Hint: When you are thinking about defending yourself, your family and your home one of the first tenets is what in the military is called "SA" which is short for "situational awareness". Simply put, it means knowing what is going on around you.
Securing Your Home and Property
How secure or vulnerable is your home? How much protection do you really need from intruderss and how much should you spend? Here are some things you should keep in mind as you take steps to make your home secure:
- Most burglaries are committed by amateurs who are afraid to hang around for long and they are usually in and out in less than 10 minutes.
- If your preparations can deter a thief for just a few minutes, the odds are that he will go elsewhere and seek a lesser prepared target.
- No home can be absolutely burglar proof as an expert thief is almost impossible to stop. Focus your efforts on making your home more secure and therefore less likely to fall prey to burglary or vandalism.
- Regardless of the steps you take to secure your home, make sure you have good records for insurance purposes if needed.
- Make sure that your data is protected also. Laptops and home computers are common targets. Take steps such as password protecting hard drives and storing important data off site in case your devices are stolen.
Home Invasion Prevention Video
Disaster Gear Checklist
Your basic disaster kit should include:
- Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days
- Food - at least a three day supply of non-perishable food and can opener
- Batter powered or hand crank radio plus a NOAA Weather radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and water for your pet
- Whistle
- Cell phone with charger
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Cash or credit cards
Securing Your Vehicle
Auto theft and theft of items from vehicles is something you should take steps to prevent. Keep the following in mind:
- Amazingly, many owners don't remove their keys from their car. Take your keys with you when you leave your car.
- Always lock all doors and close all of your windows.
- Never leave your car running while you go into a store or stop at an ATM.
- Park in well lighted areas, preferably near a store entrance or higher traffic area.
- Do not leave valuables in a vehicle where they can be seen. Keep small objects under the seat or in the trunk.
- Use a locking gas cap to prevent someone from siphoning off your fuel.
- Do not lock your glove box and don't put valuables in it. An annoyed thief may cause damage trying to get a locked glove box open.
- Store your title at home, not in your car.
- If your car has a security system or alarm, become familiar with it and use it!
