Apartment preparedness

Under the bed

• Flat storage boxes: ideal for water pouches, canned food, and clothing
• Vacuum bags: compress blankets, sleeping bags, and spare clothing to a fraction of their size
• Emergency backpack: keep your go-bag under the bed for instant access
• Rotate stock: check expiry dates every 6 months

Vertical space

• Top of wardrobes: store bulky items like sleeping bags, blankets, or emergency kits in labelled boxes
• Door-mounted organisers: hang on the inside of wardrobe or pantry doors for torches, batteries, and small items
• Wall-mounted shelves: use high shelves in the kitchen, bathroom, or hallway for supplies
• Above the fridge: often unused space, ideal for non-perishable food

Multi-purpose items

• Ottoman with storage: doubles as seating and supply storage
• Suitcases: keep your emergency supplies inside a suitcase you rarely use. It has wheels for easy transport
• Hall bench with storage: near the front door for your go-bag and shoes
• Cupboard under the sink: ideal for cleaning supplies and sanitation kit

Essentials (fits in a 40L backpack)

• Water: 3 litres per person (pouches are lighter and flatter than bottles)
• Food: energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, tinned food (3-day supply)
• First aid kit: compact travel kit
• Torch + spare batteries (or a wind-up torch)
• Multi-tool: replaces multiple individual tools
• Portable phone charger (at least 10,000 mAh)
• Emergency whistle (louder than shouting, uses less energy)
• Documents: copies of ID, insurance, medical records in a waterproof pouch
• Cash: small notes and coins (ATMs may not work)

Compact additions

• Emergency blanket: mylar blankets fold to the size of a card
• Water purification tablets: tiny and can make any water safe
• Dust masks (FFP2): useful for earthquakes, fires, and air quality issues
• Duct tape: wrap around a pencil to save space. Useful for sealing, repairs, and first aid
• Bin liners: rain protection, ground sheet, waste disposal, water carrier
• Prescription medication: at least 7-day supply, rotated regularly
• Pet supplies: if applicable, food and water for your pet

For a complete kit, see our emergency checklist.

Know your building

• Stairwell locations: identify all emergency staircases. Many buildings have two or more
• Fire escape routes: check for posted evacuation plans on each floor
• Fire extinguishers: locate them on your floor and learn the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
• Gas shut-off: know where the main gas valve is for your flat and the building
• Water shut-off: know where the main water valve is
• Electrical panel: know where the main circuit breaker is
• Assembly point: identify where residents should gather outside the building

Evacuation rules

• Never use the lift during an earthquake, fire, or blackout
• Close your front door but do not lock it (fire services may need access)
• Stay low in smoke: crawl along the floor where air is cleaner
• Feel doors before opening: use the back of your hand. If hot, find another route
• Take your go-bag if it is within reach. Do not go back for belongings
• Help neighbours: knock on doors as you descend, especially elderly or disabled residents
• Do not return until the building is declared safe by firefighters or civil protection

Above the 6th floor

• Evacuation time: descending 10+ floors takes considerably longer. Practise the route
• Water pressure: upper floors may lose water pressure first during supply interruptions
• Wind exposure: strong winds are more intense at height, relevant during storms
• Lift dependence: if someone has mobility issues, plan how they will evacuate without the lift
• Fire rescue: aerial ladders typically reach up to the 7th or 8th floor. Above that, fire services rely on internal stairwells

Specific preparations

• Extra water storage: keep a larger water supply (upper floors may lose pressure first)
• Escape hood: a smoke hood with a filter can buy crucial minutes in a smoke-filled stairwell
• High-visibility vest: makes you visible to rescue services from windows
• Whistle and torch: for signalling from a window if trapped
• Wet towels: to seal under the front door if smoke is in the corridor
• Practice the descent: time yourself walking down the stairs at least once a year

Storage and supplies

• Weather-resistant storage box: keep a small emergency supply on the balcony (water, tools, first aid)
• Rainwater collection: a bucket on the balcony collects water for flushing or cleaning
• Solar charging: a small solar panel on the balcony can charge phones and small devices
• Cooking: a camping stove can be used on the balcony (never indoors due to CO risk)

Safety considerations

• Secure loose items: during storms, everything on the balcony becomes a projectile (pots, furniture, tools)
• Weight limits: do not overload balconies with heavy water containers
• Fire escape: some buildings have fire escapes via balconies. Check if yours does
• Signalling: a balcony is your best location for signalling rescue services (torch, reflective material, bright cloth)

Building the network

• Meet your neighbours: introduce yourself, exchange phone numbers
• Identify vulnerabilities: know who lives alone, who is elderly, who has mobility issues, who has young children
• Share skills: one neighbour may be a nurse, another may have tools, another may have a camping stove
• Building WhatsApp group: create or join a group for your floor or building
• Condominium meetings: raise emergency preparedness at your next meeting

Shared resources

• Common areas: ask the condominium to store basic emergency supplies (first aid, torches, water) in common areas
• Generator: a shared generator for essential needs (phone charging, medical equipment) is more cost-effective than individual units
• Tools: a shared toolbox in the building storage saves individual purchases
• Evacuation buddies: assign neighbours to check on vulnerable residents during evacuations