How Can Renters Prepare for Emergencies Without Making Permanent Changes to Their Home?
Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to cross your fingers and hope for the best when disaster strikes. Sure, you might not be able to install storm shutters, anchor a water tank, or add a generator to the property, but that doesn’t mean you’re unprepared.
The truth is, renters face unique challenges when it comes to emergencies. You may move more often, rely on shared building exits, or have limited space to store bulky supplies. The good news? With the right portable, renter-friendly emergency gear and a simple plan that you keep updated, you can be just as prepared as any homeowner without drilling a single hole in the wall.
In this guide, we’ll cover the must-have renter-friendly emergency gear, how to protect yourself when you can’t make big modifications, and why keeping your emergency plan current is the most powerful tool you have.
1. What’s the Best Emergency Kit for Renters?
Portable, grab-and-go emergency kits are essential. Renters need flexibility if they have to evacuate quickly.
👉 Check out the PrepMates Buddy Kit (perfect for 2 people) or the PrepMates Crew Kit (4 people). Both are compact, waterproof, and renter-friendly.
2. How Can Renters Handle Power Outages Without Generators?
Without the option of hardwired backup power, renters should focus on portable solutions: Crank & solar torches or radios, Rechargeable power banks, Glow sticks for safe lighting
👉 The Blackout Bucket covers all these essentials.
3. What Are Renter-Friendly Options for Water and Food Safety?
If mains water is cut off or contaminated, renters need portable solutions: - Collapsible water containers, Portable filters like the Water Filter Straw, Non-perishable snacks
📌 According to the Australian Red Cross, households should store at least 3 litres of water per person, per day.
4. How Can Renters Prepare for Fire Risks in Units or Houses?
Renters can’t install major fire systems, but they can: Keep a portable extinguisher, regularly check smoke alarm batteries and importantly have a grab-and-go fire kit
👉 Our Fire Evac Kit is designed for quick evacuation.
📌 See Queensland Fire and Emergency Services for renter fire safety advice.
5. How Should Renters Protect Documents and Valuables?
Disasters make it hard to replace important paperwork. Renters should keep: - Waterproof document bags, USB/portable hard drives with backups, A printed emergency contact list
6. What First Aid and Hygiene Gear Should Renters Keep?
Health emergencies are common during disasters. Renters should include: A 110-piece first aid kit (included in all PrepMates kits) - Hand sanitiser, masks, wipes, personal medications in labelled bags
📌 The HealthDirect website has a national first aid kit guide.
7. Why Is an Emergency Plan Even More Important for Renters?
Unlike homeowners, renters move more often which means evacuation routes, safe meeting points, and local shelters change.
- Update your plan every 6 months, or sooner after moving.
- Share it with your household.
- Keep a printed copy with your kit.
👉 Download our PrepMates Emergency Plan here 👈 And every PrepMates Emergency Kit includes a printed emergency plan template.
📌 The Queensland Government recommends keeping plans current.
✅ Final Tips for Renters
- Keep it portable: backpacks, buckets, or small containers work best.
- Store smart: cupboards, under the bed, or in your car boot.
- Make it simple: know your exits and nearest safe spot.
👉 Ready to get renter-friendly gear? Explore the PrepMates range of emergency kits.
📝 FAQs for Renters and Emergency Preparedness
Q: Where can I get a free emergency plan?
A: PrepMates believes that every Australian household should have access to a simple emergency plan no matter their budget. That’s why we offer a free, downloadable emergency plan template you can access directly from our website.
It’s designed to be:
- Easy to fill in with your family’s details
- Printable and reusable
- Updated every 6 months to stay current
📝 👉 Download your free PrepMates Emergency Plan
Q: How often should renters update their emergency plan?
A: Renters should review and update their emergency plan every 6 months, or sooner if they move homes. Evacuation routes, exits, and safe meeting points often change when you change addresses. 👉 Every PrepMates Emergency Kit includes a printed emergency plan template.
Q: Where’s the best place to store an emergency kit in an apartment?
A: Store your kit somewhere easy to grab during an evacuation like near the front door, in a hallway cupboard, or even in your car boot if parking is secure. Avoid high shelves or storage cages you can’t access quickly.
Q: What emergency gear should renters keep if space is limited?
A: Focus on multi-use, portable gear like crank radios, compact water filters, and a grab-and-go backpack. Kits like the PrepMates Buddy Kit are designed for small spaces while still covering the essentials.
Q: Do landlords have to provide emergency equipment?
A: By law, landlords must provide working smoke alarms in rental properties, but other emergency gear (first aid kits, blackout supplies, evacuation kits) is up to the tenant. 📌 Check your state’s requirements via your local fire authority (e.g. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services).