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.

It’s no secret that living on your own, especially in an apartment, has some risks. And you are (and should be) willing to take those risks so that you can take the reins of your own life.

Apartment dwellers can always benefit from knowing the best ways to keep safe. And it’s not just about street smarts. It’s about being prepared.

When you move in, make sure the locks have been changed

Apartment leases require that you hand over your keys when you move. Duplicate keys are easy to make and you don’t know how many friends, neighbors and family members of the former resident have a set. That’s why it’s important you make sure your locks have been changed—while most apartments should take care of this when an apartment becomes vacant, it doesn’t always happen and it’s up to you to be sure that it does.

Get to know your neighbors

The good thing about having great neighbors is that they’re there for you, whether you need to borrow a cup of sugar or someone’s trying to break in through your side window or front door. Alienated neighbors tend to “see nothing” while befriended neighbors tend to see everything. Take your pick, but a nosy neighbor is better than nothing.

Know the distance to the nearest police officer

Whether you move to a new city or just across town, it’s important to know how long it takes for the police to respond to an incident. In a big city, it could take 45 minutes, whereas in a small city, it could take only five minutes. Also, it’s a good idea to find out if a police officer lives in your apartment complex—this should be easy to find out—and make note of where the officer lives. If something goes down, why wait an hour for help when someone you can trust is a skip down the sidewalk?

Always lock the door

Amazingly enough, the more comfortable you get in your apartment and with your neighbors, the less likely you are to lock the door. But don’t mistake good neighbors as your constant watchdog service. You should always lock the door when you leave—even if it’s just to check the mail—and you should always lock it behind you when you’re inside. Any deterrent to burglars will help keep you and your belongings safe.

Think safe

Sounds stupid, right? Since when aren’t you thinking safe? But you should think “safe”…keep your passport, loose cash and other valuables in…a safe. Preferably one that locks. And don’t forget to think about the location of your laptop and your flat screen TV. Are they clearly visible from the front door? If they are, consider moving them, so prying eyes can’t do an appraisal every time you open the door.

Living on your own is an exciting part of life—a time when you can grow, meet life’s challenges and walk around in your underwear whenever you want to. Keep it happy by keeping yourself safe—give yourself little to worry about and living the good life will also mean takin’ it easy.