Fire-proof, water-proof, thermally-stable storage at home or in a shed.

[miko]

It is related to this thread http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=3942029 but I want to talk about a more general storage issue than just

If I want to keep things in an outside shed where temperatures can get really cold in the winter - ammo, powders, etc. - should I be worried about cold affecting the qualities?

I am thinking about a 55-gallon steel drum with a steel bolt-on cover, insulated as needed with styrofoam. Would I need to put a light inside to keep the temperature up, and if so, what kind of light would be necessary - 4, 7, 20 watt?


For fire-proof storage inside the house, I am thinking about same steel 55-gallon drum with spacers inside (drywall, bricks, cinder-blocks) and another 30-gallon drum inside.
Maybe some bottles/baggs of water that would rupture and boil off and provide extra cooling for a time.

Such contraption should stand to a few hours of fire, shouldn't it?

Please comment?

miko

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Don't expect the local fire department to try to save your house or shed if they find out there is a powder-filled 55 gallon hand-grenade inside.
What about a cheap Sentry (or equivalent) fire-rated RSC? I think fire-rated safes use a special type of drywall or concrete sandwiched in there for some fire protection, maybe you can produre that if you want to build something.

 

[Pat McCoy]

Get an old refrigerator, and remove the refrigeration unit.

 

[Officers'Wife]

Pat's answer is the most effective for small storage.

If you want to go big time find an old refridgarated semi trailer, remove bogie and landing gear. Set it on a block or brick 'foundation.' Install a heavy door & windows and you have an easily heated shop.

As for 'fireproof'- no such animal exists. Given enough heat animal, vegatable and mineral are going to be affected.

Selena