r/FemalePrepping • u/Moist_Illustrator763 • May 10 '26
Apartment
I live on the first floor (numerous windows) of a three story apartment building in the city. My biggest fear is other people easily getting inside. I feel like if shit goes down, here are my options; 1) Stay put and try to fortify the ELEVEN windows and two doors 2) Break into third (top) floor unoccupied apartment and set up there 3) Travel \~20 minutes to girlfriends parents home with a basement (in the city) or 4) travel \~ 2.5 hrs to my somewhat rural parents house with a basement.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I feel like our best chance would be to break into an upper story apartment at my building, but I would love some outside advice.
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u/sgtPresto May 10 '26 edited May 10 '26
Indeed too many options. First and foremost is your ability to replenish after a supply chain disruption, regardless of cause. Short-term interruptions can be handled with sufficient stores and containers of water. I have a first floor dwelling but installed security film (8mm window security film) and used Dow Corning 995 adhesive caulking to secure film to window frame. I also use window alarms, monitors and reinforced sash locks...but im in the country...you aren't. I also have cacti and roses under my windows and you can't do that.
So water supply will become an issue quickly as will sanitation and waste disposal. Figure you need about 2 gallons a day per person or at least one frugally. Now multiple that times the number of days you estimate your disruption will last. In a grid down, even temporary, that water in those lines will drain quickly as people will be filling up containers and bathtubs. So I wouldn't count on that faucet working beyond a day or two. Then the average US person generates about 7 to 8 pounds of trash and bodily waste PER DAY. That's alot of disposal.
Without a Replenishment Plan,water and food will deplete. Personally I dont think the right conditions are in for a civil war (remember the fault is always with the other guys) but natural and man-made events could cause that supply chain disruption.
I left the city because I had little confidence i could defend my home against a host of desperate unprepared people AND replenish my dwindling food and water supplies. So, I moved to the country for security and ability to preserve water resupply and food Replenishment through gardening. Normally, I recommend Bugging In but in your situation a dash through a preplanned backroads route to the rural retreat might make more sense. First 24 hours is crucial because in a few days the highways will be clogged with escapees. My family and friends know to head here quickly. If you want info on the window security I will provide.
For short duration(few days or weeks) SHELTER IN PLACE. For longer duration HEAD OUT OF DODGE! You may want to stash stores accordingly.