Urban Prepping: Building Resilience in a Small City Apartment
Just because you live in a small city apartment, it doesn’t mean you can’t be as prepared for emergencies as someone who lives in a spacious house. While it may require more creativity and prioritization of essential needs, it’s still possible —and extremely important — if you want peace of mind in the event of a disaster.
Learn how to rely on your community, stockpile essential items in your small space, and stay safe if you need to react quickly to an emergency.
Forge Neighbor Alliances: Build a Prep-Ready Community
When you live in a city, preparing for emergencies isn’t just an individual process; it’s a community pursuit. While some see close living quarters as a detriment to emergency responses, it can actually be an asset.
Get to know your neighbors so you can become a resource for each other and create a supportive community in case of an emergency. Swap phone numbers so you can contact each other and share emergency plans. Consider creating joint safe meeting locations, allowing you to check on each other and get to safety as a group.
You can also combine your resources during extended blackouts or emergencies. Your neighbor may have more non-perishable goods stockpiled, while you have more water than you need. This give and take can protect your neighbors and ensure everyone is taken care of.
Avoid a scarcity mindset; there’s always enough to go around, and safety is possible for everyone, especially when you work together rather than against one another.
Smart Stockpiles for a Small Space
Stockpiling with limited space will force you to become strict with what is truly “essential” and what is unnecessary. While someone with ample home space may hoard enough supplies for weeks, months, or years, most urban residents can maintain stockpiles of just a few days.
Eliminate anything unnecessary, such as excess clothing or entertainment items, and instead prioritize having enough canned goods, clean drinking water for each person, emergency lighting and communication (such as battery-powered or hand-crank radios), and backup power solutions.
A portable power station (PPS) or home solar system can go a long way when you don’t have grid power available. While not all city dwellers will be able to leverage a solar system due to roof or balcony constraints, a PPS like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus is a compact and indoor-friendly solution that nearly any urban resident can take advantage of.
Secure and Light the Way Indoors
Invest in security in your apartment or townhome for an extra layer of protection. Blackouts can render building security systems ineffective or offline, so having more manual protections can keep you safe. Deadbolts, guard dogs, door security bars, window pins, and privacy films on windows can prevent forced entry.
Other security measures to integrate for times when power is still available include security and doorbell cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems for your building or individual unit.
Lighting is another essential element of personal safety that helps prevent trips and falls, which can cause injury. Use battery-powered lanterns in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas to illuminate the space when the sun is down. Headlamps or flashlights given to each family member can also be a great resource if you’re limited in battery inventory.
Grab-and-Go Ready: Bags and Quick Access
Go-bags contain only the essentials, allowing you to leave immediately with all your necessary supplies in tow if needed. For families, it may make sense to create a go bag for each family member, as these bags are designed to be portable, so carrying extra items in a backpack may not be feasible.
Water Bottle and Filter: Include a filled water bottle and a filter, allowing you to purify other water sources as needed.
Non-Perishable Snacks: Pack snacks with protein for sustenance and energy, such as protein bars, dried meat or fruit, and nuts. Protein powder can also be mixed with water as needed.
Medications: Pack a three-day supply of important prescription medications and over-the-counter basics like anti-inflammatories and antidiarrheals.
Vital Documents: Include copies of your driver's license, social security card, marriage license, and medical insurance documents.
Portable Charger: Bring a compact portable charger for phones and computers so you can always call loved ones or emergency services.
Flashlight and Batteries: Pack a flashlight and at least one spare set of batteries for added safety at night.
First Aid Kit: Bring bandages, antiseptic ointment, gauze, and other necessary supplies.
Extra Clothes: Pack one pair of clean clothes to change into. Bring thin but warm layers.
Hygiene Essentials: Toothbrush, toilet paper or wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between a Go-Bag and a Home Stockpile?
A go-bag is a pre-packed bag or backpack containing essential items, so you can grab it and go without needing extra time to prepare in the event of an emergency. A home stockpile may consist of a go-bag, but it also typically includes other items that you may need if you’re stuck at home during an emergency, such as more food and water, comfort items, extra batteries, and entertainment.
Can I Use Candles for Emergency Lighting in an Apartment?
While candles may work in a pinch, they are not recommended for emergency lighting in an apartment due to their fire hazard. Candles are only safe to use when you are awake and supervising their burning, whereas flashlights and battery-powered lanterns can be safely used even at night while you are asleep.
Power Up with EcoFlow: Portable Power Stations for Urban Prepping
Portable power stations are a must for anyone taking their urban prepping seriously. They’re compact and lightweight enough to fit in your go-bag and versatile enough to support essential medical devices, phones, and more. With multiple outlets available, they can also serve your wider community of neighbors who may need to use them as well.
If there’s one thing to put at the top of your urban preparation list, let it be the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus or another EcoFlow PPS that meets your needs.