Helpful Info. 10 Suggestions for securing your home

[Clyde]

Here are 10 suggestions for securing your home. If you have any others or experience with any please list them.

1. Lock all doors and windows
2. Make house well lit at night
3. Make it appear someone is home
4. Learn to rely on neighbors (more the exception than a rule)
5. Remove over grown bushes from around house especially below windows
6. Barking Dog. If you don't have one post signs warning people about a dog (Beware of Dog)
7. Home security system, if not in the budget place an alarm company sign or stickers in the yard
8. Don't flaunt your wealth. Keep widow coverings closed and don't leave the box of a newly purchased expensive item on the curb waiting on the trash truck.
9. Away from home for extended period; stop mail and news paper delivery. have someone maintain your lawn/yard and automatic interior lights
10. Do NOT post on social media that you are going our fo town

Again if you have more ideas please share them.

 

[lonewolf]

agree apart from no.4

 

[BillMasen]

Number 4 is a no no, my neighbours would be a disaster in a crisis.

 

[lonewolf]

I don't say my neighbours are a disaster, maybe one or two are!! I just don't trust anyone outside of family.

 

[tmttactical]

Clyde, very good advice for normal times. I might make a few changes for WROL times.

• Lock all doors and windows --- Keep them locked --- stay home

• Make house well lit at night--- place trash and old furnishing out front --- no visible light

• Make it appear someone is home --- Look dark and forbidding

• Learn to rely on neighbors --- Watch out for your neighbors -- They may become dangerous

• Remove over grown bushes from around house especially below windows --- Plant fast growing thorny bushes.

• Barking Dog. If you don't have one post signs warning people about a dog (Beware of Dog) --- This is a double edged sword -- growling dog

• good, barking dog bad.

• Home security system, if not in the budget place an alarm company sign or stickers in the yard -- Very good idea for any time.

• Don't flaunt your wealth. Keep widow coverings closed and don't leave the box of a newly purchased expensive item on the curb waiting on the trash

• truck. --- Very good idea for any time.

• Away from home for extended period; stop mail and news paper delivery. have someone maintain your lawn/yard and automatic interior lights ---

• You are not American Express ---don't leave home.

• Do NOT post on social media that you are going our for town --- Not a worry, Social Media has passed away.

 

[GaRp58]

Agree with all, including the neighbors, get along well with them and the Police Station is built on my house wall...8 feet distance, from door-to-door.
1. automatic outside lighting, around the clock, all year.
2. all windows have double panes, 3 locks on all four sides and all are covered with aluminum rollers. Unliftable, fireproof, lightproof and locking.
3. no bushes near windows to allow hiding.
4. Cars from friends and neighbors allowed in the driveway when we are gone.
5. simulated video cameras under the roof eves with blinking red light.

My dog is loud, but too small to cause any fear. Goes with us everywhere anyway. GP

 

[Clyde]

Agree with all, including the neighbors, get along well with them and the Police Station is built on my house wall...8 feet distance, from door-to-door.
1. automatic outside lighting, around the clock, all year.
2. all windows have double panes, 3 locks on all four sides and all are covered with aluminum rollers. Unliftable, fireproof, lightproof and locking.
3. no bushes near windows to allow hiding.
4. Cars from friends and neighbors allowed in the driveway when we are gone.
5. simulated video cameras under the roof eves with blinking red light.

My dog is loud, but too small to cause any fear. Goes with us everywhere anyway. GP

I need to get the auto lighting on the backyard.

 

[Clyde]

agree apart from no.4

Number 4 is a no no, my neighbors would be a disaster in a crisis.

I am new to my neighborhood, so I am not at all able to fully trust any of my neighbors. I have lived in places where i did trust my neighbors but it is more the exception than the rule. I think I will amend my above list

 

[BillMasen]

I have clear self adhesive laminating film over all of our downstairs window glasses, if they try to enter by breaking the glass it will not shatter into little pieces and makes a helluva noise trying to get the broken glazing out. Also fitted BS3621 security locks to all doors, the frames are rawl bolted into solid masonry. The doors themselves have either one extra or two extra hinges fitted , Front door secured by THREE 100 mm steel and brass hinges and 50mm number 8 screws. Back doot secured by Four 75mm Steel and brass hinges .

 

[VenomJockey]

Security cameras with the video going to a 1 TB HDD and with automatic backup to the Cloud. The video makes very good evidence for the District Attorney to use to prosecute any burglars/trespassers who are caught. Also helps in identifying any trespassers/burglars.

https://www.amazon.com/ZOSI-Channel...t=&hvlocphy=9012986&hvtargid=pla-901573612687

 

[JackDW]

5 dogs (we have 3 and daughter who lives in other half of house has 2). Nobody moves in the yard with us knowing it. In addition, the neighbor across the road has 4 BIG German Shepherds who grew up with out dogs and are best friends. If our, medium sized, dogs go after something (or someone), they will have a lot of help.

While I like those German Shepherds and never had an issue, myself. I am not sure I fully trust those dogs. They have been know to bite some of the other neighbors. But then again, the neighbors they bit are the ones who needed bit anyways. With those 4 dogs around (not ours), we don't get many trespassers.

