Basement Apartment Safety
- When living in a basement apartment residents should ensure that their windows and locks are secure. Doors to basement apartments should be locked with a deadbolt and all sliding windows should be equipped with a metal or wooden rod in the running tracks. This will help prevent intruders for gaining access to your apartment. Egress windows are windows whose dimensions are large enough for a human to crawl in and out of if there is a fire or other emergency.
Some basements have casement windows that allow homeowners to open the windows like they are doors. Casement windows allow more light and warmth to enter the basement area; however, can increase your security risks. Most casement windows do not open far enough to allow humans to crawl through; however, to be safe, there are a number of key-operated locks that can be attached to the window to security levels. - Because basement apartments are lower than ground level, it is imperative to have different fire escapes mapped out through the apartment. Basements have been known to cause home structural fires, and because there are limited doors that allow you to safely exit the building, windows will be your main defense.
Basements that are used as apartments or bedrooms must pass different safety regulations by your city’s municipality. In Ontario, Canada, basement apartments are required to have at least one exit point through a door and one egress window in each bedroom (see Resources). - Because most basement apartment windows are egress, they bring more light into the room and allow for better viewing. Furnishing your apartment with window treatments will discourage outsiders from looking in and thieves from casing the interior. Different window treatments to consider include blinds, curtains and draperies.
- Most apartment complexes have outdoor lighting to help increase security measures of the complex during the night. Since basement apartments are at a higher risk of robbery and attack, ensuring there is adequate lighting outside at night is imperative. If your apartment complex’s lights are not in working order, immediately contact your landlord to have them maintained.
- Basement apartments are at a higher risk of flooding than any other areas of a building. Flooding in a basement can cause a building structural damage and can encourage mold to grow in different areas of the apartment. Basements that become flooded can release a musty smell that can also cause asthma or breathing difficulties for some people. If you notice any water spots or flooding in your apartment basement, notify your landlord immediately so he can address the problem.
