Home security is of vital importance. Did you know that every 26 seconds there’s a home break-in in the United States?
Your home is your castle – but in the event of a disaster, it might not feel that way. There are steps you can take to make your home more secure and to give you peace of mind in the event of an emergency.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some ideas for home security during a disaster. From securing your property’s perimeter to installing motion sensor alarms, there are plenty of things you can do to be prepared.
So read on, and find out how you can make your home more secure during a disaster.
Home Security – Secure Your Property’s Perimeter
A well-secured perimeter is the first line of defense for your home. There are a few things you can do to fortify your property’s perimeter and make it more difficult for an intruder to enter.
Installing a fence is an effective way to secure your property’s perimeter. A solid fence that is at least six feet tall will make it more difficult for an intruder to enter your property.
If you have a gate, make sure it is locked at all times.
You can also install motion sensor lights around your property. These lights will come on if someone steps onto your property, which will deter intruders and make it more difficult for them to enter your property undetected.
Try planting thorny bushes or hedges around your property. These will make it more difficult for an intruder to enter your property and will also deter them from trying to enter.
Install Motion Sensor Alarms for your Driveways
Installing motion sensor alarms in your driveways is an effective way to secure your property and possessions. These alarms will detect any movement in the driveway and notify you immediately. This gives you time to either investigate the situation and take action if needed.
There are many different types of motion sensor alarms available on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the best one for your needs. There are wireless and wired options, as well as different sensitivities and ranges.
It is also important to consider where you will place the sensor. You want to make sure it is placed in an area that will give you the most coverage possible, without being too visible. You also want to make sure it is placed in an area that is not susceptible to false alarms, such as from animals or wind.
Once you have selected and installed your motion sensor alarms, be sure to test your system regularly to ensure it is working properly. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your property is secure.
Have a Firearm and Know Where it is and How to Use It
A firearm is one of the best forms of self-defense you can have in your home. It’s important to remember, however, that a firearm is a tool and, like any tool, it must be used correctly and safely in order to be effective.
Here are some important things to remember if you have a firearm in your home for self-defense:
- Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.
- Store the gun in a locked cabinet, safe, or other secure location.
- Conceal the keys to the locked cabinet, safe, or other secure location in a safe place, separate from the gun.
- When ready to use the gun, load it only with the ammunition you need for self-defense.
- Ensure the firearm is pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
- Do not point the gun at anyone unless you are prepared to shoot.
- Never place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Remember to never shoot at a moving target unless you are prepared to shoot to kill.
- Be aware of the legal consequences of using a gun in self-defense.
- Seek professional training in the use of firearms for self-defense.
Get a Dog or Train Your Current One for Home Security
Dogs are a great way to deter burglars and strangers from coming onto your property. Not only will they bark and alert you to someone’s presence, but they can also be trained to attack on command.
If you have a dog, make sure it is well-trained and socialized so that it will be less likely to bite someone who is not a threat.
You should also have a plan in place in case your dog does attack someone, as you could be held liable for any injuries they cause.
Even if you don’t have a dog, you can still train your current pet to alert you to strangers.
Cats, rabbits, and other animals can be trained to come to you when they hear a stranger, which will give you advance warning that someone is on your property.
Home Security – Keep Your Outdoor Areas Well-Lit
One of the best ways to keep your home safe is by making it less inviting to burglars in the first place. A well-lit home and its property are much less likely to be targeted by criminals than a home that’s shrouded in darkness.
There are a few different ways you can go about lighting up your property.
First, you can install motion-activated lights as we mentioned earlier in this post. These will automatically turn on when someone approaches, making it difficult for someone to approach your home without being seen.
Another option is to simply keep your porch light on at all times. This is an effective deterrent, but it can also be a bit of a waste of energy.
If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option, you can install solar-powered lights that will turn on automatically at dusk and turn off at dawn.
Finally, you can consider installing floodlights that you can turn on manually when you’re away from home or when it’s dark outside. These are usually more expensive than other options, but they’re also the most effective way to deter burglars.
Secure Your Doors With Multiple Locking Mechanisms and Reinforce Your Door Frames
One of the best things you can do to secure your doors is to install multiple locking mechanisms. This way, even if one lock is breached, the others will still be intact, buying you valuable time to escape or call for help.
There are a few different types of locks you can install, such as a deadbolt, a doorknob lock, a door guard, or a chain lock. Deadbolts are the most effective, as they are very difficult to pick or break.
Doorknob locks are also effective, but they can be less reliable, as they can be picked or forced open more easily than deadbolts.
Door guards and chain locks provide an additional layer of security and can be used in conjunction with other locks.
In addition to installing multiple locks, you should also reinforce your door frame. This will make it more difficult for burglars to kick in your door.
You can reinforce your door frame by installing a strike plate, which is a metal plate that is attached to the door frame and covers the area around the door knob.
Another option is to install a door bar, which is a metal bar that is placed across the door at the bottom, middle, or top.
Home Security – Wrapping Up
In a long-term disaster situation, you can be sure that those who didn’t make sure they were prepared will do anything to survive, which includes stealing what you have. They will steal things to live off and things they can use to trade with others for survival.
That’s why as effective preppers home security is important and there are a lot of things we can do to eliminate or limit the risks of our homes being broken into or having our items stolen. The suggestions above are great places to start.
Feel free to post some of your ideas for home security in our comments section below and let’s start a discussion.
As always, stay prepared friends!