In addition to the dogs, another neighbor who is further away brought in some animals including two geese and a turkey. (Used to be more but they seemed to have disappeared.) When someone stops in our driveway, the geese come running honking all the way. The Turkey is not far behind rustling its feathers. People who don't know these animals will not usually get out of their vehicle. So far the dogs and the foul seem to tolerate each other. There have been a few chases but I am beginning to think it is more of a game because a little while later they are all friends again.

Yep, it is a real zoo at my house. Anyone who wants to mess around will avoid neighborhood.

Also have motion lights all around the house and just received several motion cameras at Christmas. I have already installed the internet booster. Now just need to install the cameras. That will allow me to keep an eye on the place even when not there.

 

[Mountain trapper]

It all depends on where one lives. My nearest neighbor is over 3 miles away, town (pop 500) is 20 miles. I don't have any window coverings and I have no idea where my house keys are. I never take my car keys out either, even in town, just in case someone needs to move my vehicle. I do keep our lower gate locked and the other 2 gates on my 2 mile long driveway have electric openers. We're in a location that's about as safe as it gets. However, I do plan on adding some inside and outside surveillance cameras just in case.

 

[lonewolf]

I live in a low almost no crime area, back in the 50s very few people locked their doors but they wouldn't do it now.

 

[Brent S]

Even though I live in a relatively low crime area I lock everything. One employee was leaving the keys in the diesel bucket truck when he needed something at Home Depot. I almost fired him for it. Crack addicts have no specific demographics

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

This video showing how this man secured his home is impressive!

Outside additional door to cover main door. It looks nice and works great! Door is secured to the steal frame with screws and welding.

This snapshot of the video shows the inside locking mechanism.

He even found a really tough window screen system that is very hard to get through. Like he says, if they work at it long enough, they can break it, but you will know they are there and have plenty of time to take them out.

 

[EastenerWesterner]

Lighting is one I disagree with as it is written.
The house at the very top of the hill 3/4 a mile away burns lights all night long.
Might as well say “here I am”.
I have 4 motion sensor lights on the barn and 4 on the house. If someone comes up my drive, they get lit up like a Christmas Tree. A driveway alarm lets me know they are 400ft away for another light up.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Lighting is one I disagree with as it is written.
The house at the very top of the hill 3/4 a mile away burns lights all night long.
Might as well say “here I am”.
I have 4 motion sensor lights on the barn and 4 on the house. If someone comes up my drive, they get lit up like a Christmas Tree. A driveway alarm lets me know they are 400ft away for another light up.

I've never understood people and their GD yard lights that are on all night long. I like the idea of motion sensor lights, but have had bad luck with solar powered motion sensor lights. About 6 years ago I added a solar powered motion sensor light on our chicken coop, generator shed, the outhouse and our lower gate. They worked fine for about a year, then they all stopped. Then about a year or so ago the one on the chicken coop started working, then quit again. I may try another solar motion sensor light again. Maybe they've made some improvements on them.

 

[EastenerWesterner]

I have friend that lives 5 miles south they can see this woman’s lights. I figure the hoard will drive past my house to get to hers.
I only have 1 solar powered flood light and that’s by my grill. The solar puck type lights have lasted 10 yrs. Just enough light to mark steps.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I have friend that lives 5 miles south they can see this woman’s lights. I figure the hoard will drive past my house to get to hers.
I only have 1 solar powered flood light and that’s by my grill. The solar puck type lights have lasted 10 yrs. Just enough light to mark steps.

I don't know why people want to advertise where their house is. I think they've been sold in to this "security" BS from the power companies.

 

[DrHenley]

My wife doesn't like lights on outside. She thinks it is an invitation. The only times we have been robbed, there weren't any lights on except for the invisible infrared from the camera.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I sold a property years ago because the owners son on a neighboring ranch built a house on a hill. His yard light could be seen for miles. On my current property I can climb up to the highest point and not see a single light in any direction.
I can understand having some motion sensor lights for convenience and security, but I can see no use for a light that's on all night.
I do plan on putting up a couple motion sensor lights on my house, shop, fur shed and barn.

 

[bill harrell]

Better yet, wire the sensor to an alarm in the house only you can hear. The element of surprise is in your hands then because they don't know they triggered anything.

 

[Dave2001]

5 dogs (we have 3 and daughter who lives in other half of house has 2). Nobody moves in the yard with us knowing it. In addition, the neighbor across the road has 4 BIG German Shepherds who grew up with out dogs and are best friends. If our, medium sized, dogs go after something (or someone), they will have a lot of help.

While I like those German Shepherds and never had an issue, myself. I am not sure I fully trust those dogs. They have been know to bite some of the other neighbors. But then again, the neighbors they bit are the ones who needed bit anyways. With those 4 dogs around (not ours), we don't get many trespassers.

