There are special dangers involved with apartment living. This is 
because you live so close to many other people. Their actions can 
jeopardize your safety and so it's very important for you to be 
aware of what you must do to safeguard yourself, your family and 
your possessions.

Fire Safety . . .

Fire is perhaps the greatest danger in apartment buildings. With 
so many units joined together, it doesn't take long for fire to 
spread from one to another.  The following guidelines are 
critical to your safety:

 * Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, all bedrooms, the 
   laundry area and hallways. You must test them every month 
   and replace the batteries every 6 months. They won't do 
   you any good if they aren't in working order.

 * Keep fire extinguishers handy in the kitchen, laundry area 
   and near your outside grill.

 * Develop an escape plan. This plan should include two ways 
   of exiting – in most cases, this will probably include the 
   main door and either a window or door wall. If you live on 
   a higher floor and don't have access to a fire escape, 
   purchase a rope ladder to use for exiting from windows 
   or a balcony. Practice your escape plan regularly so each 
   member of your family knows exactly what to do in case of 
   fire.

 * Never use an elevator during a fire.

 * Never park in front of fire hydrants or in fire lanes and 
   make sure your guests don't either.


General Safety . . .

Fire isn't the only danger in an apartment building. You must 
also be aware of hazards that can exist no matter where you live 
and take precautions to prevent them.

 * Install a carbon monoxide detector.

 * Install screen guards or window stops and doorstops on your 
   patio door to protect your children from falling.

 * Keep your apartment and building number near the telephone 
   so your family or babysitter can access it in case of an 
   emergency. Remember that memories can fail during emergencies.

 * Make certain your apartment number is clearly marked on your 
   door.

 * Be sure that each person in your family knows how to dial 911.


Protecting from Intruders . . .

There are many people coming and going in an apartment complex. 
Criminals count on this anonymity. That makes it very important 
to get to know the other tenants. When you do, not only are you 
better able to identify someone who doesn't belong, it also makes 
it more likely that tenants will look out for one another.

 * Consider forming an "apartment watch". This is similar to a 
   neighborhood watch but confined to your apartment complex. 
   If a group of tenants is on the alert for suspicious 
   behavior, they can prevent many problems from arising.

 * Install quality deadbolt locks on your door and place a 
   wooden    rod or steel brace on sliding doors. One caution 
   about deadbolt locks – don't purchase those that require a 
   key. In an emergency, you won't have time to search for the 
   key.

 * Make sure your landlord has installed good lighting in all 
   stairways, hallways, and common areas like the laundry room.

 * Make sure that if your building has a common entry, the entry 
   door locks so that only tenants can enter. Never open that 
   door for strangers.

If you follow these guidelines, practice good common sense, and 
are alert to what's going on around you, your apartment will 
provide a safe home for you and your family.
 

Kyle Thomas Haley has been helping people relocate on the 
Internet since 1999 with Apartment and Relocation Websites:

An Apartment Directory
and 
A Relocation Guide

Copyright 1999 – 2005 STANZEEKAY Inc.