How to Create an Emergency Plan If You Live in an Apartment building
Emergency preparedness looks different when you live in an apartment building. Shared walls, limited exits, and proximity to others can complicate how you respond during a crisis—but with a little planning, you can be just as ready as any homeowner.
Whether you're living in a high-rise or a smaller walk-up, here’s how to build a solid emergency plan tailored to apartment living.
General Preparation Steps
Know Your Building
Learn all exits, stairwells, and fire escapes—don’t wait until an emergency to find out where they are.
Ask your building manager if there’s an official evacuation or shelter plan.
Locate the nearest designated assembly point.
Build a Go-Bag
Pack essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, medications, a first-aid kit, and important documents.
Keep your go-bag in an easily accessible location—like a front closet.
Back up your important documents digitally and store hard copies in a fireproof safe.
Communication Plan
Set up a plan to stay in touch with your family or roommates during a crisis.
Make sure smoke and CO detectors are working—test them monthly.
Keep a printed list of emergency contacts visible in your home.
Get Renters Insurance
Renters insurance covers belongings lost in fire, theft, and some types of water damage.
It may also provide temporary housing if your apartment becomes uninhabitable.
Fire Safety in Apartments
Prevention
Test smoke detectors regularly and change batteries as needed.
Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure everyone knows how to use it.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets or running cords under rugs.
Evacuation
Know at least two exit routes in case one is blocked.
Never use elevators during a fire—use the stairs.
If there’s smoke, crawl low to the ground to breathe cleaner air.
If You Can’t Evacuate
Seal your apartment door with wet towels.
Turn off vents and stay low to avoid smoke inhalation.
Call 911 and make your location known.
Earthquake Safety in an Apartment
If You’re Inside
Stay put. Don’t run outside.
Take cover under a sturdy table or desk and hold on.
Stay away from windows, mirrors, and items that could fall.
If You’re Outside
Move into an open area, away from buildings, utility poles, and trees.
Aftershocks
Be alert for aftershocks, which can follow minutes or hours after the initial quake.
Tornado Safety
Find Shelter
Go to the lowest level you can reach safely (even a laundry room or basement hallway).
If you must stay in your apartment, choose an interior room without windows—bathrooms and closets work well.
If no better options exist, use your bathtub for shelter and cover yourself with pillows or blankets.
Stay Informed
Enable weather alerts on your phone or have a battery-powered weather radio on hand.
When Evacuation is Ordered
Leave immediately—don’t delay.
Bring your go-bag and any essential medications.
Leave your door unlocked if emergency responders may need access.
If you have mobility challenges, make sure your building has designated shelter areas or refuge points.
Consider investing in an evacuation chair if you or a family member uses a wheelchair.
Additional Apartment Safety Tips
Know Your Neighbours
Building strong relationships with neighbours means more support during an emergency.
They may be able to help during an evacuation or alert you to a threat you haven’t noticed.
Ask Your Building Manager
Some buildings already have emergency plans, supplies, or designated safe areas in place.
If not, ask them to create one—or offer to help.
Fireproof Your Plans
Even if your building isn’t fire-resistant, your planning can be.
Keep vital documents in a fireproof safe.
Regularly update your emergency contacts and review your plan.
Living in an apartment doesn’t limit your ability to be prepared—it just requires thoughtful planning. By knowing your building, staying alert, and keeping essential supplies on hand, you’ll have the confidence to face any emergency head-on.
Need a printable version of this guide or a template to customize your apartment plan? Let us know—ReadyPack has you covered.
