Safety should be a priority in every living situation. There are simple things that you can do to make sure your Rochester apartment is safe. Improving the safety of your apartment will give you peace of mind and let you focus on the important things in life.
Location, Location, Location
Like any other city, there are good areas and not-so-great areas. When you are on the hunt for a Rochester apartment, choose your space wisely. Each year about 900,000 new website domains are registered, and a good percentage of those are relative to real estate. You may find a great place online, but always do your due diligence and take a close look at the apartment and its surroundings.
Ask yourself these questions: Is the area well lit? Is the building well kept? What is security like getting into the building? Does there seem to be enough security measures in place?
Sometimes making your apartment safer simply comes down to the location of your apartment and how the overall building is maintained. Don’t worry, even if you are in an area that is a little risky, you can still do things to make your apartment safer.
The Simple Things You Can Do
Start by making it a habit to lock all windows and doors. Yes, it seems like this is something that people should not have to be reminded to do, but about 29% of all burglars gain access to space by walking or climbing through an unlocked door or window. Evidently, people do need to be reminded. Make it a habit to check your window locks before you leave.
Follow the rules for using things like space heaters. About 1600 residential fires each year are caused by the improper use of space heaters. Never use outdoor cooking equipment indoors, like a small charcoal grill.
Your landlord has fire code regulations that they are supposed to follow. The NFPA25 code, for example, mandates the testing of fire protection systems. Some testing is done monthly, some quarterly, some semi-annually, some annually, and some testing is done every five to 10 years. They are required to do their part, and you are required to do yours.
You Need a Green Light From Your Landlord
Increasing safety in your apartment may include installing an alarm system. You will need to get permission from your landlord to have a system installed. Most landlords will agree as long as it does not cost them anything.
You can add other safety features like a slip lock (like the type of locks that are on hotel room doors). A rubber doorstop can also be used from the inside to add another layer of security. Just slide the doorstop under the entry door when you are home.
Report Any Violations
Apartment safety is not just about keeping unauthorized people out, it is also about safety issues in the apartment. For example, if you seem to be having a problem with the wiring in your apartment, that can be a real safety concern. Report any problems you are having in your apartment immediately. Make sure you write down the problem (via email) so you have a record of filing the complaint.
If your apartment is on the second story or above and you have children, be sure that window guards are installed. It is your landlord’s responsibility to provide for them if children live in the apartment.
If there seem to be unsafe practices happening in your building, report them to the right authorities. Don’t be afraid to point out safety hazards. For example, if you live in a building with an elevator and there seem to be some issues with it, report it. Keep in mind that you have a business agreement with your landlord. About 47 million seniors live in the United States and many of them rent an apartment, even if an unsafe elevator does not bother you, it may be an issue for your neighbors. Report it.
There are some very simple habits that you can adopt to make your apartment in Rochester a safer place to be. You can make your apartment in Rochester a safer place to live by being persistent and doing your part.
