Everyone has important documents they wish to secure. From birth certificates to bank documents every person has something to protect. With a bit of planning and organization, digitizing, and storage area tools, it’s possible to keep these documents safe and secure in the event of a catastrophe or emergency.
A safety deposit box at the bank is a great place to keep the original keys. It’s affordable and provides excellent security. You need to visit the bank during normal hours to pick up your documents.
Another option is a quality fireproof and waterproof document secure. Honeywell’s 1104 is a good choice, but the mini refrigerator-sized unit is priced at more than $125. It can hold hanging file organizers and will keep them in place for up to an hour in temperatures up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit, and it also shields from water intrusion for a long time.
It is recommended to keep documents flat, not rolled or folded. This will prevent the documents from becoming damaged and warping, or fading over time. It is also recommended to avoid using rubber bands to keep the pages together as they could tear, causing rust stains and ruin the integrity of the document.
For those who wish to be extra careful with their storage of paper documents they can invest in sleeves or archival boxes made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) that won’t degrade. You can buy these items at hardware or office supply stores. The PVC material will also help protect your documents from moisture, which can cause damage to them.