While you are conducting your initial search and before moving in, here are a few tips to consider:
- What is the local crime rate in the area? Use a website like SpotCrime.com to check out the area's history.
- If you have friends, co-workers or family that live in that area, ask what their general impression is about the complex you are considering moving to.
- Drive by at different times of the day/night and see what it looks like. After hours, are there shady characters hanging out on balconies, in the parking lot etc.?
- If the building includes fire escapes, do they keep them pulled up and limit access from the ground level?
- Do the managers or maintenance personnel live on property? Is there a contingency plan for after hour emergencies?
- Is there adequate parking provided for the residents and their guests?
- Is it gated? Do they provide a roving security guard? Are the entrances, hallways or breezeways adequately lit at night?
- Always visit the model of the apartment you are considering beforehand, and check if there are peepholes in the doors, adequate bolt locks and whether window coverings are provided. Are kitchen and laundry appliances provided and maintained by the complex?
Once you have moved in, here a few things to consider:
- First, get renter's insurance! This will protect your valuables in the event of a fire, theft or severe weather. Most apartment complexes have insurance, but it's usually to cover their losses only, like the rebuilding cost of the building. You can find adequate coverage for approximately $20 per month.
- A personal fire safe would be a very good investment. This safe could be used to protect valuable papers, jewelry, cash and firearms.
- Insist that the property manager change the locks to ensure the previous tenants cannot re-enter when you are away.
- Keep your blinds or curtains closed at night to avoid prying eyes from seeing your belongings.
- Get to know your neighbors. You don't have to become best friends, but break the ice so you are aware of who belongs in your general area and who doesn't.
- Park in well-lit areas and hide your valuables. Don't leave cell phones, important papers, sunglasses, etc., exposed to entice a would be burglar.
- Use your peep hole, keep your door closed and talk through your door when someone you don't know knocks on your door. Don't worry about being perceived as rude, as your safety is more important!
- If you work different shifts, and regularly come home in the wee hours, invest in a hand held pepper spray that you can hold while walking to your door from the car. Better to be safe than sorry, especially if someone is monitoring your coming and going.
Just remember, living in an apartment is similar to living in a house and the same precautions you would take with a residential home are the same for living in an apartment in most cases.
Be aware and be vigilant whenever you are entering and leaving, and stay cognizant of the people living around you and their activities. If something or someone makes you uneasy, report your concerns to the management company and let them investigate further. There is no such thing, in this day and age, as being too careful when it comes to your personal safety! If you see something, SAY something!!
#safeandunafraid
