Category Archives: Security

Apartment Hardening

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I saw an interesting segment on Apocalypse 101, a new survival show featuring the team at Forge Survival Supply.   I’ve only caught parts of the show, but this one caught my attention, because it was about an apartment dweller in Manhattan who lived in the second floor.  She wanted to bug in and barricade herself in the apartment, in the event of TEOTWAWKI.  The team showed her how to harden her apartment so she could survive as well as possible in a society collapse.

The team asked the lady to show them all possible entrances and exits to her apartment.

They then went to the hardware store where they picked up lots of nails, tools such as hammers, wire cutters, heavy duty staple gun, chicken wire, wood, etc.  I actually thought it would be a good idea to have tools handy in the apartment, before anything happens.  In a collapse, these tools would disappear from shelves very quickly.

Windows

First, the team reinforced the windows on the outside by stapling chicken wire all around.  The chicken wire would protect the windows from shattering in case bottles, rocks or even a Molotov cocktail was thrown at them.

They then covered the inside of the windows with black trash bags so no one outside could see in.  In a grid down situation, light will attract attention, which should be avoided.

Doors

In front of the doors that would most likely get broken into, the team hammered a bunch of large nails on a piece of wood, thereby making a doormat of nails.  If an undesirable someone were to step inside, they would “accidentally” step on the nails.

Fire Escape

In a dangerous, grid down scenario, the fire escape could be used to get into her apartment so they showed her how to make the ladder slippery by slathering on grease, and wrapping barbed wire around the area.  Of course, in “normal” times, rigging the fire escape and interfering with access would be against fire codes and therefore must not be attempted.  Again they were showing her tips to protect herself in case of TEOTWAWKI.  Another reason for the barbed wire was to deter attackers by giving them the perception that this unit would be a hard nut to crack and hopefully they would move on to something else.

I’m not sure how long these deterrents would hold up during an extended disaster; however, having these protections certainly would be better than nothing.  I would also make sure there is an escape route planned ahead of time, if all else fails.

Of course the most important factor to survive is the right mindset, and the lady featured seemed to have what it takes.

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Stun Gun Vs. Taser

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With all the talk about personal defense, it seems even tasers are being debated in one state.   The article got me thinking about people who are not comfortable with firearms or are not licensed to carry concealed, but may still want some kind of personal defense options.   We covered pepper spray in a previous post; today we’ll talk about stun guns and tasers.

I used to think they were the same, but there are several differences:

TaserTaser

How They are Similar

  • Both the stun gun and taser are electronic devices
  • Both are fairly small and can be carried in your pocket or purse.
  • Both use some type of battery for power
  • Both are designed to incapacitate the attacker, giving you time to run away and get help

 The Differences

The stun gun requires direct contact between the metal prongs and the attacker.  Ideally, a half second contact will surprise the attacker cause him to let go, two seconds should give muscle spasms and three seconds will cause loss of balance, a dazed mental state.  However, I have also found that in some cases, depending on the type of stun gun, you may have to hold contact for up to four seconds to get the desired effect.  Four seconds is a long time when it comes to an attack.  Furthermore, it was found that a person in a drug induced state or someone with a high tolerance for pain may be able to resist the effects of the stun gun.

The taser works by releasing two fish hook type prongs toward the attacker.  It works by delivering electrical pulses along the wires and into the body.  This affects the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system of the person.  The general reaction is incapacitation, which could then cause additional injuries when dropping to the ground and/or hitting something.  The reaction is not related to pain tolerance since the muscle contractions are involuntary.  Also, each taser probe can penetrate an inch of clothing, including leather.

Law enforcement personnel carry tasers that have a longer range than commercially available ones.

Price-wise, stun guns cost much less than tasers, with stun guns priced below $100, while tasers run in the mid $300s.

I’ve heard some self defense experts on podcasts mention they “layer” their defense plans by having various self defense methods at their disposal:  pepper spray spread around in inconspicuous areas around the house within easy reach (this won’t work with kids around), stun gun or taser on their person, before having to resort to lethal force.

Legality

Before considering either a stun gun or taser, check the laws in your state.  While legal in most states, there are some states that prohibit them, or may have restrictions regarding carrying or using stun guns or tasers.

