by Bonnie Meridieth

Created on: October 05, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2009

So, you just moved into your new apartment. Many of the things that you need to consider to keep you and your family safe are the same no matter where you live. Here are some ideas that will help you feel safer, whether in an apartment, a house, or wherever else you chose to live.

First on the list, change those locks. Who knows how long they have been there, and how many people have keys to them!

Next, let's take a look at the windows and sliding glass doors. Measure them out. I don't care what kind of lock they have, it's not enough, and this safety issue can be remedied so very easily! Go to your local lumber store and get some 1X1 pieces of lumber. Get enough to be able to cut down, and easily put them in the window and door sills, giving the windows enough room left to be able to crack them open slightly for fresh air. The wood for the door should keep it from opening at all. It's a very inexpensive solution for your piece of mind.

Take a look at your water heater. This can save you money, as well as a serious accident. Many apartment managers do not monitor the temperature of the water heater, and the water can be hot enough to scald you or a young child. You will want it to be hot enough to be able to safely wash dishes, but not cause an emergency room visit. 120 degrees should be adequate, but ask your physician for their opinion to make sure what is best for you.

Clean those counters and floors, toilets and cabinets! New cabinet and drawer paper is a must. It looks nice, is inexpensive, and you will have a new surface to put your pot and pans, and your utensils, on. What was kept in those drawers and cabinets before you moved in? Steam cleaning the carpet, if it wasn't done by management prior to moving in, is always a good idea.

Do you have an upstairs? Fire ladders, and a plan on how to get up to the people upstairs should a fire or other emergency break out, is absolutely necessary. It would also be a good idea to have a ladder tall enough to get up there from the outside if the need arises. Make sure it will be easy for you to get to, but not noticeable to an intruder.

Working fire extinguishers and fire alarms with working batteries are absolutely necessary - one in each large living area and each bedroom. Test the batteries every 3 months. Maybe make it a point of testing batteries on the first day of the changing seasons. If your apartment does not come equipped with the proper amount of fire detectors, they can be purchased cheap and are a

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