Ventilation, if you use ANY open flame you will need it. CO poisoning or asphyxiation is the alternative. However this poses a HUGE security risk, as a source of light seen outside, escaped food/fuel odors, entry point for robbers,etc.
Security, main entry point probably will be front door. If It's wood see if you can get it replaced with a steel door. Bracing will not suffice. Is there a fire escape, access to a shared balcony? How will you defend/barricade a large expanse of windows? If on ground floor move to third, fourth, or fifth floor apartment of concrete construction, without balconies, steel doors, and with interior fire escape stairwells.
Self defense, New York's a problem but here goes.check legality of large volume pepper sprays, think bear repellent in one pound canisters AT LEAST 12% oleoresincapsicum. If you can get a permit a quality pump 12ga ( I'm partial to mossberg ) with flashlight fore end. However there are exemptions in NYC's firearms laws for muzzle loaders and pre-1894 manufactured antique guns. Winchester model 1876 or model 1886 with sn range distinguishing it as pre-1894 production. Select excellent bores and verify mechanical condition. You will be limited to chamberings like .40-65 and .45-90. Cost of custom loads I don't know. Hand gun S&W double action top break revolver in .44 Russian.
Fire detection and contingency bugout, battery powered smoke detector and extra batteries are a must. Even if you are careful your neighbours may not be. You need bugout bag/s ready at a moments notice. No substitutes for a firemans breathing rig but a egress smoke hood or surplus gas mask may help you escape.
Fuel storage, three issues 1) safety/fire hazard 2) security/odors 3) legality/check fire codes and lease agreement about quantitys of propane and kerosene on the down low. However candles probably not limited. Unscented long burning jar candles high in stearic acid such as devotional candles for the Catholic market. Make a stand of stout wire and you can heat food. Look at discount ant closeout stores.
Finish later.
