Safety in Your Student Apartment

Living on your own, whether you’ve done it before or this is your first time, will require you to become savvy on safety.

Safety in your student apartment isn’t limited to the security of your belongings from theft. It’s also important for you to think about your safety in the event of an emergency. Here are a few things to think about while you’re choosing an apartment.

Fire extinguisher

All apartments should come equipped with a fire extinguisher. If you notice that your apartment does not have a fire extinguisher make sure the landlord or management provides you with one immediately. Additionally, check you fire extinguisher for the proper dates—fire extinguishers should be inspected every 12 months and should not pass their expiration date. If either of these dates is out of alignment make sure it’s corrected immediately. And don’t forget, if you use your fire extinguisher, you should alert the apartment management immediately.

Renter’s insurance

Some apartment complexes require their residents to carry renter’s insurance to cover damages as the result of a fire or other emergency or disaster. Those who don’t may not even tell you about it. Renter’s insurance is cheap (about $200 or less per year) and can save you a whole lot of trouble in the event of theft, fire or a number of other incidents. And remember, your landlord is not liable for any damages you suffer as a result of fire or other incident, no matter how it happened (the neighbor sets your complex ablaze accidentally), so renter’s insurance is truly your friend.

An emergency escape plan

You may think that you could exit your apartment in a hurry if you needed to, and that may be true, unless you have pets and roommates. You should always have a well-though out evacuation plan that includes important contact information, meeting places and the important items (and pets!) that need to be retrieved.

Know the escape route at your apartment complex

If you live in a high rise apartment complex, your usual way out will involve a ladder on the outside of the building. But if you live in a smaller building (three or four floors), you most likely will not have a ladder since they are not required. If you choose, you can purchase a collapsible fire escape ladder that can be dropped out a window. But remember, if you can exit through your front door, do it—not only is it safer than any other method you might come up with (sprouting wings in not an option), but apartment complex stairs must meet fire safety ratings.
It’s important to understand that every situation comes with both benefits and risks. By having a plan and knowing your options, you’ll have an opportunity to lose sleep over more important things…such as midterms.