From a stockpile of gasoline and food rations to gallons of purified water and a stash of ammo and guns, your house is fully stocked with everything you could need in a disaster. In case of an emergency you’re more prepared than everyone on your block, but would your home be properly secured in the event that you need to flee? There are things you can do to better secure your home from invasion.
Are Your Doors Sturdy Enough?
According to Consumer Reports, steel, fiberglass and solid wood doors are the most-secure types of residential doors. While fiberglass and solid wood doors rank well due to the fact that these types of doors are more weather-resistant and dent-resistant than steel, steel doors are superior when it comes to impact protection and affordability. Steel doors are an ideal choice for preppers, providing a solid barrier to entry that cannot be easily kicked down or damaged by high winds during a natural disaster.
Reinforce the strength of your door with at least two to three locks. Dead bolts are a secure choice, suggests Examiner.com, but make sure the door frame is sturdy in order to boost the integrity of the locks. Consumer Reports recommends using 3-inch screws to install locks and secure hinges for maximum stability.
Can Your Home Security System Be Controlled Remotely?
A security system that can be remotely activated is essential to make sure you can keep your home secure in the event that you need to head to your bug out location in a hurry. Many companies offer systems that can be controlled through smartphone apps or the Internet. For example, the LifeShield home-security system can be controlled via the company’s free LifeView app, which even allows you to view a live feed of your home security cameras from anywhere.
Is Your Yard Well-Lit?
A well-lit yard is a secure yard. Ample outdoor lighting helps keep your property visible to passersby, preventing intruders from being able to prowl around in your yard unnoticed. If you don’t already have a few motion-sensored lights installed, add them now to illuminate any dark areas of your property. Don’t use energy-efficient CFL light bulbs in motion-activated light fixtures. They take too long to reach their maximum brightness than is effective for this type of lighting application.
Where Do You Keep Spare Keys?
If you keep a spare key to your house or vehicle in a magnetic or fake rock hide-a-key fixture, it’s only a matter of time before a criminal finds your keys and welcomes himself into your home. Thieves are wise to this trick and often hunt around a spare key before trying to break into a house. Instead, leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member who lives nearby.
Are Storage Areas Locked?
In the event of an emergency, your preparedness supplies will be as enticing to unprepared people as they are essential to your family’s survival. Thwart thieves and looters by keeping storage areas securely locked at all times.
Source: doomsdaymoose.com
Matthew Hecht
A born outdoorsman, Matt shares his adventures with readers on a variety of blogs.