Fireproof bag for documents and money: what it really protects

Passport, birth certificate, insurance policies, cash: some things are almost impossible to replace after a fire. A fireproof bag keeps them together in one place and protects them from flames and firefighting water.

But what can such a bag really do? And what do claims like “up to 1200 °C” mean? Here you can read what matters and which bag suits you.

How does a fireproof bag work?

Most fireproof bags are made of fibreglass fabric. The fabric does not burn and withstands very high temperatures. A silicone coating makes the surface smooth and keeps water out. Good models have several layers. Each layer slows the heat down a little.

The closure is also important. A zip with a cover lets in less heat and water. A combination lock keeps the bag closed. The FireMat document bag is also available with a lock.

What does “fireproof up to 1200 °C” mean?

This figure refers to the material of the bag. The fabric itself does not burn at this temperature. It still gets hot inside the bag. The longer a fire lasts, the more heat gets through.

Paper starts to burn at around 230 °C. USB sticks and hard drives tolerate even less heat. A bag therefore buys your documents time. But it is not a safe. For long and intense fires, tested fireproof safes are the better choice.

Also check what exactly was tested. A UL 94 test, for example, only assesses how the material burns. It says nothing about how warm it gets inside.

Waterproof or water-repellent?

A fire almost always involves firefighting water. That is why protection against water is almost as important as protection against fire. “Water-repellent” means splashes and rain run off. “Waterproof” means the contents stay dry even with more water. For documents, waterproof is the safer choice.

What belongs in the fireproof bag?

• ID card, passport and driving licence
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Insurance policies and contracts
• Certificates and important records
• Copies of your will and powers of attorney
• Cash and spare keys
• A USB stick with scans of all documents

Tip: also store scans in a secure cloud. Then you always have a copy in an emergency.

Which fireproof bag suits you?

• Fireproof document bag: the classic for the home, in several sizes.
• Premium document bag: waterproof, with lock and card slots.
• Hard-shell document case: 13 compartments, sturdy shell against pressure and impacts.
• Document case: with laptop compartment and combination lock.
• Fireproof backpack: as an emergency backpack or for on the go.
• RFID travel bag: flat organiser for passport, cards and money when travelling.

Fireproof and with RFID protection

Some bags also protect against data thieves. Credit cards, ID cards and car keys with keyless entry send radio signals. Thieves can intercept these signals from a short distance. A bag with RFID protection shields the signals.

For car keys, the keyless entry protection pouch is ideal. For on the go, there is the crossbody bag with RFID protection. Test the protection yourself: put the key in the bag and try to open the car.

How to store the bag correctly

1. Keep the bag in a fixed place that everyone in the household knows.
2. Do not put it next to a radiator, fireplace or stove.
3. Store it as low as possible. In a fire, the heat rises.
4. Always close the zip completely.
5. Check the contents once a year and replace expired documents.

Conclusion

A fireproof bag is an inexpensive precaution for your most important papers. It protects against flames, sparks and firefighting water and buys valuable time in a fire. It is important to know its limits: it does not replace a safe. Together with digital copies, you are well prepared.

For fire protection at home, you will also find smoke detectors and fire blankets.