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More than 44 million Americans live in apartments. But most emergency preparedness advice assumes you have a garage, a basement, and acres of storage space. This guide is specifically for apartment dwellers and renters who want to be prepared without converting their living room into a bunker.
Living in an apartment actually has some preparedness advantages: you're often in a sturdier building than a single-family home, you have neighbors close by for mutual aid, and evacuation can be simpler with fewer possessions. The key is adapting traditional preparedness advice to work within your constraints.
Unique Apartment Challenges (And Solutions)
Solution: Use vertical space, under-bed storage, closet organizers, and multi-purpose items. Focus on calorie-dense foods and compact gear.
Solution: Portable power stations (Jackery, Bluetti, EcoFlow) are silent, fumeless, and safe indoors. Solar panels can recharge them from a balcony.
Solution: Go-bags ready at the door, multiple exit routes planned, and early evacuation when warnings allow. Know your building's rally points.
Solution: Focus on portable and removable solutions. Door security bars, battery smoke detectors, and window escape ladders leave no damage.
Solution: WaterBricks stack under beds. WaterBOB fills your bathtub with 100 gallons when storms approach. Water filters provide backup.
Space-Saving Storage Solutions
The average apartment has more hidden storage than you think. Here's where to stash your emergency supplies without sacrificing living space:
Under-Bed Storage 12-20 cubic feet
The space under a queen bed can hold 2-3 weeks of supplies for two people. Use flat storage containers, WaterBricks, or purpose-built under-bed bins.
- Bed risers add 6-8 inches of clearance for more storage
- Vacuum bags compress clothing and bedding to 1/3 size
- Slide-out bins make rotation and access easier
Closet Floor Space 4-8 cubic feet
The floor of every closet is underutilized. Stack water containers, food buckets, or gear behind hanging clothes.
- Wire shelving maximizes vertical space
- Door-mounted organizers hold small items
- Use the back corners no one ever sees
Behind Furniture Varies
Pull your couch or dresser 6 inches from the wall. That hidden space holds flat items like water containers or freeze-dried food pouches.
Inside Suitcases 2-4 cubic feet per bag
Suitcases you only use for travel can store emergency supplies year-round. If you need to evacuate, the bag is already packed.
Kitchen Cabinet Sacrifice 3-6 cubic feet
Dedicate one cabinet to emergency food. Integrate it with your regular pantry—canned goods that rotate into regular meals.
Vertical Wall Space Unlimited
Floating shelves, pegboards, and wall organizers use air space instead of floor space. Great for gear that doesn't need to be hidden.
Water Storage for Apartments
FEMA recommends 1 gallon per person per day. For realistic apartment living, plan for 1.5 gallons per person per day, for at least two weeks.
Apartment Water Storage Math
Two people, two weeks: 2 × 1.5 gallons × 14 days = 42 gallons
Best Apartment Water Storage Options
WaterBricks (3.5 gallons each)
Stackable, portable, and fit perfectly under beds. 12 WaterBricks = 42 gallons, stored in a 2' × 3' × 2' space.
- Weight when full: 29 lbs each (manageable)
- Stack up to 4 high
- Can also store dry goods
WaterBOB (100 gallons)
A bathtub liner that fills with 100 gallons of drinking water when a storm is approaching. Takes zero storage space until needed.
- Fill time: 20 minutes
- Keeps water fresh for 12 weeks
- Includes siphon pump
Backup: Water Filtration
A quality water filter extends your supply indefinitely if you can access any water source (bathtub, pool, rainwater). The Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Family are excellent apartment-sized options.
Calculate Your Needs
Use our Water Storage Calculator to get exact recommendations for your household size and location.
Compact Food Storage
Apartment food storage focuses on calorie density—maximum nutrition in minimum space. Avoid bulky items like cases of canned vegetables in favor of concentrated options.
Best Foods for Apartment Storage
- Freeze-dried meals: 25-year shelf life, just add water. One bucket (60 servings) fits in a closet corner.
