Emergency Plans for Renters

While you can’t predict when an emergency will happen, you can prepare yourself and your apartment for many possibilities. 

Fire

Fires are preventable and it’s important to remove any fire hazards from your apartment before accidents can happen. Apartment fire hazards may include:

• Keep flammable materials 3 feet from space heaters, radiators, and heat vents.
• Don’t pinch or stretch electrical cords, and never lay them across high traffic areas.
• Never leave the kitchen when cooking and ensure all cooking surfaces are uncluttered.  
• Monitor all lit candles, never leave a room or sleep when a candle is burning.
• Store matches and lighters away from children.
• Always soak cigarette butts and ashes before adding to the trash. Don’t smoke when sleepy or while in bed.

When moving into a new apartment, familiarize yourself with the fire exit plan. Always have 2 ways out and have a meeting place for family. Fire extinguishers are to be used for small fires; renters should have at least one fire extinguisher in an easily accessible spot. To use, remember PASS – Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side at the base of a fire. 

Floods and water shortages

Floods can happen easily and affect the buildings electrical. When you live in an apartment, water damage doesn’t have to start in your apartment to affect you. Water damage can be costly, so always inform your property manager when there’s a leak from a tap, toilet, tub, or appliance. In the case of water shortage, keep several large water bottles in your apartment for emergency use. Keep these bottles in a closet or cupboard away from heat sources and sunlight.

Power outages

Most power outages are short and generally just a nuisance; however, a long outage can happen at any time. Prepare yourself by adding several flashlights throughout your apartment and consider purchasing a solar or rechargeable battery power bank. These battery banks will store power and charge cell phones, laptops, or other devices on the go or during outages.  

During any apartment emergency, keep your important documents secure in a fire and waterproof safe and educate yourself on the hands-only CPR guidelines.