Security
Posted by Proud-Map-8364@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 75 comments
I am always prepping food and tools and stuff but I haven’t prepped any security besides weapons. What kinds of things do you guys get to secure your doors/windows? I don’t have any sliding doors. I have one door that has a big window. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
8111913@reddit
1) Dooricade? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdR7mpy59hI
2) Steel door addition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWjW1gMJv4M
3) Front Door Cage: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2sY6HK_QYJc
4) An army of territorial geese.
jcwood0811@reddit
I bought some 5th Ops Perimeter trip alarms for when power is lost. Just to cover areas i can't see well
Vegetaman916@reddit
Unpopular opinion here, but if we get to the point where you need to defend your home with weapons, then your home won't save you no matter what you do or have on hand.
Better to put your second home in a place where there are no people to come attack itnin the first place, and build a community of like-minded folks around that. And then, when things start to get sketchy, just leave.
Professional-Pin5421@reddit
Really good point. And not often talked about.
If people are roaming home to home in a SHTF situation things are already bad enough where to need to bug out.
Imagine you repell the first attempted home invasion because it was just a lone guy it him and one other...
Now the next time it's 2-3 people. Can you handle that? And all the "attention" it brings?
At what stage is your capacity to handle it deminished...
I think average joe SEVERELY under estimates how two men at your front door and two men at your back door, armed and above average IQ will quickly overcome whatever defence you have in place.
BatemansChainsaw@reddit
that's the real challenge in society anyways lol
Vegetaman916@reddit
Exactly that. And I am under no illusion about how much we can repel, or how many times.
But in the prepping space there has always been a huge aversion to having a separate bugout location. And mist of the time, it isn't really based in fact, it is based in fear. People think they have no choice but to "bug in," for whatever reason, and so they begin to pooh-pooh the chances of anything happening that can threaten their perceived fortress in the city.
I prefer to simply not be there, and not even try to have the fight.
Professional-Pin5421@reddit
Well the only well to guarantee you don't get hurt or dead in a fight ...is to not have a fight in the first place right
Vegetaman916@reddit
Exactly.
Proud-Map-8364@reddit (OP)
See I feel like it would be the exact opposite. I feel like most people would try and take over the homes in the middle of nowhere because of the space and resources. And in that case, I don’t think any home would be safe . It’s our job to make it protected for ourselves.
Vegetaman916@reddit
I disagree. For anyone to do so, they have to know where the places are to go to them, and then they have to have the resources to pull off the trip, and finally they need the manpower and capability to take on a supplied, fortified, and dug-in position against a well trained team...
That means something like company strength...
For my group, we are only 15 people, but trained well and supplied. The location is so far out into the desert and then up a mountain that it is actually hard to get to even for us, lol. Over 100 miles to civilization, and 55 miles to the forst paved road. Treacherous territory, harsh environment, and why would anyone know it is there?
In normal disaster times when rule of law has a chance to be re-established, better to defend at home, but for a permanent end to civilization after something like nuclear war or global airborne ebola or whatever? Best to have another home far, far from any other groups.
Professional-Pin5421@reddit
Look into Serbia, Croatia, bosnia war crimes....we don't need a nuclear war for things to get SERIOUSLY out of hand. And the "rule of law" is simply which "team" has more weapons and/or are more ruthless.
Vegetaman916@reddit
Exactly that. I mention people in Bucha or Mariupol all the time, how well did bugging in help there?
Eventually, it can happen anywhere, and preppingnis supposed to be about being ready for it, not pretending "it can't happen to me."
Professional-Pin5421@reddit
Bingo! I don't know much about Bucha/mariupol but I'll look into it. Always lessons to be learned
Stinkytheferret@reddit
Some place they walk by, that’s safer. As in don’t see or don’t see as having value.
mediocre_remnants@reddit
Fences, security cameras. Make sure there aren't any shrubs to hide behind near your house.
It's impossible for me to reinforce windows in my house so my security is being aware if someone is on the property who shouldn't be.
The valuables in my house are in a large safe that can't be removed in any reasonable amount of time.
Proud-Map-8364@reddit (OP)
We have security cameras and no hiding spots. I was just looking for ways to make my house a deterrent for any unwelcome visitors. We do have these door locks because my kid is an eloper but not sure how well they would hold for an adult on the outside trying to come in.
Stinkytheferret@reddit
You might look into making your house look grey man.
Thunderslide_Icon@reddit
I’ve done this. My exterior is clean, tidy and boring AF. We do have other security measures but I’m convinced that because our house is so dull looking, no one really notices it.
IntelliGeneWest@reddit
I’ve thought about this. Any ideas on policing lights and cooking odors?
