I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Nobody thinks anything bad is going to happen to them. Watch any true crime show. Interviewees often utter that same phrase, “Stuff like this happens to other people, not to me”. So – shit can and does happen. It doesn’t discriminate. No matter if you live in what you feel to be the safest neighborhood in the world – there is always a chance. Hopefully nothing bad ever does happen to you or your loved ones, but there is nothing wrong with being prepared.
The fact is, home invasions aren’t as rare as everyone thinks. According to the US Department of Justice, 1.03 million home invasions occur annually. Yikes – those are some scary-ass stats. Yes, they still include invasions that occur when no one is home but that doesn’t make it any less terrifying.
Being prepared is the best any of us can do and it’s not being paranoid – it’s being smart. Here are some the best Home Security measures you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Always lock your damn doors
It’s staggering to me how many people don’t always lock their doors. It’s a very simple measure, yet a potentially life-saving one. Chances are, if someone wants to get in your house badly, they’ll probably succeed. But, why in the hell would you want to make it easier for them? A minute or so warning that someone is trying to get in could allow you to arm yourself or get to safety. Just freaking lock your doors! It’s the most basic security measure you can take. Do it!
Have weapons in strategic areas of your home
I believe that having some type of weapon on your nightstand/by or under your bed is critical! We are most vulnerable when we are sleeping. A baseball bat close to your front and back door is a good idea also. And, remember – almost anything can be used as a potential weapon to defend yourself. A hammer, a knife, a gun (obviously), an ax, plus so many more. Any object with weight to it can be used to protect yourself. Keep these types of items around the house. (Since I’m a paranoid person in general, I have box cutters at the top of every door in my house). Hopefully you’ll never have to use these items, but in the instance that you have to protect yourself and your family – you’ll certainly be glad you took this particular security measure.
Get a security system
I know, these can be quite pricey, but there are ways to give the illusion of one if you don’t have the means to purchase it. There are what’s called ‘dummy or mock’ security cameras on Amazon and Ebay. These are fake cameras that look %100 real. If anything, it will deter a potential invader.
If you can afford it though, a good security system is an amazing investment. They have some many now, it’s hard to keep up. There’s one for around $70.00 on Amazon and it works just fine.
Alarms
There are other ways to set alarms without buying a security system or spending the big bucks. There are affordable window alarms available online that will alert you if someone is trying to get inside through a window. The sound alone could be enough to warn off a would-be invader. If not though, you have a good heads up and time to prepare yourself. I really like the window alarms below:
Light it up
Keep motion-detecting lights on the outside of your home. It’s a deterrent to many would-be-burglars or intruders. Keep the outside of your home well lit. It’s also a good idea to keep a light on at all times – one that can easily be seen from the outside of the home. This gives the perception that someone is inside, awake, alert and ready to defend their home.
Reinforced Locks on the Door
Do not rely on a chain! They can easily break when the door is kicked in. Some reinforced locks are inexpensive and can significantly reduce the likelihood of someone being able to kick the door in. There are lots of options for this. I’d also like to cite an important tip for anyone with sliding glass doors: The locks on them are easy to break so put a security bar or even a piece of wood in place where the door slides open.
Warning Signs outside your Home
You can get a lot of security stickers and signs to place around the outside of your home. Even a simple, “Beware of Dog” sign is a good security measure. I know a lot of people who use stickers from popular home-security firms to stick on their doors even if they don’t actually have that particular security system installed. One of my personal favorite signs read: “Inside is a gun owning American, protected by God – break in and you may meet both”. (Even if you’re not religious, this sign is a good way to frighten away would-be intruders looking for an easy mark).
Get a Dog
Even little dogs are mini-security systems in and of themselves. A dog will sense danger long before you do and they’ll alert you. If you’re looking for a breed that is not only a security system but a potential weapon: get a German Shepherd. They’ll protect you. And – just have a dog anyways, they truly are man’s best friend 🙂
Always Prepare for the Worst
Some basic self defense knowledge never hurt anyone. Sometimes the worst will happen when you least expect it. If an intruder does make it inside your home – know that you may have to engage them. A gun is the best way to do this (but only if you’re trained and know what you’re doing – as my Dad always says: lots of people get killed by their own guns).
I’ll do an article on basic self-defense soon but here’s a helpful tip, for now: The weakest parts of the human body – eyes, nose, groin, knee and solar plexus and windpipe. Punch – chop – kick and do anything else you can do cause damage to those parts of an attacker’s body, even if it just hurts them long enough for you to make a break for it.
Prepare yourself and know the layout of your house, especially in the dark. That gives you an edge over any intruder.
Stay Safe, Always be Prepared & Survive whatever life throws at you. <3
