What to Do in Case of an Emergency in Your Apartment

Whether it’s a burst pipe, power outage, fire, or medical emergency, having a plan in place will help you stay safe and minimize damage. Here’s a guide on what to do in case of an emergency in your apartment.

Report Urgent Maintenance Issues Immediately

If you experience a water leak, burst geyser, or electrical fault, contact your building manager immediately. It’s essential to have important contact details readily available. You’ll find the building manager’s information, along with other emergency contact numbers, displayed in the lobby. Take a moment to save these details so you can access them quickly if needed.

Know Your Emergency Contacts

Save important numbers on your phone, including your property manager and local emergency services. For emergencies in Johannesburg, you can contact 011 375 5911 and for Pretoria, contact 107 or 112 from a cell phone.

In any emergency, using the STOP method helps you act calmly and safely:

• S – Stop what you’re doing.
• T – Think about what you are seeing.
• O – Observe what is happening around you.
• P – Proceed with a plan of action.

Fire Safety Procedures

A fire can spread quickly, so it’s important to know how to react:

• Evacuate immediately using the nearest exit—never use the lift.
• Close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire.
• If trapped, signal for help from a window and cover gaps under doors to block smoke.
• Call emergency services and inform them of your location.
• Know how to use a fire extinguisher – Follow the PASS method:
  • Pull the pin.
  • Aim at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the handle gently.
  • Sweep the nozzle side to side at the base of the flames.

Medical Emergencies

If someone in your apartment complex experiences a medical emergency:

• Call emergency medical services immediately.
• Inform building security or your property manager so they can provide assistance and guide emergency responders.
• If the person is conscious, keep them calm and comfortable while waiting for help.
• If unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position.
• If not breathing, perform CPR if you are trained to do so.

Be Prepared, Stay Safe

Emergencies can be stressful, but preparation helps you handle them calmly and efficiently. Save emergency contacts, know your building’s safety procedures, and report maintenance issues promptly. Staying informed and prepared will help keep you and your home secure.