Emergencies in an Apartment: Small-Space Preparedness and Planning

Even with enough storage space and sufficient financial resources, preparing for emergencies can be an intimidating task.

So, when living in a particularly small space—like an apartment or condominium—especially if shared with roommates or restricted in some way by a landlord or property manager, there can be even more barriers that make preparedness feel impossible.

But the thing is, preparedness is possible. (Yep, even in studio apartments and high-rise condominiums!)

In fact, you might not need the kind of space you think you need! You've just got to get a little creative, and work with what you've got.

For tips and tricks on planning and preparing for emergencies in small spaces, keep reading!

Unique Challenges of Small-Space Preparedness

Aside from the more obvious limitations of smaller spaces, like less storage space, there are a number of other circumstances that might affect preparedness efforts for those living in apartments or condominiums:

• Some buildings and complexes run on shared utilities. Multiple units might use one meter for power or water, which could become complicated in a crisis.
• If the power goes out, upper-floor residents of high-rise buildings could lose elevator access, making a grab 'n' go emergency a next-level nightmare.
• Newer buildings and complexes often use electric security measures, like motion-sensor gates and garages, and doors requiring keypad codes or card swipes. Is there a backup plan for building access in a power outage?
• High-density housing normally requires some kind of emergency evacuation procedure. Is there an alarm or notification to alert residents in case of a crisis?

The good news? These factors are not fixed obstacles! Discuss these points and review each process with your landlord or property manager, then incorporate them into your personal emergency planning as needed.

Common Emergencies to Keep in Mind

Before you can adequately prepare for an emergency situation, it's important to consider what kind of emergency situations are most likely to occur in your area.

(Then again, preparing for the unexpected really does mean preparing for the unexpected. Sometimes, something happens that you never saw coming!)

Here are some of the most common emergencies to keep in mind and prepare for:

• Power outages
• Water turnoffs
• Fires
• Earthquakes
• Severe weather

In these instances, it's crucial to have an understanding of the emergency response protocols in your residence, if any, in order to reduce chaos. Take note of your location in the building or complex in connection to these processes.

Know where emergency exits and stairwells are in case power is cut from elevators, keep a backup supply of water stored in the event that water pumps fail, and get to know your neighbors and check on each other when crisis comes.

What to Keep in Your Kit

Residing in a smaller space doesn't necessarily mean you live all that differently from anyone else. You may live more tightly or minimally, but chances are high that your everyday routine is nothing out of the ordinary!

This means that your preparedness stockpile should include most of the same essentials, but with the occasional alteration—like a little less food and water, depending on the storage space you can spare.

Here are some of the most essential items to include in your preparedness plan:

• At least 1 gallon of water per person per day.
• At least 2,000 calories to feed each person each day.
• An indoor-safe cooking appliance and mess kit.
• Multiple alternate light sources, like candles, flashlights, and lanterns.
• An indoor-safe heating solution and blankets.
• A hand-powered emergency radio.
• Power banks and backup batteries.
• A solar-powered generator and portable solar panels.
• Basic hygiene supplies, like a toothbrush and soap.
• A first aid kit packed with more than just bandages.
• Medications and medical equipment (if needed).
• Food and supplies for pets (if needed).

For an in-depth look at creating a more comprehensive preparedness checklist, check out this article!

Creative Storage for Your Survival Stockpile

Most, if not all, of the essential items in your supply are likely to fit on a single shelf in a closet. But if your closets are currently stuffed, or you want to expand your stockpile, then it's time to squeeze those creative juices!

Before getting started, look at what you've got and think about what you need. Can anything be condensed or combined in order to save space?

This is where multipurpose tools come in. Especially in cramped quarters, a single item that can perform a number of tasks is invaluable! A flashlight that can cut ropes, break glass, and charge devices? A utensil that can feed you and open bottles and cans? The more functions you can combine into one object, the better.

In addition to consciously packing your supply and choosing versatile items to add to it, here are a couple of storage hacks for small spaces:

• Store upwards, not outwards. Think about building your supply vertically, such as stacking #10 cans or boxes of ration bars on top of one another.
• Find furniture with bonus storage compartments. Need some seating? Look for an ottoman or couch with storage space snuck under the cushions. In the market for a coffee or end table? Pick a piece with drawers built into the base. Want a better bed? Find a frame with storage spots in the headboard or pull-out drawers placed under the mattress.
• Slide bins under the bed. Stock up on short, but wide bins designed to seamlessly slide under a bed. Fill 'em with supplies, then slip 'em out of sight. The average queen-sized bed leaves 16 cubic feet of space underneath; add even more room with bed risers!
• Track down tall cabinets. Fill open wall space with tall, narrow cabinets. They'll offer enough room for smaller preparedness supplies without taking up too much walking space.
• Anything foldable is your friend! Search for collapsible preparedness products to tuck into small spaces, like these foldable solar panels or this collapsible water container. When empty, it folds down to the size of a placement. A few of 'em go a long, long way in an emergency!
• Put unused areas to use. If that bathtub's been dry since the day you moved in, use it to store drinking water when disaster strikes! This bathtub water bank holds up to 65 gallons of water, ready to use when your water access is cut. And once it's empty, you can break it back down to a size smaller than a phone book.
• Pack that "dead space" up top. You know that shelf at the very top of your closet, the one you can't reach that seems to be a waste of space? It's an excellent spot for parts of your supply. Since you're not using the space anyway, nothing is lost by packing it up!
• Use some supplies during emergencies and the everyday. Certain preparedness products, like long-term foods, can be stored alongside your usual foods. In fact, they're a cost-effective substitute for expensive options, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Put 'em in the pantry, the coat closet, or in an over-the-door organizer somewhere else!

Survival in Any Shelter

No matter where you live, you can embark on your emergency preparedness journey. Preparedness does not discriminate! There's room for everyone on this path.

If you live in an apartment or condominium, what tips 'n' tricks have helped you prepare in your small space?

Check in with The Essentials Blog each week for expert education, tips, and resources to make your shift to self-reliance as smooth as possible!