Thunderslide_Icon@reddit
My house doesn’t look vacant. It’s beige. The landscaping is tidy but dull. There’s motion detecting lights. I also don’t feel a need to put a damper on cooking odors when we grill out.
I haven’t thought about how to dampen cooking odors in a SHTF.
My plan is leaning in to my community. I’m not going to have an open season on my preps but I and a few others are actively cultivating a culture of sharing and assisting.
For example, when I bake bread, I bake two loaves and give one to a neighbor. I’ll often get home canned fruit or smoked fish in return. Another neighbor carpools the older neighbors to the mall for their mall walking twice a week. We know where the water shut offs are for each other’s houses. We have emergency contact numbers for our elderly neighbors and regularly check on them.
If SHTF I will already be gone. I have health concerns that require electricity and require prescription medications.
BatemansChainsaw@reddit
If people are worried about cooking orders then the shit really has hit the fan and we're better off cold soaking any freeze dried or other style camping meals, rice, beans, etc.
sgm716@reddit
No if you properly install these locks, and then replace your hinge screws with long, sturdy screws even cops with battering rams will jave a tough time with your door, given the door itself is thick and quality. Id get better quality reinforcement locks tho, this 3 pack for such a low price is a red flag.
polyamy74@reddit
Using long wood screws through the strike plates on your doors makes them extremely resistant to being kicked in. Have to break the whole door frame.
Planting cacti, rose bushes, or other hostile plants right outside windows is a good deterrent.
Having a home that is kept enough to look lived in, but not cleaned up enough to look like "nice" makes it look like you have nothing of value to come for. Being the "run down" house is the most "grey man" way to protect your home.
Then-Departure-4036@reddit
It is interesting and terrifying to read all of these posts. I am a 76 year old single (healthy) woman living alone in Mesa, Arizona. I own a nice 2 bed/2 bath manufactured home in a senior park. Only feeble old neighbors, so no community really. Marauders will have easy pickings in these senior parks. . I live on social security and a part time job. $1000 in savings, no debt. Thats all. I know that very bad things are coming. I have no idea what I can possibly do to prepare or survive. I’m old, so should I just stay put and let nature take its course?
Open-Gazelle1767@reddit
Actually, I'd think elderly neighbors would be a benefit - they are in my neighborhood. Older people tend to pay attention to the community. They're home more. They putter around outside and notice when cars or people that don't belong are going by. Get to know the neighbors, exchange phone numbers, check on each other. You may not need to fend off a band of marauders, but if a burglar shows up, neighbors will call the police.
hidude398@reddit
For the big window, cross shop the cost of a door replacement with hurricane resistant, clear film from 3M. Not bulletproof but may delay any potential burglar long enough for you to respond with full information.
Also, just basic stuff is tremendous - do all your window locks work? Are your door screws sunk all the way into the king stud and not just the jamb? How about hostile architecture under ground floor windows?
Also worth making sure you have a fire suppression and escape plan wrapped into your physical security plan. No sense building a fortress just to burn to death in it. If you have shrubs under ground floor windows to deter people from climbing up to them, do you have some dedicated windows you can get out of?
CaptSquarepants@reddit
Yes for security, begin taking steps to make sure everyone around you has access to food.
Open-Gazelle1767@reddit
A dog. Security lights outside. A safe and nosy neighborhood with its own police force who have almost nothing to do (they're very nice to have...if you go out of town and let them know, they'll check on your house multiple times a day). Sticks in any windows that slide.
Financial_Resort6631@reddit
Other people. You can’t pull security 24/7/365 alone. You are gonna need bare minimum 4 people ideally 12. Yeah dogs help. You will need a neighborhood watch.
IntrepidMaybe8579@reddit
Thats what kids are for.. no school for you train them like pitbulls
Professional-Pin5421@reddit
Most modern kids will have psychological breaks if the world gets hard. They will be a liability and not an asset in shtf scenario
Lopsided-Total-5560@reddit
My kids were raised on a farm. I think we’re going to be okay. Everyone they have worked for has told me they work circles around their peers.
IntrepidMaybe8579@reddit
Kids will always be a liability in most situations thats part of being a kid all i can do is train them through stressful situations..not sure how i would, maybe high intensity work as punishments from a young age and alot of love after they made it through? God knows il probably screw it up when i have a kd
AccidentalDragon@reddit
Give them responsibilities so they learn how to think on their own.
Source: Failed at it
IntrepidMaybe8579@reddit
Thats what im thinking, easier said than done though.. id imagine in reality id have to do deal tantrums and have to spend all my energy coming up with. Creative methods to convince them to so things.. and it seems like in reality its just too exhausting or not enough time to be a “good” parent but i think that failure is alot to blame on society and jobs already sucking your energy dry for minimal pay
_learned_foot_@reddit
Your kid is your canvas man.