 

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8 Ways to Protect Your Home or Apartment from Threat

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8 Ways to Protect Your Home or Apartment from Threat is a Guest Post by Tracy Meyers*

It’s always important to be active in your own home security. There are plenty of ways we protect ourselves from the damages we incur after a tragedy, such as renter’s insurance or home insurance for fire or break in. Hiring a security company is another great way to be proactive and put your money where your mouth is when it comes to home safety. But not every security measure can be covered through a home security provider or backed up by an insurance provider. There are some things that we, as homeowners and renters, need to be doing on our own to protect our property, prevent theft, and ward off break-ins. Not only will this make you and your family more secure, but you will also have the peace of mind that comes without doing it yourself and knowing it’s been done right.

Here are some of the top ways to secure your domicile beyond the middle man:

1.  Install window locks.

Window locks are extremely important, yet many of us settle for the same shabby locks that have been on the windows for years. There are many different variations on interior window locks, so head to a home improvement store and ask about which types would be best for your windows. Take some photos of every window in your home beforehand.

2. Close blinds and curtains.

Never leave the house without fully closing your blinds and your curtains. It’s best to have both, so criminals are not tempted to peek through the slats on blinds or look for silhouettes or shadows through curtains. Get blinds that will close fully and curtains that are thick. The more a criminal can see inside your home, the more information they will be able to ascertain about how to break in.

3. Request security light installation.

If you own your home, install your own security lights. You may need to hire an electrician to wire them. Timed lights work well, as do movement sensors. If you rent, contact your landlord about installing more lights. Go so far as to suggest the exact brand and model of light you want installed. Offer to pay for part of the installation to get the best quality lighting.

4. Block sliding doors.

Sliding doors can be one of the biggest security breaches, and many homeowners forget about them. The tiny locks on sliding doors can be easily picked. The best thing to do is place a long piece of wood or a metal rod inside in the area where the door slides to block the door from opening.

5. Install deadbolts in all entrances.

Install deadbolts in every entrance to your home, including back doors and garage doors. This is an extra level of protection, and these locks are much less difficult to pick or break.

6. Keep a light on.

Never leave the house without some lights on. When you’re out of the house, you should never make it seem like your home is deserted. It should seem as though, even if it’s clear no one’s home, someone will be returning shortly. In fact, timed lights inside your home are a great way to make sure it always seems as though someone is home.

7. Never let your front door or exteriors look shabby.

Criminals will assess every part of your home before attempting a break in, even if the break in is spur-of-the-moment. If your front door and yard are in pristine condition, it will send a signal that your home may not be easy to break into. Keep your front door freshly painted and the locks rust-free. Keep any bushes or trees trimmed, the lawn maintained, and the driveway and sidewalk free from cracks. If you rent, get on your landlord about these things.

8. Buy front door alarms for nighttime.

There are many versions of travel door alarms that work well in a pinch. Connecting an alarm to your front door that will go off if the door is opened is a good line of defense. The same goes for the windows. If you do not have a home security provider or want extra protection, having some portable security items around is a good thing.

*Tracy Meyers is a regular contributor for www.homeinsurance.org among other home and insurance-related blogs and websites. She prides herself in writing for today’s audience and providing the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

 

 

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A Safe Haven Location You May Not Have Thought Of

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A Safe Haven Location You May Not Have Thought Of, Guest Post by Matt Schexnayder

Disaster can strike at any time. Whether it’s a flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake or perhaps even one day, a zombie apocalypse, the fact is that you should always be prepared for anything. What do I mean by prepared? Basically what I am suggesting is to have a plan; have the proper steps in place to ensure that you make is through any of these dangerous situations.

The basis to any survival plan starts with a having a secure location to retreat to. Now if you have access, a basement is probably your best bet, but if you don’t (for example basements aren’t really common here in Texas) then you need to find an alternative solution. But what other options are there? Maybe an underground bunker or a ‘Panic Room’? Both good choices, but how about instead you consider using a self-storage unit? Think that’s a crazy idea? Let me explain.

First of all, if you really stop and think about it self-storage units are the ideal safe haven. They are extremely well built, they usually have locations conveniently placed all over the city, and, depending on what size you get, can easily fit a decent sized family. They also will usually have high tech security systems in place, and if you so choose you can even get units that are climate controlled – you may be coming here after you lose power in your home so this amenity could be quite appealing.

