OT: Fire is coming. What do you grab?

[BigfootIsReal]

Nothing......all valuables should already be in a fire safe

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by BigfootIsReal

Nothing......all valuables should already be in a fire safe

All my cards are in a fire safe. They protect for about 90 minutes at 1400 degrees. That isn't going to cut it for a sustained fire. That's good for holding off until the fire department puts out a house fire.

If I have advanced notice and don't have to be worried about rushing my family out of a burning house, I have the irreplaceable cards in a carrying case inside the fire safe. I can quickly open the safe and grab that case and run.

[Lorewalker]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

All my cards are in a fire safe. They protect for about 90 minutes at 1400 degrees. That isn't going to cut it for a sustained fire. That's good for holding off until the fire department puts out a house fire.

If I have advanced notice and don't have to be worried about rushing my family out of a burning house, I have the irreplaceable cards in a carrying case inside the fire safe. I can quickly open the safe and grab that case and run.

The UL fire ratings refers to the amount of time the the interior temp stays below 350 degrees at exposures of 1700 degrees. A house fire with enough fuel can burn in excess of that. Paper might not char until closer to 400 degrees but most plastics melt under 200 degrees, which is not great for slabs.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by Lorewalker

The UL fire ratings refers to the amount of time the the interior temp stays below 350 degrees at exposures of 1700 degrees. A house fire with enough fuel can burn in excess of that. Paper might not char until closer to 400 degrees but most plastics melt under 200 degrees, which is not great for slabs.

Yep. Which was the point of my response. Don't rely on a fire safe if a fire is coming. It's only able to buy a little time for the fire department.

[BigfootIsReal]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

Yep. Which was the point of my response. Don't rely on a fire safe if a fire is coming. It's only able to buy a little time for the fire department.

Ahh, yes....but my safe is in the basement and underground

[philliesfan]

As most everyone else mentioned. My pets 4 dogs first, followed by important papers......wallet etc. And if I have time, some cards that are in my small safe.

[markf31]

Originally Posted by BigfootIsReal

Ahh, yes....but my safe is in the basement and underground

In the case of a full house fire, wood joists will fail approximately 15-20 minutes after being exposed to fire. At that point the basement ceiling joists fail and collapse down in to the basement.

The basement location might provide an extra 20 minutes of protection, but that's all.

[midmo]

A couple days ago I saw a man on the street being interviewed in the Pacific Palisades and when he said that he lost everything he mentioned his baseball memorabilia a couple times. Can't imagine how many rare cards, memorabilia, art, etc. has been lost this week.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

Yep. Which was the point of my response. Don't rely on a fire safe if a fire is coming. It's only able to buy a little time for the fire department.

….and once they get there, hopefully that safe is water tight too, cuz that things taking a bath.

[LEHR]

If I'm in a rush to get out, I'd grabbing the wife and cats and we're out. The rest is just "stuff" and is either insured or I'm sure we could live without it. Given a little time I'd also grab sentimental things like family photos.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by conor912

….and once they get there, hopefully that safe is water tight too, cuz that things taking a bath.

Agree. Don't overlook that when buying a safe. The watertight seals on mine supposedly expand under the heat of a fire to make a tighter seal. My safe is supposedly flood proof. Thankfully, I've never had to test it.

[1954 topps]

Pelican case inside a 2 hour safe is how I store my cards. Provides an extra layer of protection against water and humidity. For a house fire this is about all you should need. In the case of whole neighborhoods burning down, you probably have ample warning and can grab the pelican case along with any important documents.
A go bag is critical. Documents, all medications, basic hygiene supplies, couple pairs of clothes, shelf stable food like high calorie energy bars should get you by.
My wife, go bag, pelican case, and in some circumstances the 12-gauge is all I’m taking if in a rush to get to safety.