Professional-Pin5421@reddit
Yup. My kids definitely not following today's trends
IntrepidMaybe8579@reddit
I hope so.. no kids yet but want to raise my own kids working and doing things like feeding the chickens and looking after crops with me, gotta get the property first tho
_learned_foot_@reddit
It can come after too. Gotta keep after the goals, the way to them definitely won't be how you think it is the day before though. Just keep aiming at them, things, kids, surprises come along the way.
IntrepidMaybe8579@reddit
Yea i feel like everything really just depends on their individual personalities which seem to be a roll of the dice no matter what you do sometimes.. just hope i dont end up with any asshole kids 😂
NoHuckleberry2543@reddit
Go be a security guard for a little while. You'll learn what to do and how by discovering what needs to be done to keep humans out of places.
joelnicity@reddit
An easy thing you can do today is to remove your short door screws, in the door and frame, and replace them with 3” screws. That by itself will help a lot
WhereDidAllTheSnowGo@reddit
By far …
The best home defense is a dog or few, but that’s a lifestyle change, not just ‘buy stuff’ like most of these comments
sleepymoose88@reddit
My Great Danes tend to scare the shit out of people who don’t know them due to their size (140 lbs) and their deep guttural bark.
But they’re giant teddy bears, so they’re really only good for scaring people away before they get in. If you get past the threshold, they’ll go get a toy.
Proud-Map-8364@reddit (OP)
I’m severely allergic to dogs so unfortunately that’s a no go
Wulfkat@reddit
If you have the room, geese make great alarm systems.
WhereDidAllTheSnowGo@reddit
Bummer
The non-allergic breeds can be big but not strong on the defenses
Federal_Refrigerator@reddit
Cats can be surprisingly great defense animals. The only problem is you usually start looking into big cats for that and, well, if they get hungry they’re not as loyal as dogs.
_learned_foot_@reddit
Maine coons famously act like dogs. Don't declaw that and what amounts to an extra large raccoon that is as loyal as a dog is beside you. Downside is they aren't attentive when napping where's most dogs pop up.
XRlagniappe@reddit
My wife and daughter have some allergies to cats. Not sure how strong it is with dogs, but we ended up getting a certain breed that was more 'hypoallergenic'.
Thunderslide_Icon@reddit
100% agree.
A dog that will bark at strangers is a fantastic deterrent.
Kellic@reddit
I have not done it yet but I'm thinking about a 3M Security laminate for the lower windows so breaking in will be harder. They are clear so if its double paned it would throw off anyone trying to get in, enough, hopefully, for me to respond.
whimsongered@reddit
plywood for windows quite a thing for stores too if your trying to protect something on the cheap but ive checked out them bars occasionaly too
whimsongered@reddit
i go with a classic bar of wood to this day occasionally a couple of L clamps seem to suffice for doors yet
Viking0338@reddit
A stack of plywood wrapped in a tarp is *relatively* a cheap way to secure windows. Make sure that when you put it up, you screw it up on the INSIDE of your window. Yes, it’s easier to push it off, but the glass stays outside and any securement could just be removed from the outside if secured from the outside.
polyamy74@reddit
If you secure it with curtains between it and the window, it is a much less obvious way to secure that won't draw immediate attention to your preparedness. It can also help to blackout a room, so people outside can't see if you have electricity.
fenuxjde@reddit
Cameras and lights. Thankfully the basement windows are barred from the inside and the first floor windows are too high to enter withoit a ladder from the outside. The house degisn also makes natural, easily blockable choke points on each floor allowing two rounds of retreat given a breach.
Cameras with motion activated lights.
Significant firearms and training in long guns, small arms, explosives, improvised weapons, knives, and unarmed combat.
And unfortunately, I also happen to be able extremely light sleeper. A person's footsteps walking by on the sidewalk outside or a car driving by will wake me up.
A good offense is a good defense.
Wulfkat@reddit
Light sleepers unite! I hear everything…which is great for survival but suuuuuuucks in the modern world.
Rose bushes with gnarly thorns under the windows. Trip hazards in the yard. Dog in the backyard.
Of course, the reality is my house is siding - it would take me roughly 90 seconds and a crowbar to breach my house.
cachekeeperapp@reddit
There's lock sets with extended screws that make your door much harder to kick in.
Sheets of clear vinyl material that make 1st floor windows shatter-resistant.
Solar powered cameras.
Put a sign out that says you have 24/7 monitoring, even if you don't.
cocobum8768@reddit
A lot of people are mentioning plywood, whatever method of attachment, 3/4" of plywood will significantly delay someone's entry. There is no stopping them if they try to get in, just delaying until you and your support can react.
