Prepping is usually associated with country dwellers, but city prepping could even be more helpful. If you live in an apartment, you probably don’t have a large space, but there are many situations you can cater to, should an emergency ever occur.
In urban dwelling, places are dominated by larger populations per square foot, so the demand for emergency supplies are higher. Natural disasters like earthquakes, storms, and floods, as well as man-made like fires, are likely to strand you temporarily. It’s important to keep yourself prepared with survival items.
To prepare your apartment for any threat or disaster, here are some essential tips:
Perform a threat assessment
Assessing the kinds of threats and disasters that may happen in your neighborhood is a big part of your preparedness planning. To have a solid plan of action and the right list of emergency supplies, know what threats you are most likely to face based on your set of circumstances. Consider your geographic location and the history of crimes in your area. Identify the best plan for evacuation considering your house floor plan and your neighborhood. Assess if there are any areas of your security, plans, and overall preparedness efforts that need to be addressed.
Create a bug out plan
While everyone needs an evacuation plan, it’s all the more important for those living in the apartment in the city. The challenges you may face may require you to get out of your home once things start falling apart. Plan where you will go in case you have to evacuate from your apartment. Are there any friends or family willing to let you stay in their homes or land should disaster strike? Also, make sure that your supplies are mobile. Get a bug-out kit and a bug out bag. Know what it needs to contain https://offgridhub.com/the-essentials-to-have-in-your-car-bug-out-bag-emergency-kits/ and keep it in an accessible area in your apartment. If you don’t have any more room in your home, keep it in the trunk of your car.
Invest in a good storage system
Make sure you maximize your space by decking out your storage. It will cost you a bit at first, but in the long run, it will be worth it, considering that space is a premium in an apartment. You want to easily access your kit or bug out bag in case of an emergency.
Make sure you have a workable tool kit
You may think you don’t need as many tools as needed because you’re in an apartment, but don’t want to be wishing you have some tool in a situation where you need it. Keeping a well-stocked tool kit or toolbox is something everyone must have. Screwdrivers, hammers, wrench, nails, and screws can save your life at times.
Create a fire plan
Make a plan of action and routine that you and your household will know well because, during a fire, panic can blind you. Create a fire plan, but don’t just make it – make sure you mentally remind it to yourself once in a while and verbally tell anyone else you live with what to do if fires happen regularly.
Have fire blankets and fire extinguishers ready
Don’t just have a single fire extinguisher in your apartment, because you’ll never know where the fire may happen. Don’t assume that it will always start in the kitchen. Store fire blankets and fire extinguishers close to entrances and appliances that may accidentally cause a fire. Make sure that if a fire breaks out, you will have easy access to the blanket or extinguisher without needing to jump into a flame to get it.
Have an escape plan for the windows
If a fire happens in the apartment next door or in the hallway, you may not be able to escape through your door. Even if you live high up, you can still create a viable route for escape, especially if you got the money for it and some excellent gear.
Stockpile water
It’s hard to keep a backup water supply because it takes up much space, but having a small tank will make a difference. It may always be available, but you never know when the water line in your apartment building may get cut off because of maintenance or some other accidents. If you’re in a place where you get a lot of rain, stockpile at least some water. If you’re in an area where droughts happen, take stockpiling water more seriously.
Start growing plants
You may not be able to create a full garden, but you can do some indoor gardening or gardening at your terrace. You can have herbs growing inside your house. Small container gardens are a great way to supply some veggies and herbs. These will make your mealtime much nicer. Buy some decent water storage containers also for added water stock. Collapsible water containers are a great idea because you can store them easily when empty.
Prepare winter emergency supplies
It’s important to keep a stock of every winter emergency supply you can safely use from within your apartment. You can get a butane heater for keeping you warm, but it’s a fire hazard, especially for smaller apartments for rent in Salt Lake City. There are alternatives to take into account that will do the trick easily. You can also stock hot water bottles, so when the power is out, then hot water can be accessible for you. You may also get tents and sleeping bags, in case you need extra warmth more than blankets.
Make sure you have alternative power sources
No apartment prep kit is complete without a crank charger. You can buy one, so when the grid goes down, you can charge your cellphones. You can also consider stocking a personal generator, solar-powered lights, and solar panels for alternative energy.
Stockpile multi-purpose items
Toilet paper, paper towels, and batteries are things that can have many purposes. The more uses you can think of an item, the more valuable it becomes. Take hold of that item for your stockpile, as it will help you in emergencies.
Collect and store non-perishable foods
Store a supply of non-perishable foods for each person. Find some dried food that only needs water and some food packets that require minimal simmering to conserve fuel. Store some cans of chili, canned veggies, canned fish, baked beans, powdered milk, instant oatmeal, and condensed soups. These items are high in calorie count, but they have a long shelf life. This way, you won’t go hungry if a stove or heating device is unavailable.
Get a backpacking stove
A backpacking stove isn’t just handy for your adventures – it’s also a lifesaver during power outages. Get a backpacking stove and store it properly. Also, make sure you have propane canisters along with it. Denatured alcohol can also work, and it might be more accessible when the rest of your neighborhood is reaching for propane. However, just remember that a backpacking stove isn’t meant to be used indoors. It produces carbon monoxide, which is deadly. So, always use it a well-ventilated outdoor space, or if there’s no space, indoors right next to an open window.
Buy a five-gallon plastic bucket with lid
A bucket with lid is not just made for storing water – it can also serve as a dry storage container for your items. A bucket is an essential item for a prepper, as it’s versatile and can be used for as many purposes as possible.
Always make sure you have water filters
During power outages, the quality of water may be affected. So, it’s best to store water purification tablets and drip filters for emergencies. Boiling water may be the best way to kill any bugs in the water, but it uses fuel during a power outage.