Category: Living on Your Own

Apartment Safety

Your apartment should be a place where you feel comfortable, secure, and prepared. While no home is completely free of risk, a few simple habits can greatly improve your safety and help you respond confidently if something unexpected happens.

Apartment safety isn’t about being afraid. It’s about being aware, prepared, and making smart choices every day.

Secure Your Doors

Your front door is your first line of defense.

Get into the habit of:

Locking your door every time you leave.
Locking your door when you’re home.
Using the deadbolt if your apartment has one.
Checking that the door closes completely.

If your lock doesn’t work properly, report it immediately.

Lock Your Windows

Windows are often overlooked.

Before leaving home or going to bed:

Check that windows are fully closed.
Lock accessible windows.
Secure sliding doors if your apartment has them.

If a window won’t lock, notify your landlord as soon as possible.

Helpful Resources: Browse Doors, Locks & Entry for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Know Who You’re Letting In

Never feel pressured to open your door to someone you don’t know.

If someone claims to be:

Maintenance staff
Utility workers
Delivery personnel
Contractors

Ask for identification or contact your property management office to verify their visit before opening the door.

Protect Your Keys

Keys provide direct access to your home.

Avoid:

Hiding spare keys under doormats or flowerpots.
Labeling keys with your address.
Leaving keys in unlocked vehicles.

If you lose your keys, notify your landlord immediately.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Pay attention when entering or leaving your building.

Avoid distractions such as:

Looking at your phone while walking.
Wearing headphones at high volume.
Carrying too many items that limit your awareness.

Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.

Keep Entryways Well Lit

Good lighting improves visibility and can help prevent accidents.

Check that:

Hallways are well lit.
Outdoor lights work properly.
Stairways are illuminated.
Entry doors are visible after dark.

Report burned-out lights to property management.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Once a month:

Press the test button.
Replace batteries if needed (if applicable).
Report detectors that don’t work.

Never remove or disable these safety devices.

Know Your Emergency Exits

Take time to learn:

Primary exit
Secondary exit
Stairwells
Building exits
Fire alarm locations

If you live in a multi-story building, avoid using elevators during a fire emergency.

Prevent Kitchen Fires

The kitchen is one of the most common places for household fires.

Remember to:

Never leave cooking unattended.
Keep towels and paper away from burners.
Turn pot handles inward.
Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
Never use water on a grease fire.

If a fire becomes too large to control safely, leave immediately and call emergency services.

Prevent Falls

Simple changes can reduce the risk of injury.

Keep:

Walkways clear.
Cords organized.
Rugs secured.
Floors dry.
Stairways free of clutter.

Good housekeeping is one of the easiest ways to improve safety.

Use Electricity Safely

Avoid:

Overloading outlets.
Plugging too many devices into one extension cord.
Running cords under rugs.
Using damaged electrical cords.

If an outlet becomes hot or sparks, stop using it and report the problem.

Prepare for Emergencies

Every apartment should have a few basic emergency supplies.

Consider keeping:

Flashlight
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Portable phone charger
Bottled water
Non-perishable snacks

You don’t need a large emergency kit, but having basic supplies available can be very helpful.

Store Important Information

Keep important information together.

Examples include:

Emergency contacts
Insurance information
Lease
Medical information
Medication list
Utility account numbers

Having everything in one location can save valuable time during an emergency.