Toy Story 3 in there). Its more as a backup of files.

This Consumer Report article suggest if you want to store a disc you need it rated to not exceed 125 degrees: How to choose and use a home safe

Considering that a safe rated for documents only needs to be rated not to exceed 350 degrees I suspect a disc rated one will be a lot more expensive. If you're looking to back up data I'm with bytebear in considering a cloud based service. Additionally if the information isn't particularly sensitive (say you want to save a bunch of family photos) you can practice redundant back-ups through distribution. If you keep a thumb drive of all your photos in several different physical locations (work, home, your car, a family member's house) the chances of all of those locations being destroyed is rather small. Though it would be a royal pain if you want to keep them up to date (where as a cloud based service will be relatively easy to update). A safety deposit box could be another option as long as it isn't information that needs to be easily accessed in case of your death and having to wait for the bank to open won't be an issue.

Also where should I keep it? I was thinking even putting in the garage corner where two walls are cement. Then again would make it a little easier to steal.

The above article has some suggestions, I'd consider asking a fireman if you know any or alternatively your insurance agent may have some advice (the less loss you experience in a fire the better it is for them).

Edited September 22, 2013 by Dravin

[NightSG]

Do you have an outbuilding of some sort? Anything with a slab more than 20-30 feet from the house? A good in-floor safe away from the main house is the best option for security, fire resistance and ease of access.

Granddad's solution was a Corliss about 3'x3'x5' he'd picked up at an auction somewhere, placed in his all-metal shop building. With the 6" thick walls, it was so heavy that the first flatbed wrecker that tried to haul it off after he died had to call for backup. Pretty sure nobody could have taken it without waking up the neighbors, even though the closest ones were 150 yards away.

Edited September 23, 2013 by NightSG

[Irishcolleen]

Bank safe deposit boxes are inexpensive and have the advantage of being away from your home in the event of fires, tornados, etc...

[tubaloth]

Safe really isn't the right word. More just a storage box. (Safe brings on the idea its some big metal box).

I have 25 gb on my skydrive. I have it back things up (mostly pictures and some documents). But like it was said, I have other documents that aren't in the cloud (Birth Certificate, Title to my car). Plus with taking HD video more and more... 25gb just isn't going to cut it.

With getting an xbox One in a couple of months, I will probably get a blu-ray burning sometime after. Some blu-ray disc can hold up to 128gb. Even though I have learned about this M-Disc which sounds like is the way to go.

So really I'm just trying to find some fire/water proof storage that I can keep not only papers but also a couple of these backup discs.

A couple of searches on the internet have shown most storage boxes only have a half and hour rating. I find that pretty short. I was hoping to find something at least an hour.

The second most comes with some key type lock. I don't really care that much about locking it with a key (I would need a new fire box just for the key). Just having some clamp to hold the box tight would be enough for me.

The best one I have seen so far is this one.

First Alert 2040F Fire and Water Media Chest, 0.14 Cubic Foot, Light Gray - Amazon.com

The only reason I haven't bought it is the price. Even though a $150 on amazon is better than the $200 I see everybody where else.

Edited September 28, 2013 by tubaloth