It can be tough to stay home and quarantine when you live in a small apartment. But as the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 continues to spread across the nation, the guidance from CDC is clear: isolate.
When a person has COVID-19 and is quarantined, the CDC recommends they stay in their bedroom alone. Keeping the room clean and using windows to increase air turnover can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Keep the Door Closed
Keep the door closed to slow the spread of a fire and reduce toxic smoke levels. While this is not the only way to prevent a house fire, it does provide a very important benefit.
UL created the “Keep the Door Closed” video to educate the public about this very important safety practice. The video went viral and sparked a national conversation about the importance of closing doors in the home.
The video also made the case for putting a fire extinguisher in every bedroom. Not only does this save time and energy when you need to put out a fire, but it can also save lives.
It’s important to remember that even a small flame can quickly become a large fire. This is especially true in a room with a lot of furniture or other items flammable, such as a dresser, bed frame, or a couch. The longer a fire is allowed to spread, the more toxic it can become and the less likely you are to survive.
For example, a bedroom with a door that is closed can remain below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) and carbon monoxide levels will be lower than in a room with an open door.
A closed door is a good thing to do in any room in your home, but it’s particularly important in a bedroom because if there is a fire, the first thing you want to do is get out of the building.
In order to do that, you will need to close the door and then turn off all the lights in the room. This will help you to escape the fire before it can get out of control and suffocate you.
The other important function that a closed door accomplishes is privacy. A closed door will keep you from being seen by your neighbors and other guests, which can be a major source of stress during quarantine.
A closed door may be the most obvious way to achieve privacy in your apartment, but you can go a step further and create a virtual wall by adding shelves or closets. This will give you more than just space in your bedroom, but will make it a more private place to sleep and relax.
Keep the Windows Open
During the spring, it may be tempting to open up your windows and let in a little bit of sunshine. But before you do so, there are a few things to consider first.
Leaving your windows open all the time can make you sick, according to experts. This is because the air inside your home can contain harmful particles, pollen and mould spores.
It can also make you feel uneasy, causing nasal congestion and itchy eyes. For this reason, it’s best to only leave your windows open for a short amount of time, say five minutes a day.
This will help to get rid of the smells and pollutants in your apartment that could be making you sick, like musty odors and rotting food. It will also give you fresh air, which is great for your health.
However, you should still keep your window closed when it is nighttime. This is because it can be dangerous for children to go outside during the night, especially if they’re unsupervised. If you’re a parent, you should know that letting your child go out and play in the street during the night can lead to injuries or death.
You can avoid this by using a product called LockLatch, which allows you to safely and securely open your windows without compromising the safety of your children. This will prevent them from being able to climb into your apartment and hurt themselves.
For many people, it’s also a good idea to open your windows while you’re asleep because it can help to cool down the interior of your apartment. This will lower your energy bill, as well.
But it is important to remember that if you are using the fans in your apartment, it is essential that you do not allow them to blow out of your bedroom window. This will make it difficult for the fan to cool down the room, and it will only work if you have a window that is not insulated.
You can also use window film to block the heat from coming into your apartment, which can be a very effective way of keeping you cool without having to increase your energy bill. But if you do not have the option of adding window film to your apartment, it is a good idea to stay aware of the temperature in your apartment during the day and at night so that you can choose whether or not to open your windows.
Keep the Air Clean
One of the biggest challenges that people face in apartments is poor indoor air quality. This is often due to a lack of ventilation, which can trap stale air inside the home. This can cause odors, dust, and other contaminants to build up in the apartment.
The EPA estimates that indoor air is more polluted than the air outside, and it’s important to take steps to make sure that the air you breathe is as clean as possible. Some simple ways to do this include using an air purifier, a ceiling fan, and adding some plants that filter the air.
Vacuuming the carpets in your apartment is a great way to remove allergens and dust. Make sure that you thoroughly vacuum each week to keep the air in your apartment as fresh and clean as possible.
Another way to improve the air quality in your apartment is by keeping the furniture you own and the cleaning supplies you use low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are linked to a wide range of health concerns, including respiratory problems and irritation of the skin, eyes, and nose.
When choosing furniture and other items, choose ones that are made with natural materials that are less likely to release VOCs into the air. This is particularly important if you have children or anyone else with asthma or allergies.
If you don’t have a lot of room in your apartment, consider purchasing a small air purifier for each room. These devices can sanitize the air and remove many of the common allergy triggers, such as mold and pet dander.
Plants are nature’s natural air purifiers and they can do wonders for your apartment’s interior design. They can also reduce the amount of toxins in the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene.
There are a variety of plants that have been proven to be effective in removing toxins from the air, but you’ll want to choose one that is right for your apartment’s lighting and conditions. Some houseplants require special care or could be harmful to pets and young children, so you should do your research before making the purchase.
Keep the Other Rooms Clean
One of the most important things you can do if you are quarantined is to keep your home clean and organized. It is important to do this because it can help you feel better about yourself and your health.
The most obvious place to start is your bedroom and closet. These are the areas that most people use every day and are likely to get a little messy over time. The best way to keep them tidy is by following a consistent cleaning routine. You can do this on a daily or weekly basis and it will make your life easier.
Keeping the kitchen and bathroom clean is also a good idea. These rooms are a common area for germs to spread so it is essential that they are kept as sanitary as possible.
You can achieve this by keeping your kitchen counters clean, using the correct utensils when you cook, and by regularly sanitizing the toilet bowl and shower floor.
It is also a good idea to keep the mirrors in your bathroom clean and disinfected on a regular basis. This will help prevent bacteria from spreading through the rest of your apartment.
Finally, the most important part of keeping your one bedroom apartment clean is to make sure you and your family have everything you need. Stock up on supplies including towels, sheets, and pillows. You should also consider getting a humidifier and air purifier for your bedroom. Having these items on hand will help you sleep better and keep you healthier in the long run.