Apartment Resilience

Living in an apartment offers unique challenges when it comes to building resilience. But with a little planning, you can significantly increase your safety and prepare for the unexpected.

Remember, even small steps can make a big difference in your preparedness.

Assemble a Compact Emergency Kit

Basic supplies for minimum of 72 hours: Water, non-perishable food that can be eaten without cooking, manual can opener, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, mylar bags.
Water Storage and filtration: Collapsible containers can be stored when empty, fill them when there is a threat of significant adverse weather. A portable water filter and purification tabs will be easier than storing large quantities in a limited space, but if possible have 1 gallon/person for a minimum of 3 days, kept in a cool, dark place (out of sunlight, near heat vents, etc.)
Communication: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra phone chargers, solar-powered portable power bank, and a physical copy of important contact information.
Personal items: Medications (cold/flu, allergy, stomach), glasses, toiletries, and any other essential items. Portable hiking oxygen is wise for situations where breathing may be impaired.
Hardcopy maps: Relying on digital maps might not be possible, so have physical maps on hand if evacuation is required. You can request free maps from state tourism sites - see the full list of state sites here.

Identify Safe Spaces

Interior: Determine the safest room in your apartment, preferably one without windows.
Exterior: Familiarize yourself with emergency exits, the nearest emergency shelters and evacuation routes. If you're between 2nd-5th floors, consider a portable emergency escape ladder.
Car: Keep your gas tank full, over 1/2 full at all times if possible. Keep an extra water bottle and granola bars/portable food, and if in a cold-prone area, a blanket and warm clothing

Secure Valuables

Important documents: Keep copies of essential documents (passport, birth certificate, insurance policies) in a waterproof container.
Electronics: Consider investing in surge protectors to protect your electronics from power surges.

Build a Support Network

Neighbors: Exchange contact information with your neighbors. Don't fall for the "lone wolf" mentality. Survival depends on community - no matter how prepared you are, you won't survive alone. Focus on building a resilient community, even if it's a small one. You don't need a bunker; you need friends.
Emergency contacts: Update your emergency contacts and share your location with family and friends.

Stay Informed

Local news: Stay updated on local weather and emergency alerts. Rely on multiple sources of information to verify accuracy.
Emergency plans: If possible, have a plan in place with a family member or friend who lives outside of a heavily populated area.

Apartment Resilience

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