Be Prepared With These Apartment Emergency Plans and Supplies

An emergency can happen anywhere and at any time. Your safety is of the utmost importance. Although living in an apartment rental might limit the amounts and types of emergency supplies that you can stockpile, there are many things that you can do in order to be prepared. If you share the apartment with others, it is important to make the emergency plans together as a team and to have enough emergency supplies for everyone.

An emergency might require that you leave your apartment for a short time. If you need to quickly evacuate, make sure that you have an exit plan that is easy to follow. For units that are on the second floor or above, you may wish to have an escape ladder as part of your emergency plan. Make sure that you know how to exit your apartment in the dark. Try to find two ways to get out of your apartment rental in case of an emergency.

In some emergencies, the local authorities might recommend that you shelter in place. To stay safe and comfortable, you will need supplies such as duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal your doors and windows. Water and food that does not need to be cooked or refrigerated are also key to your safety. Your month-to-month rental should have plenty of storage space for these supplies.

Living in a month-to-month rental with utilities included is convenient and affordable. Even with utilities included in your rent, it is possible that the power could go out. A severe storm could cause a power outage in the summer or winter months of the year. Be sure to have some canned food, a manual can opener, and a water filter or filtered bottled water for each person. Blankets will help to keep you warm in a winter power outage.

These tips should help to keep you safe in the event of a natural disaster or other type of emergency that occurs while you are in your apartment.