- High-calorie bars: Datrex or Mainstay bars provide 2,400+ calories per package, waterproof and compact.
- Peanut butter: 100 calories per tablespoon, 2+ year shelf life, no prep needed.
- Rice and beans: Cheap, calorie-dense, long-lasting when properly stored.
- Canned proteins: Tuna, chicken, Spam—rotate into regular meals.
- Meal replacement powders: Huel, Soylent—complete nutrition, minimal space.
Two-Week Food Supply: Space Requirements
For two people eating 2,000 calories per day for 14 days = 56,000 calories needed.
- Freeze-dried option: 1 bucket + supplemental bars = 1 cubic foot
- Mixed approach: Canned goods + rice + bars = 2-3 cubic feet
- Emergency bars only: 24 Mainstay packets = 0.5 cubic feet
Power Without a Generator
Gas generators are prohibited in apartments (carbon monoxide kills), but portable power stations are safe, silent, and increasingly affordable.
Portable Power Station Recommendations
Budget: Jackery Explorer 300 (293Wh)
Powers phones, laptops, LED lights, and fans. Enough for 2-3 days of basic electronics.
- Recharge via wall outlet, car, or 100W solar panel
- Weight: 7.1 lbs (easily portable)
- Silent and safe indoors
Best for: Short outages, basic needs
Mid-Range: Bluetti AC200L (2,048Wh)
Powers a mini-fridge, CPAP, laptop, and phones for 3+ days. Expandable with extra batteries.
- Can run small appliances (blender, hot plate briefly)
- 2,400W inverter handles surge loads
- Expandable to 8,192Wh with batteries
Best for: Extended outages, medical devices, working from home
Apartment Power Math
Calculate your daily Wh needs:
- Phone charging: 10-20 Wh per full charge
- Laptop: 50-100 Wh per full charge
- LED lights (4 hours): 40 Wh
- WiFi router (24 hours): 120-240 Wh
- Mini-fridge (24 hours): 300-500 Wh
Use our Power Station Runtime Calculator to determine exactly what you need.
Evacuation Planning by Floor
Your floor level dramatically affects evacuation strategy. Elevators are typically disabled during emergencies, so stairs are your primary exit.
Lower Floors
Fastest evacuation. Consider window escape for ground floor. May need to shelter for tornadoes (go to interior room).
Mid Floors
Moderate stair time. Plan for 1-2 minutes per floor. Practice with go-bag to gauge realistic speed.
High Floors
Significant stair descent. Start evacuation early. Keep essential items in lightweight go-bag. Know alternative stairwells.
High-Rise
Extended evacuation time. May need to shelter in place for some events. Fire escape ladder useless—focus on stairwell routes.
Apartment Evacuation Checklist
- Know both stairwells (primary and alternate)
- Count doors from your unit to stairwell (for smoke-filled navigation)
- Know your building's rally point
- Keep go-bag by the door, not in the closet
- Practice the evacuation route with family
- For high-rises: identify "refuge floors" with fire-rated construction
- Never use elevator during fire or earthquake
The Apartment Go-Bag
Apartment go-bags need to be lighter than house-based versions because you may be carrying them down many flights of stairs. Target weight: 15-20 lbs maximum.
Apartment Go-Bag Essentials (Per Person)
- Documents: Copies of ID, insurance, lease, bank info (waterproof pouch)
- Water: 1 liter bottle + water filter (Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw)
- Food: 3 days of bars or freeze-dried meals
- Light: Headlamp (hands-free essential) + extra batteries
- Power: Portable charger (20,000mAh+) and cables
- First aid: Compact kit with personal medications
- Cash: $200-500 in small bills
- Clothing: 1 change of clothes, rain jacket, sturdy shoes
- Communication: Battery-powered radio, emergency contacts list
- Tools: Multi-tool, duct tape, paracord
Pro Tip: Shoe Storage
Keep a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes next to your bed. In an earthquake or night emergency, broken glass on the floor can prevent evacuation. Many earthquake injuries are foot lacerations.