In addition to the dogs, another neighbor who is further away brought in some animals including two geese and a turkey. (Used to be more but they seemed to have disappeared.) When someone stops in our driveway, the geese come running honking all the way. The Turkey is not far behind rustling its feathers. People who don't know these animals will not usually get out of their vehicle. So far the dogs and the foul seem to tolerate each other. There have been a few chases but I am beginning to think it is more of a game because a little while later they are all friends again.

Yep, it is a real zoo at my house. Anyone who wants to mess around will avoid neighborhood.

Also have motion lights all around the house and just received several motion cameras at Christmas. I have already installed the internet booster. Now just need to install the cameras. That will allow me to keep an eye on the place even when not there.

I LOVE my camera system, I have 10 around my property all are night vision cams too, can see my entire property on my tv or cell phone!

 

[rainingcatzanddogs]

Layers. Security is always layers. As several have pointed out, the first is location, location, location.

Location: being in an area with a low population density
Location: not being visible from three miles or more away (even with binoculars)
Location: not having buildings, livestock or obvious crops visible from the nearest road

At that point you have already cut your chances of having a problem significantly.

Criminals are lazy and WTSHTF those who are low on calories to begin with, will pick off easier targets first.

It is kind of funny really. Rifle hunting season started here on Saturday. I needed to post a dog I found nearby so, got on Nextdoor. The post that was getting the most attention was one on "Why do I keep hearing gunshots? It is creeping me out!" all posted by people living in this newer subdivision that someone planted in the middle of nowhere for the "nice views"

...the comments and pushback were kind of typical of the clash of old Texas and the suburbanites without common sense. You just bought in a subdivision surrounded by large rural acreage properties and you want to know why you are hearing gunshots echoing off the hills? Three reasons. Deer, feral hogs, coyotes. Get used to it.

To say those high density (and I am not just talking about population) places are going to be some of the first targets in our area WSHTF would be an understatement. Those people have gotten too close anymore for comfort and that is why we have invested in BOL2.

 

[DrHenley]

Location: being in an area with a low population density
Location: not being visible from three miles or more away (even with binoculars)
Location: not having buildings, livestock or obvious crops visible from the nearest road

Those go together. When you have a high population density, it's difficult to find a location that is remote and thus not visible from a public road. Also, forests are generally difficult to see through with binoculars, LOL. Our buildings at the BOL are not visible from 200 yards away.

Here is a map of population density by county of the US.
The BOL is in a dark yellow county (5-25 per sq mi) although the part of the county we're in is more like southeastern Alaska (0.2-1 per sq mile).

My wife wants to buy land in North Carolina. Remote property there is scarce as hens' teeth, even in the mountains.

 

[EastenerWesterner]

Sometimes you just got to look for pockets.
If I look at the map, it says I live in >10000. Where I am is about 25 people on 500 acres

 

[rainingcatzanddogs]

Where I was going with this is James Wesley Rawles back many moons ago when I was just starting to be able to afford real chunk of property, was using this map.

His dividing line was nothing east of the Mississippi and nothing west of the California ranges. He would flat out say don't live there much less put your BOL there.

It isn't about the distances of 20, 50 or 3v3n 100 miles or such. It is what will the population density become once all of the cities around you empty out.

It is about how many people in total will be hitting the countryside in your direction. Not what your population per square mile IS...what will your population per square mile BECOME?

If for instance, you are in a rural area between Ashville and Winston Salem 20 miles off of I-40. You would be less safe than if you were 20 miles off of 1-20 between Abilene and Midland.

This would be so because there are fewer large cities in that general area to empty out and more people who are more self sufficient to begin with.

How many other self sufficient people stand between your BOL and the cities? Person at mile 20 takes out one. Property owner at mile 25, takes out another, mile 29, 35, 50, 100...pretty soon whatever was headed your way is down to a manageable trickle. Some might drown crossing a river with a bridge that was taken out. Some may meet with a pack of wolves, a grizzly, snakes. The more that start out, the more that get through.

Everybody on the big East coast cities and their uncles will head towards the Smokies/Appalachians. Same on the other coast. The most population dense regions of the country migrating like a swarm of locusts.

Trees are not the only thing that can hide you (trees can lose their foliage and can also burn leaving you unexpectedly exposed), Canyons, hills and architecture can as well. BOL1 Relies on two of those things. BOL2 will utilize three.

Of course, now we have better images and urban sprawl.

By connecting the dots you can see the corridors of "drift" that are most likely to happen.

One means of creating a good security plan is known as The C.A.R.V.E.R Matrix
Criticality, Accessibility, Recuperability, Vulnerability, Effect and Recognizability

 

[Dave2001]

Those go together. When you have a high population density, it's difficult to find a location that is remote and thus not visible from a public road. Also, forests are generally difficult to see through with binoculars, LOL. Our buildings at the BOL are not visible from 200 yards away.

Here is a map of population density by county of the US.
The BOL is in a dark yellow county (5-25 per sq mi) although the part of the county we're in is more like southeastern Alaska (0.2-1 per sq mile).

My wife wants to buy land in North Carolina. Remote property there is scarce as hens' teeth, even in the mountains.

Im also looking for property in NC mountains, I want about 10 acres so far back in hills they have to pipe in sunlight and def OUT of cell phone range!!!