HOME DEFENSE - BACK TO THE BASICS PART 3

So in our last two segments we were discussing using your surroundings and landscapes while living at an apartment complex in the city. Well what if you don't live in an apartment but instead live in an actual house within the city limits or suburbs? Well let's discuss that shall we?

Some things to take into consideration is things like the following:

1. Where exactly are you located?

2. Where is your nearest neighbor?

3. Do you have a good relationship with your neighbors and the neighborhood?

4. How far is the nearest police station?

5. How far is the nearest medical facility

6. Are you surrounded by a lot of vegetation or are you fenced off from each other?

7. Do you live in a residential community area (all the houses look alike)?

8. What is the traffic like? Traffic can mean vehicles but primarily, how many people do you see traveling the area and do you recognize them?

These are all things to keep in mind. Remember what I said at the beginning. Your mind is your best weapon. These 8 tips will help you remember those in the area, time estimates, and what looks normal. One of these simple things seem off, well then you're "Oh crap" radar needs to be working.

We all know to look at people but what about those other little things that matter such as lighting, shrubs, and yes even your fence line. A person looking to attack you at the one place you thought you were safe will use the weak points in these to gain the advantage. Remember that those looking to do harm to someone will use the path of least resistance.

So here are some basic tips for the outside. Starting from the object that's the farthest and moving in closer.

1. Shrubs - Try your best to not let these get above waist height. If you can hide behind them and sneak around without being seen, then so can the bad guy.

2. Lighting - You should have flood lights on the corners of the house if at all possible. Solar lights will work for your walk way and around the edge of the house, but try to get the brightest ones possible. If it runs on a ground wire or direct power, then it can be cut and taken out.

3. Trees - If you're using trees to line your property, Cypress trees work the best and need to be planted as close together as possible so you can see the movement of anything that moves through them. Large oaks, pines, sweet gum, cedar, cherry, should be avoided if at all possible. If you do have one of these already, then place solar lights around the tree to make shadows and silhouette anything that tries to hide there.


4. Fencing - Be sure that whatever fencing you're using is at least two feet taller than you or 6' 5". This will make it difficult for your average person to climb over, also, chain link fencing can be cut with tools but if a person knows how to use it, it provides no resistance instead it adds motion to a person's jump. Chain link helps keep the honest people, honest. Concrete, brick, or wooden fences are usually the safer route to go. Wood can be beaten with tools and age, so use great care in maintaining them. Cheapest to maintain however, but still strong. 


5. Doors - Everyone bypasses the door just like they bypass the "ALL NEW" signs in a retail store. Everyone loves the "ON SALE" deals and well, the same can be said about doors. People enjoy having that door with the fancy designs and glass in them, but why are they something to look past? Strength, security, and actual dependability. Instead go for that fiberglass door with reinforced steel inside the door. These doors can take a heck of a beating and if installed with a 1/8" - 1/4" steel frame drilled into the foundation, once that dead bolt is locked then that door is never coming down. Unless you bring a tank or a really big car and ram through. 


6. Windows - These are something that you should definitely consider and take the time to look at. Hurricane glass is great for not only the beach and flying debris but also, great for security purposes for anyone looking to break through a window. These windows are so strong it would take a lot of time and a fence post hammer to break them. Put these puppies inside a locking frame with the locks locking into the frame itself, now you've got extreme windows.


7. Alarms/Cameras - Take your time to research these and find the one that best suits your needs. Wired is preferred but also remember, no power, no system, no alert. So have a back up plan. Game cameras work great for inexpensive starters and can be moved on the go. But definitely take the time to research the products, ask professionally certified companies about what kind of systems they like, and the cost.


These simple seven tips are just that, simple and should be looked at along with more. So take your time in looking into these items and try to think "What would I do if I was going to do this". This will keep you one step above the bad guy and help you better prepare.

Stay safe, stay alert, and always carry. Until next time.

--- Lonewolf