Keeping Safe in New York City

New York City is the “City that Never Sleeps!” And why should they? They have amazing nightlife, adventurous sights, and countless people from all walks of life. This is one of the biggest cities in the world, with a population of over 8.55 million residents, not to mention the barrage of tourists and business visitors that descend here from time to time. With such colorful vibrancy and great business, it’s also become one of the busiest places globally. Manhattan alone houses the financial capital of the United States of America, Wall Street. With so many people here, you’d think that it’s going to be safe right?

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Despite being one of the most luxurious cities in the world, New York City can be a dangerous place to live in. From fire hazards to accidents just waiting to happen, sometimes, homeowners can get too caught up with this bustling metropolitan that they forget about general home safety. In order to remind you of such if you’re going or living in the Big Apple, here are ways to keeping safe.

Reach Out to Neighbors

New York City has a lot of residents so it won’t difficult to reach out to other people living in your area. Be it your next door neighbor, the shop owners across the street, or even the usual hotdog vendor right outside your door. If you have other people to rely on, you’re more likely to get help when you need it. Look past that stereotype that New Yorkers are rude, tough, and always angry. A lot of them are actually thoughtful, considerate, and ready to lend a helping hand.

 

Ensure a Lot of Openings

 

In many areas in the Big Apple, there are some that are extremely condensed. Apartments are too close to one another and some alleyways are much too narrow. If you’re living in an apartment, always ensure that you have a lot of openings. In the events of fire and earthquakes, you’ll need to run out as fast as you can to survive. It’s always helpful if the building you’re living in has a fire escape, especially ones right outside your window.

 

Maximize Space

 

In the same vein, you should also maximize space in your home. Remember that in New York City, it’s already busy enough in the streets, it doesn’t have to be as hectic inside your own house or apartment. And since many areas are condensed, most likely even yours, it’s unwise to have so much stuff inside your home. At times, these objects can also be the source of the danger itself, and since they block your way to the exits, you’re more than likely toast.

 

Install a Sprinkler System

 

When going for any type of home, particularly in New York City, it’s always best to have a fire safety plan. More of than not, this entails installing a sprinkler system. Sometimes, the hustles and bustles of the city can come to your home, and this could lead to various fire hazards. Even the smallest spark can lead to an outrageous wildfire that can affect countless homes in the process. A sprinkler system, however, can substantially lessen the risk of such, helpful in avoiding devastations.

 

Install an Alarm System

 

Similarly to sprinkler systems, alarm systems are also a must to ensure safety in the Big Apple. By installing both, you’re more able to quickly respond to any situation that might lead to a dangerous home fire. On the other hand, alarms can also tell you if there are unwanted visitors inside your home. This way, even your precious possessions are safe from harm’s way. Such situations are the most common cities like New York, where it’s also a haven for the rich and famous. This is why alarm systems are popular in the mega city!

 

Keep Everything Locked

 

Speaking of unwanted visitors, you can avoid them a lot easier by locking all doors and windows. These openings are best for when you have to quickly run outside amidst certain calamities, but you’re home and resting, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be closed. These days, some robbers have become so brazen that they’ll try to sneak into your home even when you’re inside. This leads to objects being stolen and ultimately, people getting hurt. To avoid such situations, keep your windows closed and doors locked at possibly all times.

 

Be Wary of Electrical Wiring

 

Probably the most common fire hazard to avoid is too much electrical witing in one place. There’s no reason why certain areas in your home to be full of wiring and other electronics that can lead to sparks that grow into house fires. Spread out your electronics so that they won’t have to plugged-in on just one area. This is a smart housing technique and must to ensure you and your family will be as safe as possible.

 

New York is a fun and exciting place to live in, but can also be pretty dangerous if you’re not living the right way. Follow these tips to keep as safe as possible while enjoying life in the Big Apple!

The Old I Don’t Have Time To Clean Act

I Don’t Have Any Time To Clean

Why? Because living in this city feels like drinking intensely aromatic, full-bodied coffee from a firehose. While I haven’t left work before 6:30 (at night) this entire week, I’m not about to start complaining because I didn’t choose the busy life — it chose me.