Renter-Friendly Modifications
These modifications improve safety without damaging the apartment or violating your lease:
Security
- Door security bar: Wedges under door handle, no installation required ($20-40)
- Door reinforcement strike plate: Often just requires longer screws in existing holes
- Sliding door bar: Prevents forced entry on balcony doors
- Window security film: Removable film makes glass shatter-resistant
- Motion-sensor lights: Battery-operated, stick-on installation
Safety
- Battery smoke detectors: Add extras even if building has wired units
- Carbon monoxide detector: Essential, especially with gas appliances
- Fire extinguisher: ABC-rated, mount with command strips
- Fire escape ladder: For 2nd-3rd floor apartments (First Alert or Kidde)
- Water leak sensors: Place near water heater and under sinks
Communication
- Battery or hand-crank radio: NOAA weather alerts don't require power
- Walkie-talkies: Communicate with family if cell networks fail
- Whistle: Signal for help if trapped (louder than voice, no energy required)
Building Your Neighbor Network
Your neighbors are your first responders. In apartment buildings, mutual aid happens naturally—but only if you know each other before the emergency.
Building Community Before Disaster
- Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors (same floor, above, below)
- Exchange phone numbers for non-emergency contact
- Identify neighbors with special needs (elderly, disabled, non-English speakers)
- Know who has useful skills (medical, mechanical, IT)
- Discuss informal mutual aid agreements
Apartment Mutual Aid Ideas
- Share generator/power station use for charging
- Pool food supplies for community cooking
- Check on vulnerable neighbors daily
- Establish communication tree when cell service fails
- Share transportation for evacuation
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional gas generators cannot be used in apartments due to carbon monoxide risk and fire codes. However, portable power stations (like Jackery, Bluetti, or EcoFlow) are safe for indoor use. They run silently, produce no fumes, and can power essential electronics for hours or days depending on capacity.
A two-week supply for two people takes about 2 cubic feet—roughly the size of a small suitcase. Use freeze-dried meals (lightweight, compact), canned goods rotated with regular meals, and high-calorie bars. Store under beds, in closets, behind furniture, or in unused suitcases.
Renters can add removable door security bars, battery-operated smoke/CO detectors, fire escape ladders, removable window security film, and grab-and-go bags. Avoid permanent modifications like bolt-in safe rooms or hardwired systems. Focus on portable and removable solutions.
It depends on the emergency. For hurricanes, wildfires, and gas leaks: evacuate if advised. For earthquakes, tornadoes, and active threats: shelter in place. Know both your building's evacuation routes and the safest interior room. High-rise apartments require special evacuation planning due to elevator restrictions.
Use stackable WaterBricks (3.5 gallons each) that fit under beds or in closets. For two people for two weeks, you need about 42 gallons—12 WaterBricks fit in a 2x3 foot space. Alternatively, keep cases of bottled water and rotate them monthly. Fill bathtub with WaterBOB when storms approach.
Choose a lightweight backpack (15-20 lbs max) that you can carry down stairs quickly. Avoid wheeled bags that don't work on stairs. Pack essentials only: water filter, 3 days food, documents, cash, phone charger, headlamp, first aid, and one change of clothes. Keep it by the door, not buried in a closet.
Your Next Steps
- This week: Identify 3 hidden storage spaces in your apartment (under bed, closet floor, behind furniture)
- This weekend: Assemble a basic go-bag with documents, water filter, and essentials
- This month: Build 2-week water supply using WaterBricks or bottled water
- Next month: Add 2-week food supply and portable power station
- Ongoing: Meet your neighbors and establish informal mutual aid
Related Resources
Water Storage Calculator · Power Station Calculator · 72-Hour Kit Checklist · First-Time Prepper Guide