In addition, imagine all of the things you could keep stored here that would assist you in these emergency situations: candles, matches, batteries, and weapons are just a few examples. Food and water should obviously be your number one priority, and while I won’t go into detail about how to properly store that stuff, keep in mind that rotation is key. Also remember that weapons can be a bit of a wild card, specifically fire arms – make sure you ask your facility manager if you are allowed to store guns at his facility before putting them in you unit.

Even though renting a storage unit will be an added expense, in the end I think it will be worth it. Do a little searching around to make sure you find the best deal available, but also keep in mind location (i.e. proximity to where you live). You may get a better deal on a unit that’s across town but it won’t be worth it to rent a unit you can’t get to when you actually need it. You may also want to keep this information to yourself. The last thing you want is for other people coming to your unit in their time of need just because they weren’t prepared. Of course by all means help out whoever you can, but keep in mind people’s dark side comes out when push comes to shove.

I want to end by stressing that I don’t believe this will be the best option for every single person, but it is something to consider. Most people have not even thought about using storage units for this purpose and so I thought I would enlighten them. Whatever you decide to do, take the time to consider your options and of course, stay safe.

This article was written by Matt Schexnayder. Matt is on the SpareFoot marketing team and also writes for their blog. SpareFoot makes it easy to find and reserve Los Angeles storage units, as well as storage units all across the country.

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Would Your Car Doors Protect You from Bullets while Driving?

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A couple of weeks ago, when the Los Angeles police were searching for Christopher Dorner, the ex-cop who went on a shooting rampage, they mistakenly shot at innocent civilians who had a similar truck to the suspects.  See a photo here.  

This incident made me think about how much protection your car really gives you, should you get shot at while driving.  In the same way, I wondered about bullets and apartment walls, I had to look into cars as well.  We’ve all seen cop shows where the characters hide behind an open car door to avoid getting shot during a gun fight.

Concealment or Cover?

Concealment is just being able to hide from view, while cover means you are protected from getting hit.

This is not something I’d want to test myself, so I did some research online and watched a Mythbuster episode where the the hosts fired into an old Cadillac.

It turns out, most pistol calibers will pass right through a car door, possibly even through to the opposite side.  See Pistols and Car Doors from The Box O’Truth

The truth is, car doors do not offer protection against bullets.  Car doors only give you concealment but not cover.  Glass windows may or may not shatter immediately, but will weaken enough that subsequent bullets fired will most likely get through.

Short of bullet proofing your car, how do you protect yourself?

  • Be aware of your surrounding at all times
  • Wherever you are, have an exit plan.  While driving, keep an eye on the positions of cars around you and where you can maneuver to get away from the shots.
  • Avoid driving through unsafe areas, especially at night.
  • In a SHTF situation, body armor while driving through dangerous areas may be a consideration.  It’s not a guarantee of safety, but offers some degree of protection.

 

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You’re in Control: DIY Apartment Security Systems of Today

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You’re in Control: DIY Apartment Security Systems of Today, Guest Post by Jay Harris

Home security options are at an all-time high. With the advent of technological advances such as apps for your smartphone and remote-controlled access to your entire system, monitoring your home’s security is easier than ever.

The desire for safety and security does not depend on the type of residence you inhabit – we all want to feel safe in our homes! However, if your home is an apartment unit, you are likely familiar with the unique challenges posed in such a situation, namely feasibility and cost.

For one thing, if you do not own the unit, you must be careful not to alter the structure or affix anything to the building permanently, otherwise you:
a) may be in breach of your rental agreement, and/or
b) have improved (or worse, damaged!) someone else’s property with equipment that is now legally considered to be a “permanent fixture” of that property, to which you have no legal right from that point forward.

Either way, who can afford to invest in something that will ultimately cost more than it is worth just to have it belong to someone else? This brings me to the other impediment to apartment-home security systems: the cost.

The cost of a traditional home security system can be a deal breaker when you live in an apartment. It is a simple fact that many apartments are smaller than stand-alone homes, especially in highly populated cities, so you are left with a product that was designed and priced with a much larger area in mind. So, what’s an apartment-dweller to do? Luckily, there are great space-conscious and budget-friendly alternatives on the market, so let’s take a moment to discuss a few of them in more detail.

