No matter where you live, whether it’s in a big house or in your dream Live Easy apartment in the inner city, you need to ensure that you’re prepared for emergencies. There are various emergencies that could befall you, and it would be wise to make sure that you have a plan of action and the necessary equipment to deal with a wide array of possible emergencies. 

Here are some ways that you can elevate your apartment’s emergency preparedness so that if something were to go wrong, you could remain safe and sound.

  • Fire Protection

One of the most dire emergencies to befall a residence is a fire. Fires can break out for a number of reasons, be they electrical, caused by a candle, a gas stove, or an electric heater. You might even be asleep when it happens, or a fire could break out in an apartment adjacent to yours, and you will only know once you start smelling or seeing the smoke. 

Always have a set of tools to help you deal with such a situation. First and foremost, you should always have a functional fire extinguisher in your apartment that is regularly checked and maintained to ensure that it is in good working condition. 

Secondly, install a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector. These can be purchased at a relatively low cost from your local hardware store and have been known to save lives.

  • Know Your Emergency Procedures

When you move into your apartment, one of the first things you should do is ensure that you know all of your routes in and out of the building, especially emergency exits. Familiarise yourself with the emergency congregation points and escape routes, and make sure that you don’t use elevators. 

In addition to understanding evacuation routes and meeting points, it’s important that you also share important contact information with fellow residents and building administrators so that you can find and contact one another if there is a crisis.

  • Have An Emergency Kit Ready To Go

It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit prepped and ready. A small bag that includes a first aid kit and a few other essentials, such as a multitool, perhaps a blanket, some basic pain medication, snacks, a torch, and a radio, can be a lifesaver if an emergency were to befall you. Have this emergency kit stored in an easily accessible location so that, if needed, you can simply grab it and go.

  • Know Your Apartment’s Utility Shut-Off

Every apartment has utilities fed to it. It is important that you are familiar with how to shut these utilities off in the event of an emergency. This includes your water and your electricity. If there is flooding from a burst pipe, for example, knowing how to shut off the main water source is essential so that you can prevent further damage from occurring and also keep yourself safe.

  • Keep Important Documents Safe

In the case of a fire or other catastrophic event, it has to be accepted that most of your property will be destroyed. However, keeping your critical documents, such as ID booklets, passports, and other critical information, safe in a waterproof and fireproof container could end up saving you a lot of hassle and trouble. 

In addition to keeping your important documents safe, it is worthwhile to create digital copies as well. Upload these to the cloud to keep them online, where they cannot be affected by any kind of physical damage to your apartment.

  • Keep Your Devices Charged

It is important to ensure that your cell phone and other communication devices are vigilantly charged. If needed, you should purchase a power bank to provide emergency backup power. Keeping your cell phone charged will ensure that if an emergency does befall you, you won’t be caught unaware with a flat cell phone. Be diligent about plugging it in whenever you get home, and don’t ever allow it to drop below 20% charge.

It is also worthwhile to ensure that your cell phone has emergency contacts listed on speed dial so that if an emergency does occur, you can get ahold of the necessary people quickly.

Stay safe in your dream apartment. Apply through Live Easy today!