Security and Safety Precautions for Apartment Dwellers
From changing your locks to learning how to escape a fire, take these steps to feel safe and secure in your apartment
Choose an apartment building with strict access control. When you shop for your apartment, add tight security to the list of things you want, along with that open floor plan and modern kitchen. Does the apartment complex you are considering have a perimeter wall and a gatehouse? Does the building have locked entrances and an intercom system that allows residents to screen who they let in?
The building you ultimately choose should have active tools in place for controlling who can enter the property. Ideally, there should be several layers of access control, from doormen to guest registries. Of course, this type of security often comes with higher rent, so finding the right balance for your budget is key.
The building you ultimately choose should have active tools in place for controlling who can enter the property. Ideally, there should be several layers of access control, from doormen to guest registries. Of course, this type of security often comes with higher rent, so finding the right balance for your budget is key.
Apartment security requires shared commitment and communication. If the apartment building you live in uses an intercom system that allows residents to unlock the front door from their apartments, remember that resident-operated access control systems are only as good as the people who use them. Intercom systems are useless if unidentified strangers are routinely buzzed into the building. Try to talk to several people who live in the building to get a feel for how serious residents are about maintaining security in the building.
Change the locks on your apartment door. It is common practice to change all the exterior door locks when you buy a new house. You should also do this when moving into an apartment, but people often overlook this, especially when renting the apartment instead of purchasing.
It is important to change your door locks, even if the landlord says the lock has already been changed. Many landlords recycle locks from one apartment in a building to another as people move in and out. Therefore, someone with a key to an apartment they recently rented in your building could conceivably find his way into your apartment if his old lock ends up on your new front door.
Consider adding an additional lock. If the landlord won’t allow you to change the existing lock, ask about adding an additional lock to your apartment’s entry door. Most landlords will approve that, as long as they are provided with a key. Going this route also allows you to choose a higher-security lock, which will make your apartment less attractive to someone trying to break in.
It is important to change your door locks, even if the landlord says the lock has already been changed. Many landlords recycle locks from one apartment in a building to another as people move in and out. Therefore, someone with a key to an apartment they recently rented in your building could conceivably find his way into your apartment if his old lock ends up on your new front door.
Consider adding an additional lock. If the landlord won’t allow you to change the existing lock, ask about adding an additional lock to your apartment’s entry door. Most landlords will approve that, as long as they are provided with a key. Going this route also allows you to choose a higher-security lock, which will make your apartment less attractive to someone trying to break in.
Parking lot and garage safety. Parking areas, whether open lots or garages, can be poorly lit and isolated, making them potentially dangerous. More than 10 percent of property crimes occur in parking garages, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. This includes everything from petty larceny to armed robbery.
Make sure the apartment you live in has a parking lot or garage that is well-lit 24 hours a day. In addition, there should be active surveillance cameras that are recording parking lot activity. Whenever possible, park near the exit to minimize the time and distance you are walking in the garage. If your apartment building assigns a specific spot to you, don’t be afraid to request a spot near an exit.
Make sure the apartment you live in has a parking lot or garage that is well-lit 24 hours a day. In addition, there should be active surveillance cameras that are recording parking lot activity. Whenever possible, park near the exit to minimize the time and distance you are walking in the garage. If your apartment building assigns a specific spot to you, don’t be afraid to request a spot near an exit.
Have a plan in the event of a fire. Everyone, regardless of where they live, should have a plan to get out safely in case of a fire. For people living in larger buildings or on higher floors, the challenge of getting out quickly may require even more advance thought.
Escape routes. Not knowing the proper fire escape route ahead of time can cost you your life. Some buildings have fire escape plans posted on walls or on maps that landlords will share when you move in. Many buildings do not, and it is up to you to formulate the plan for yourself.
Since elevators cannot be used in a fire, you must know the location of the stairs that are closest to your apartment. If you live in an old building with exterior window fire escapes, make sure that window opens freely, learn how to operate the drop ladder that goes from the second story to the ground level and make sure it is kept in good working order.
Fire extinguishers and alarms. Keep fire extinguishers in your apartment and know where common fire extinguishers and fire alarms are in your building.
Browse fire extinguishers
Escape routes. Not knowing the proper fire escape route ahead of time can cost you your life. Some buildings have fire escape plans posted on walls or on maps that landlords will share when you move in. Many buildings do not, and it is up to you to formulate the plan for yourself.
Since elevators cannot be used in a fire, you must know the location of the stairs that are closest to your apartment. If you live in an old building with exterior window fire escapes, make sure that window opens freely, learn how to operate the drop ladder that goes from the second story to the ground level and make sure it is kept in good working order.
Fire extinguishers and alarms. Keep fire extinguishers in your apartment and know where common fire extinguishers and fire alarms are in your building.
Browse fire extinguishers
Smoke detectors. All apartments are required to have smoke detectors. However, it is the resident’s responsibility to change the batteries and ensure they are working properly. This should be done a minimum of twice a year.
Carbon monoxide detectors. If your apartment does not have carbon monoxide detectors, consider adding them, especially if your building has fireplaces or there is natural gas used in the building.
Find carbon monoxide detectors
Helpful tip: To ensure you don’t forget, get into the habit of automatically changing your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries when daylight savings time begins and ends.
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Carbon monoxide detectors. If your apartment does not have carbon monoxide detectors, consider adding them, especially if your building has fireplaces or there is natural gas used in the building.
Find carbon monoxide detectors
Helpful tip: To ensure you don’t forget, get into the habit of automatically changing your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries when daylight savings time begins and ends.
More
3 Security Tips for Your Smart Home Technology
How Safe Are Your Windows Against Burglars?
However, apartment dwellers, whether they rent or own their units, face safety issues unique to apartment living. Here are a few of the most important concerns and how to minimize them.