Cameras

From hidden nanny cams in picture frames and teddy bears, to full-blown tripods set up in the living room, cameras have always been one of the staples in security monitoring. When wall-mounting a camera in the corner is not an option (see above!), laptop cams are an excellent way to keep an eye on your place while you are away. You can install apps on your smartphone that allow wireless access to your laptop camera for some closed circuit viewing when you are not there. Make sure you follow the instructions that come with the app or computer software so that you will maximize your experience with this method.

A couple of basic things to keep in mind: position your laptop to allow for the widest scope of viewing and make sure it is high enough to be out of reach of kids and pets. Also, change the “hibernate” or “log off” settings on your computer so that it does not automatically time-out with inactivity: there’s nothing more ineffective than a black screen. Finally, make sure there is enough light in the room so that you can actually get a picture.

Motion sensors

These little beauties are a great option for those of us who have only one front door (no back or side doors) but numerous windows. Your local home improvement store sells DIY kits with magnetic motion sensors that affix to the window frame without any permanent placement or drilling. These are especially great for those who are looking for something portable and temporary that can move with them, like college students and young professionals in transition.

If your apartment is your permanent residence and you do decide to go the traditional (magnetic or infrared) motion sensor route, placement of the sensor is critical, especially where children and pets are involved. You will prevent most false alarms if you place the sensor approximately five feet off of the ground. As this is the height of an average adult’s chest level or higher, you can avoid an accidental trigger by the kids, when you are home and the sensor is active, and when you are away and the furry children are roaming about.

Connect

Security apps for your smartphone are the key to remote access of your integrated system. With these (and supported equipment, such as cameras and sensors, etc.), you have complete control over your home, no matter where you may be at any given moment. These apps are perfect for making an empty apartment appear to be occupied: you can control lighting, multiple cameras, stereos and televisions, and even remote-controlled window blinds or shades. You can also specify how often you are updated on home-status and the method by which you are notified of alarm triggers: email, text, alert, you name it.

Although it may require some extra creativity, there is a definite plus to keeping an eye on your place yourself. Security monitoring systems with accompanying “support” are often too expensive and can be too cumbersome for an apartment dwelling. For example, most high tech systems are monitored by actual people or have direct links to local law enforcement who are automatically notified upon an alarm trigger.

This becomes a problem in an apartment building’s high-traffic environment where people come and go constantly and the likelihood of the system being accidentally triggered increases exponentially. The beauty of monitoring your security yourself is that you are in control of when authorities are notified, especially when you are not actually out of town but have merely activated the system temporarily as you go about your day.
The point is: the choice is yours – so start choosing your home security options now!

Jay Harris is a Home Depot sales associate in the Chicago suburbs and is a contributor to Home Depot’s blog. Jay’s interests in the home improvement arena include solar panels and home automation.

Is Defense the Biggest Hole in Your Preps? Read “Prepper’s Home Defense” by Jim Cobb

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preppers home defenseWhen starting the preparedness journey, most people focus on storing food, water and first aid supplies.  But there is one aspect of preparedness that should not be ignored, and that is defense.  You need to be able to protect yourself and your family during normal times; if a collapse happens, defense would become even more critical.

Prepper’s Home Defense contains a lot of useful information without being overwhelming.   It even includes a list of commonly used acronyms that is helpful if you are new prepper.  Some of the subjects covered include post-collapse security, physical defense such as protecting the perimeter, safe rooms, hidden storage, weapons such as firearms and other weapons, guard dogs, communications, etc.  The book was written by Jim Cobb, who writes at Survival Weekly and Survival-Gear.com  Jim has worked in the security and investigation field for 20 years and is a survivalist.

The author points out that post collapse security is vastly different from normal day to day security, as you will be faced with more varied and determined threats.  As an example, he cites how something as basic as answering a ringing doorbell must be approached differently in a post collapse situation.   As an apartment prepper, there are limits to modifications you can make to your home, and therefore you may not be able to implement a few of the strategies.  Some of the tactics described are applicable only on a post collapse scenario, so as not to break any laws, but they are still good to know nonetheless.   There is a good section on weapons and the book does not limit itself to firearms.  It also covers martial arts weapons, improvised weapons, pepper spray and even natural weapons such as elbows, knees and feet.  I also enjoyed the section on guard dogs versus watch dogs, which I have not previously distinguished.

