A Quick Guide: How to Prepare for Any Apartment Emergency

Many apartment dwellers are not prepared for most emergencies. While some people have invested in the security systems, more than 55% of renters do not feel safe or even prepared for most emergencies that can occur in their apartments. What’s more, about one-third of all renters do not have a plan for handling possible emergencies. 

But, preparing for any emergency is the best thing a renter can do. This preparation entails planning carefully and knowing the right thing to do during an emergency. It also requires finding out what to expect. Essentially, apartment dwellers should have contingency plans for different emergencies. 

Why It Is Important to Prepare for Apartment Emergencies 

Preparing for apartment emergencies is better than dealing with its aftermath. Even if the process of preparing for an emergency can feel overwhelming initially, it’s better than being sorry afterward. 

Apartment accidents happen all the time. Burglars break into apartments. Natural disasters like floods and tornadoes strike. Large buildings are brought down by accidental fires. In most cases, apartments that are not prepared for emergencies and their dwellers are affected by such disasters more.

Without proper preparation for an apartment emergency, a dweller can lose everything. Some of these disasters can even lead to loss of life. To avoid such unpleasant and possibly fatal repercussions, apartment dwellers should prepare for different emergencies. 

How to Prepare for Different Apartment Emergencies 

Depending on the possible emergency, apartment dwellers can prepare in different ways. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started on emergency preparation for apartments. 

Apartment Fire 

Statistics indicate that a fire department answered a home fire call every 24 seconds in the U.S in 2018. This explains why apartment dwellers should prepare for a fire disaster. Here are the steps to follow when preparing for a fire emergency. 

• Identify fire hazards- This entails figuring out the hazardous items in an apartment. These items should be removed or proper action taken to make them a little safer. Common hazardous items in an apartment may include frayed electrical cables and cords, candles, stoves, space heaters, and electrical appliances. These shouldn’t be left unattended because they can make other nearby items catch fire. Candles should be kept on stable, hard surfaces. They shouldn’t be kept near paper products. What’s more, apartment dwellers should use appliances like microwaves and toasters while inside the room. Anything that has worn-out or frayed wiring should also be removed from the apartment. 
• Check smoke detectors- Installation of smoke alarms reduces the risk of a fatal fire tragedy by half. Therefore, if a person lives in an apartment that doesn’t have properly installed smoke alarm, they should contact the landlord. In most states, residents are required to have smoke detectors. And, when living in an apartment that has smoke detectors, they should be tested at least once every month to ensure that their batteries are in proper working condition. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy- Apartment dwellers should ensure that they have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. If you don’t have one, you should know who can install extinguishers.  It can also be kept in a storage space that’s easily accessible just in case a fire breaks out anywhere in the apartment. But, apartment dwellers should move out quickly if the fire spreads faster than they can put it out with their fire extinguisher. 
• Practice a fire drill more often- Some renters don’t have safety plans for dealing with fire. Therefore, practice a fire drill more often with a roommate or alone. This is very important because a fire can spread very fast and leave no exit strategy. Practicing a fire drill can make all the difference if this happens. 

Break-In 

Apartment breaks are frequent inside and outside cities these days. In the U.S, break-ins occur about every 15 seconds. And, not more than a third of all renters have plans for boosting their apartment security. Here is a guide on how to prepare for an apartment break-in.

• Hide valuables- Anything valuable should be kept away from places where people can see them outside the apartment. This implies that people shouldn’t see valuables when they look into the house through the windows. When away from their apartments, dwellers should keep valuable items and large electronics out of plain sight. Experts recommend re-opening blinds when at home. That’s because thieves are unlikely to break into a house when they think they are being watched. 
• Fit the apartment with a deadbolt- Talk to the landlord to install a modern deadbolt if the apartment doesn’t have one already. When compared to doorknob locks, deadbolts are very useful when it comes to keeping thieves away. They even keep would-be thieves away from the apartment. 
• Practice smartness- Being smart means practicing caution when protecting an apartment. This can include locking up the apartment whenever you’re not around, even if it’s for a few minutes. In flats with intercom systems, nobody should be buzzed without checking who they are. 

Natural Disaster 

When it comes to preparing for natural disasters, renters should have different types in mind. That’s because different types of natural disasters can strike and affect different apartments and their dwellers. Here’s how to prepare for natural disasters when living in an apartment. 

• Get adequate water supply 
• Buy non-perishable food 
• Invest in quality flashlights and their batteries 
• Get radio and an additional blanket 
• Invest in a first-aid kit that includes at least band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, scissors, gauze pads, and medical tape. 
• Extra medication for those with chronic conditions 
• Sanitation and hygiene items 
• Emergency credit card or extra cash 

Apart from taking these steps to prepare for any apartment emergency, renters should invest in proper renters insurance. This will cover them if an emergency leaves them with losses or damages. 

The Bottom Line

Nobody knows when an emergency will occur. However, apartment renters can prepare for emergencies to mitigate their impact. This guide is not exhaustive. However, it provides useful tips for getting started when it comes to preparing for any apartment emergency.