Home Security - National Preparedness Month

By Tim Gamble

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September is National Preparedness Month. Yesterday's article was a deep dive into situational awareness and the OODA-loop (article link), the foundation of home and personal security. This article will take a more detailed look at home security.

There is a saying: "When seconds count, the police are only minutes away." With current trends of rising crime, unfettered illegal immigration, woke policies, and defunding of police departments, this situation is only getting worse. 

We can no longer farm out our personal and family security to others. We cannot depend on the police, the legal system, or the government to protect us. We must take back personal responsibility for our own safety and security, and that of our family and community. 

Consider making needed security upgrades to your home, such as heavier security doors, dead bolt locks, chain locks, additional outdoor lighting, motion activated lights, and getting a dog. Keep doors and windows locked, even when you are home. Don't forget about doing similar things for any storage sheds or other out-buildings on your property.

Keep your vehicles locked at all times. If possible, keep them parked in a locked garage. No garage? Keep them parked where they can be easily seen from a window. Make use of steering wheel bars (Amazon link). 

Consider using security cameras (Amazon link). Be cautious of Ring and other Internet-based camera systems, as they can be hacked and actually become a privacy and security threat. Decide for yourself what is best for your situation.

Have working smoke alarms (Amazon link) and fire extinguishers (Amazon link) to protect your family and home from fire. A high quality first aid and trauma kit (Affiliate link) is also a must have.  

Consider your landscaping. Are there tall shrubs right next to your house, or beside porches and walkways? These make fine hiding spots for bad guys. On the other hand, trees and heavy planters or raised garden beds between the road and your house could make fine barriers to vehicles coming onto your property. Fences and gates are also barriers, and make your property lines obvious. The point is to think about how your landscaping affects your security. 

A door stopper security alarm (Amazon link) may be a useful item for your home or apartment. It is also a great mobile solution for hotel/motel security when you are traveling. 

Exercise your rights to self-defense. Be armed, and know how to use your firearms (training!). Many of you are already gunowners. Good! But get training. If you're not a gunowner already and are new to guns, I suggest you start with a good home-defense shotgun, such as the H&R Pardner (relatively affordable, effective, and easy-to-use for beginners). Talk with your local gun shop for more suggestions, as well as information on your applicable gun laws, training, and gun safety courses. If you have firearms, every member of your household should take an age-appropriate gun safety course. Teach your children to respect guns, not fear them.

Want more home security ideas? You may find the Shooter's Bible Guide to Home Defense (Amazon link) to be useful.

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