Prepper’s Home Defense has a lot to offer, in a subject that is often overlooked by beginner and intermediate preppers.  If you have not made plans on how you will protect your home and family, or feel that defense is a weak spot in your emergency plans, I recommend you pick up Prepper’s Home Defense.

Guest Post: Things Burglars Don’t Want You to Know

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We shouldn’t take safety as an aside. Nowadays, burglars had become more strategic than ever. They take locked doors as merely a given and going past through it for them is only a piece of cake. You may have the most intricate home security installed in your house, but still they’re going to find ways to work around it. Nothing is better than guessing what your opponent will do and beating them to it.

Here are the things that burglars don’t want you to know.

  1. Burglars aren’t afraid of the bad weather. The very thing about bad weather that makes you want to stoop on your couches is also the very thing that makes it very tolerable for burglars. Intuition will tell you that burglars won’t be on roundabouts since they know that people are at home. But the thing is whenever it rains, or snows, everyone relaxes on their personal spaces, doing their activities, such as watching TV, reading, or just taking a nap. This comes off as an opportunity to burglars to strike, and steal.
  2. Burglars know where you keep your goodies. They are aware that you’re may be hiding them somewhere in your master bedroom. It is the common place to hide jewelries or some cold cash. If you’re looking for a place to keep or hide something valuable, the master bedroom should not be considered.
  3. Burglars love alarm systems in near sight. Don’t install an alarm system which is within sight. This step will surely attract burglars and eventually, shall lead to home invasion. An alarm system mounted near your door is too obvious that burglars may know when it’s activated or not, thus, the rise of aggravated robbery.
  4. Burglars don’t dress for the occasion.   In fact, their goal is to blend in.  Why would a burglar, looking for a place to target, dress up like a criminal? That would be ridiculous, although the media often leaves us with an unrealistic view of the world where robbers have to always wear black and a mask. During daytime, he may pose as a utility worker. Utility workers on location will always have ID, and legitimate workers will be happy to show it. They may even try knocking on your doors; offer to install or upgrade a system for you if you happen to be at home.
  5. A burglar can learn a lot just by knocking on your door. As stipulated in number 4, burglars might try knocking on your doors to find out if you’re home, or offer something which you’ll find interesting, and eventually fall for the trap. Based on how you open the door, your body language, and even how you respond to questions they ask, there are a lot of things they can already learn. They can even hear whether you keep deadbolts locked. Be careful about giving away information.

These are just some of your burglars’ secrets. It is time for you to take a step better protecting your home.

Author Bio:  Roger Gallager is a communications specialist with expertise in marketing.  He is also a writer for alarmsystemstore.com that discusses FAQs about home alarm systems. He has been writing articles advising homeowners on how to secure homes, and deal with home-related problems that will inevitably arise. You could email him at rogergallager@gmail.com or follow him at twitter.com/RogerGallager.

 

 

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Low Tech Door Security Idea

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Low tech security

Only got time for a quick post today, but I had to share this door security idea, for anyone looking for a low cost, low tech method to secure a door.

All you need are a couple of large eye screws and a recycled metal bar or stick that is long enough to reach across with several inches clearance on each side.  The metal bar must be sturdy and kept centered at all times.

If you are a renter, first see if your landlord will spring for a dead bolt at their expense before installing something yourself.   If you do make it yourself, remember you would need to cover up these holes before you move out.

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Win a Free Copy of The Home Schooled Shootist by Joe Nobody

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Most of our long time readers are familiar with author Joe Nobody- See  Part 1 and Part 2 of our interview a few months ago.  I’ve read many of his books and a running theme is the importance of defense in a survival plan:  if people are feeling threatened and unsafe, they will not able to properly obtain water, food and other needs to survive.

Prepper Press provided us with a giveaway copy of Joe Nobody’s latest book:  The Home Schooled Shootist:  Training to Fight with a Carbine.

For a chance to win, just leave a comment below on the following subject: 

What priority have you given the area of “defense” in your survival plan and why?

The winner will be chosen in a random drawing among all the comment writers.  Contest ends on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 8 pm Central, and I will announce the lucky winner on Wednesday, November 21, 2012.

Enter now!

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

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