Work isn’t the only culprit that captivates my clock. All my Post-It notes have been peacefully laid to rest because my to-do list has upgraded to Constitution-length parchment paper. Between conquering fitness goals (every day, no excuses), trying every Tapas restaurant in the city (I’m Paleo dieting between juice cleanses) and catching up with long-lost friends, I barely have any time for introspection and, her fraternal twin, self-reflection.

That’s why I spent all of Saturday exhaustively grappling tough questions I’ve avoided for far too long. Should I upgrade to Spotify Premium? Should I go to Darren’s 12:45 pm spin class in East Village or Stacy’s one o’clock in West Village?

I’m going Hamlet choosing between Darren’s holistic fitness experience and Stacy’s (ultimately) rewarding dungeon of perspiration. That reminds me — it’s time to set some reminders on Google Calendar. If I’m not super-duper careful, I’ll end up paying for Netflix in 3 months.

Honestly, I’m trying to responsibly reduce my dependency on Netflix. I got back into reading recently and have been on a total tear — I’ve already zipped through 5 heavy thinkpieces online. A guy who was once in my prom group (he’s fat, balding, and married now) benevolently shared one on Facebook during the workday. It had enough likes to warrant my complete semi-divided attention, so I took the plunge.

After getting through the first four words in the title, I was downright mortified. Did you know, that right now, at this very second, you’re probably dehydrated? I managed to hobble over to my Macbook and order a case of 36 Aquafinas via Amazon Pantry (has Pantry transformed your life yet?).

A cardboard oasis showed up to my six-floor walk-up in 36 minutes. I’m always left in a pool of inspiration after the delivery guy zips off into the Brooklyn wilderness afterward — how did he get to Williamsburg so quickly? If only OkCupid worked like that.

I’m out of reasons to be out of shape So I did something revolutionary: I started running. My body has basically adopted my Fitbit like a matching kidney. I’m training for a 5k (non-charity). It’s a warmup for a half-marathon (I need a new profile picture). I’m eagerly hoping the half will be for charity (100+ likes).

My calendar is actually eyes-wide-open for the next 20 minutes — or until the dryer stops hyperventilating. I force myself to make time for laundry every week. Sure, I can have some stranger pick it up and drop it back off in half the time it takes me to walk down six floors to my building’s basement, but how is that rewarding or civil? Not to mention, it’s grossly financially irresponsible (mom and dad, I hope you’re reading this).

I’m proud to say I’m getting better at making time for my parents — especially my Dad (my role model). I called him for the first time in a month and we had one of those natural, unscripted conversations. I finally feel like the nature of our relationship has evolved to “two grown adults” from “I can’t believe your mother and I thought you’d be a good idea.”

Here’s A Snippet:

Me: “Hey Dad”

Dad: “Hello stranger! Thanks for calling, how — ”

Me: “I’m busy but it’s ‘good’ busy, you know? I know we haven’t spoken in a whole month but I just called, to say, that you can now use Venmo to send my rent directly to the landlord and completely cut me out of the process. No more envelopes — paperless like its 2016.”

Dad: “Oh, ok. What’s — ”

Me: “I’m running late and my Uber’s here. Happy belated birthday!”

I’m surprised he didn’t ask about my relationship situation. The reality is this: I won’t have time for a significant other until my online dating routine becomes less taxing. I have gin cocktails tomorrow night, coffee on Friday afternoon and, for my ‘Sunday Funday’ weekend finale, a second date with the med-school student I had tacos with yesterday. Our chemistry is nuclear but I’m still worried things are moving too quickly — she’s already tagging me on funny (but true) Instagram memes.

Look’s Like The Dryer Is Winding Down

Soon, I’ll be in a trance-like meditative state as I transport this basket of springtime breezes to my bed. Hints of lilies meander into my nostrils as I gaze into the litany of garments splattered across my Casper mattress. I gently lift a lonely sock, warm-to-the-touch like a newborn brownie, and can’t help but ponder the duality of laundry.

So blissfully rewarding, yet so painfully arduous — every piece will require meticulous folding and appropriate storing. In an hour, there will be spotless serenity in my room, but right now, there’s chaos — the chaos of my life.

Still, don’t have time to clean? Call Maid sailors. That’s what we are here for.

This article received contributions from comedian Anish K. Mitra.