Plywood does bring up a problem though, it advertises that there is someone or something in there worth protecting. It also limits your ability to observe the area outside your house assuming security cameras are down due to the power outage.
I personally have hurricane shutters (southern states) that I can put up, but I plan to upgrade to impact glass windows. I hope that gives me the delay factor, keeps a lower profile, and still allows me to monitor outside the home.
Retro_Feniks@reddit
I bought a couple of those keychain ringpull alarms. You can just nail them to the side of an entrance and either have it connected to a door or a tripwire and if someone opens a door or walks through it, it'll go off with a 130 decibel sound.
Spartin1178@reddit
A nailgun and wood. Ive got the standard stuff but i also have a lot of solar charged meshtastic linked devices that send a message telling me which one they are and time of break when something breaks the laser’s path. Two concentric layers of these. Layers are roughly 30 yards apart If something crosses both layers in a relatively straight line towards the house I’m going to go investigate it.
abaconexplosion@reddit
Dogs are excellent. Security film on your first floor windows. Reinforce door hinges, strike plate, and deadbolt. Video cameras. Thorny bushes at perimeter of property.
kkinnison@reddit
don't worry so much about it. You can put bars on your windows, and do everything possible, and it will only make you are more inviting target. You will never be able to stop a group of people determined to get it. The best is to just make it not worthwhile to risk.
Cameras both interior and exterior, and a secure area inside to wait things out if needed
swadekillson@reddit
Totally disagree. If you're home when someone tries to get in and they're having to take sixty extra seconds to get through your reinforced door or barred windows, that's all the time you need to grab your carbine and end the threat.
IntrepidMaybe8579@reddit
Il just keep an MG mounted in the center of the house
preppers-ModTeam@reddit
Your comment was removed because you are currently banned due to previous violations, and it is also not aligned with the spirit of preparedness.
MoxieGirl9229@reddit
Learn self defense. What would you do if you didn’t have any weapons or if securing doors and windows failed?
Proud-Map-8364@reddit (OP)
That should always be a last resort. You prepare for obstacles to defer people from attacking you. If that doesn’t work, it at least slows them down and gives you an advantage.
MoxieGirl9229@reddit
And then you use the self defense you’ve learned to protect you, those you care about and your possessions. Something like tai chi is completely defensive, and great for your over all health.
IntrepidMaybe8579@reddit
Tai chi is a meditation dance, brazilian ju jitsu is the best for general real life things and krav maga is good for life and death survival situations
Pylyp23@reddit
Tai chi is a horrible martial art for someone to jump into for self defense. After a decade, if going to a good school with sparring, it can be effective but if you just go to bjj and kick boxing classes for a year or two you’ll be way ahead.
lomlslomls@reddit
I'll share a couple of tips from times when we've lost power due to hurricanes; stores and gas stations were closed for a few days. We'd park our cars in a V-formation at the end of the driveway and set up generator operations behind that to keep the fridge, lights, and fans going in the house. The cars aren't going to stop anyone on foot but will make folks think twice before approaching the house. Also, we had sidearms visible while working in the garage. Finally, we replaced all door hinge screws with 3" ones when we bought the house and had those battery operated motion lights (Mr. Beams I think) at all the important points.
Tasty_Impress3016@reddit
Even polycarbonate (bulletproof) glass can be brute forced. So other than bars (which I won't do) windows will always be a weak point. Heavy doors are easy enough to install, but often the locks are a weak spot. So while use common sense, I depend on a big bunch of contact and vibration sensors. Aside from bunkering down, that's my best solution. Outdoor lighting is oddly not great, it just gives intruders more light to see by.
I count on flashing lights and loud sounds to alert me to go grab a weapon. I have a home security system (homebrew) that will play a loud recording over my stereo. "This house is under protection exit now or your safety is in danger!" on a loop.
But I live in one of the lowest crime towns in a low crime state. I don't think there has been a breakin or robbery in 10 years. Lots of other stuff, but the usual is "someone stole my purse from my unlocked car parked in the driveway." One idiot blew his garage apart making butane cannabis extract.
Many-Health-1673@reddit
For the house in town I have a house alarm, 3 external cameras, a fence around the house except for the very front that faces the road, motion lights on backporch, and lights on the sides and front. Motion lights along the perimeter fencing of the back yard. The trees and underbrush are cleared for 35 to 40 yards behind the rear fence and is kept mowed. Thick brush beyond that for several hundred yards.
I could probably put some barbed wire across the top of the rear fence, but that might raise suspicions.
I have an alarm on the house at the farm (my retreat), and it is set back off the county road almost a mile. Locked steel gates and 3 or 4 barbed wire fences to cross to reach it. Barns and barn offices are kept locked up. I use wireless trail cameras to monitor the main access routes, and the property is only 10 minutes from my house in town.