There are special dangers involved with apartment living. This is because you live so close to many other people. Their actions can jeopardize your safety and so it? very important for you to be aware of what you must do to safeguard yourself, your family and your possessions. Fire is perhaps the greatest danger in apartment buildings. With so many units joined together, it doesn't take long for fire to spread from one to another.  The following guidelines are critical to your safety: Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, all bedrooms, the laundry area and hallways. You must test them every month and replace the batteries every 6 months. They won't do you any good if they aren't in working order. Keep fire extinguishers handy in the kitchen, laundry area and near your outside grill. Develop an escape plan. This plan should include two ways of exiting ?in most cases, this will probably include the main door and either a window or door wall. If you live on a higher floor and don't have access to a fire escape, purchase a rope ladder to use for exiting from windows or a balcony. Practice your escape plan regularly so each member of your family knows exactly what to do in case of fire.