Emergency preparedness in an apartment: how to do it with little space

If you live in an apartment, space is often what holds you back. But a home emergency kit doesn't have to be a full cupboard of food and drink that you may only use when the power goes.^[1] With a little thought you can cover the Danish authorities' three-day recommendation without giving up a whole shelf.

In short: Keep a little extra of what you already use, and top it up as you go. Consider whether part of the kit can be shared with your building, and make arrangements with neighbours, family and friends nearby.^[1]

Use what you already have

The simplest way is to make the kit part of everyday life. Choose food that you and your household use day to day and like.^[2] You could keep a few extra tins of something you use anyway, and top up when you take from them.^[1] Food that can be eaten without cooking, such as canned goods and crispbread, takes little space and needs neither a hob nor an oven.^[2]

You don't have to buy it all at once either. It is better to be building a home emergency kit than to have nothing at all.^[1]

Water takes the most space

Water is what takes the most room. Plan on 3 litres per person per day, so 9 litres per person for three days, and remember water for any pets.^[2] If there are two of you, that means 18 litres.

In an apartment, part of the kit can also be shared, for example water stored in the basement and replaced regularly.^[1] Read more about storage in emergency water.

• A little extra of the food you already use
• Food that can be eaten without cooking
• 9 litres of water per person
• Agree on shared water in the basement with your building

Make arrangements with your neighbours

It can be a good idea to make arrangements with neighbours, family and friends nearby.^[1] Think about how you would get to them too, for example in severe weather.^[1] In an apartment building you live close together, which makes it easy to help each other and share what you have.

The toilet without water

If you can't flush the toilet, collect the waste in a sturdy rubbish bag meant for residual waste.^[1] If your building has a waste chute, take the bag down to the container instead of using the chute.^[1] The full step-by-step guide is in emergency toilet.

Warmth and light

If the heating goes and it is cold outside, you can use the household's blankets, duvets and warm clothes. If it stays cold for longer, you can keep warm by mainly staying in one room.^[2] A small apartment is actually an advantage here.

Do you have a balcony?

If the power goes in winter and it is cold outside, you can put newly bought food outside in the cold, but not directly on the ground.^[3] So the balcony can help while the fridge is off. Read more in fridge and freezer without power.

For the full list of what to keep at home, read on here: Emergency supply list: what to keep at home

Frequently asked questions

I don't have room for an emergency kit. What do I do?

A home emergency kit doesn't have to be a full cupboard you may only use when the power goes. Keep a little extra of what you already use and top it up as you go. In an apartment, part of the kit can also be shared, for example water in the basement.

How much water does an apartment need?

Plan on 3 litres per person per day, so 9 litres per person for three days. A household of two therefore needs 18 litres, plus water for any pets.

What do I do with the toilet bag if the building has a waste chute?

If your building has a waste chute, take the bag down to the container instead of dropping it down the chute.

Sources

1. [1]Danish Agency for Civil Protection (samsik.dk): Spørgsmål og svar om hjemmeberedskab (in Danish)
2. [2]Danish Agency for Civil Protection (samsik.dk): Sådan forbereder du dig (in Danish)
3. [3]Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen): Køkkenråd ved strømbesparelse og ved strømafbrydelse (in Danish)