High-rise buildings

Living or working in a high-rise building requires extra preparation in case of an emergency. Being aware of the specific risks and planning ahead can help you respond quickly and safely.

Plan your evacuation route

Know the quickest way to exit the building in case of an emergency. Familiarise yourself with the location of stairwells and emergency exits. Don’t rely on elevators during a fire or earthquake.

Emergency supplies

Storage space can be limited in apartments but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. Get creative with your storage – the back of your pantry, closets, under your bed, or even behind your couch can all be great spots to store emergency supplies. Use square containers for easier stacking, which helps maximise the space available.

It’s a good idea to keep two sets of emergency supplies: an essential for if you have to evacuate quickly for a long period of time, and another for when you can return or need to shelter in place.

Consider storing more supplies at a nearby family member's or friend's house. This way, if you can't get back into your building, you’ll still have access to the essentials. Check out our emergency supplies kit guide for what to include.

Know your neighbours

In the event of an earthquake, the people in your building might be your first source of help. That’s why it’s important to get to know your neighbours now. Building connections within your apartment community can make a big difference when you need support quickly. Find out more about why it’s important to know your neighbours.

Emergency toilet in an apartment:

Sometimes emergencies can disrupt wastewater services. When nature calls, you’ll need a backup plan. Setting up an emergency toilet in your apartment is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:

Use two buckets: One for wee and one for poo. Use buckets with tightly fitting lids.
Line your poo bucket: Use a sturdy bin liner or plastic bag to line the bucket.
After each use: In the poo bucket, cover your waste with a large cup or handful of dry materials like sawdust, kitty litter, dry leaves, soil, or shredded newspaper. This helps reduce smell and keeps it safer to handle. Close the lid tightly after each use and wash your hands.
Keep the poo bucket dry: Try to separate wee and poo when possible. Keeping liquids out of the poo bucket reduces smell and makes it safer. Use sawdust, shredded paper, or similar materials to absorb any spills and maintain hygiene.
Empty the poo bucket regularly: Ideally, empty it every three days.

Disposing of waste:

Wee: Dilute and empty into a green space outside if possible.
Poo: Tie up the bag securely and dispose of it in your building’s normal rubbish bins.

Tsunamis and high-rise buildings

If you live in a high-rise building near the beach or coast, it’s important you know what to do if a tsunami warning is issued:

Know your zone: Find out if your building is in a tsunami zone and learn about the different evacuation zones.
Be prepared to evacuate immediately: A tsunami can strike with little warning, so always be ready to move quickly. If you feel an earthquake that is strong or lasts for more than a minute, evacuate to higher ground as soon as the shaking stops. This could be your only warning before the tsunami hits.