Homestead Security

I’ve had some comments concerning homestead living and security. Namely, “How do you do it?” That is a good question but I have some answers. These answers are not for everyone and every situation, but most of them I have implemented and maintained for years. Locks I know this is obvious, but let me say some things about locks. Many have them, but don’t use them. In my work on a federal installation everything is locked. I’ve found locks removed, locks left open, locks left open but trying to look closed, locks actually locked but in a way you can open whatever is supposed to be locked, I’ve seen it all. On our homestead I’ve probably done most of those ways myself. Locking and unlocking something without just a push button, like you vehicle, is a pain for humans. We avoid it. But using a lock system in a way that makes it easier is the answer, not fudging it so that it doesn’t actually do its job. Use locks that are all keyed the same. Use combination locks with a combination easy for family to remember. If possible, change combinations often or at least annually. Use a lock box for keys and spare keys. Don’t let inconvenience make you lax, be vigilant. We lock doors, cabinets, gates, and freezers. Make sure you secure food, gasoline, tools, and equipment. Even if it means putting a chain around the item and chaining it to a tree! Remember that a determined thief can get into or through anything, but often a simple lock can be a deterrent. Signage This is another simple thing that can have a large effect. No Trespassing signs, Beware of dog signs, Security camera signs, and Security alarm signs can send a criminal down the road. Also if someone does actually commit crime on your property and there was a sign, it will give them one more charge to deal with. Proper signs will let all know that your property is a hard target. There are even alarm companies that will sell their signs and stickers even though you don’t have their alarm service. Hard wired lighting Depending on where you have electricity hard wired lighting is the best. There are many different lights out there that you can use to light any are you wish. We use them on back sides of buildings that are dark and good places to hide. These days with modern fixtures and bulbs electricity use is very little. I try to put all my hard wired lights on a switch. I like the option of turning them off if I have the need. Solar motion sensor lights These are great! I like these because they are solar powered so they can be put anywhere. I like that they are motion sensitive. It’s kind of a surprise to anyone who shouldn’t be there. These are not real expensive so you can light up you world! Remember though, cats, dogs, livestock, and wild animals can trigger these. Putting them too close to a tree can trip them with wind. You have sensitivity control on the motion sensor though. Firearms for home protection As controversial as it may be, there is nothing that will put the fear of the Almighty in the hearts and minds of criminals than the sound of a pump action shotgun racking a shell. It is a universally known sound that says, “You’re in deep Kim Chee!” Shotguns are not my favorite weapon on our homestead. They have their place, but usually they are too long and unwieldy. There are tactical shotguns that are shorter and less cumbersome, but unless you are used to a 12 gauge it’s difficult to be accurate. I would not use a smaller gauge either. Contrary to popular belief and TV and movies, a shotgun is not a point-and-shoot-and-hit-something weapon. You must be very familiar with the recoil, and the limitations of a shotgun. I’d much rather have a rifle or handgun. For protection I would recommend a handgun and a good flashlight. But whatever weapon you choose, don’t expect to be accurate or effective with a gun you hardly shoot. Be sure of target identification before you pull that trigger. You may shoot someone you did not expect to be there. Shooting in the dark is a very tricky thing. The only time I have ever done it was in combat. And even then we had tracers and muzzle flash to lead us to the enemy! In a home defense situation, you must know what or who you are shooting toward. And as I said, without practice and experience, in the heat of the moment you want to know what you are doing. You’re responsible for every round and shooting someone in the back would be a legal nightmare you don’t want to have! If you are in a municipality or even a county or state with restrictions, you’d better be up to date on those laws. Ignorance of law with land you in jail. As far as varmints, a well-placed rifle round will serve better to dispatch them rather than trying to hit with a shotgun. Make sure of the laws in your state concerning animals. Usually animals that are a nuisance are fair game, but check with a game warden. There are other ways of keeping predators and other animals away. A dog and even cats can help. Traps, live or otherwise, can be a viable option. Protection is a basic right. Our Constitution contains a second amendment because the founders believed that protecting yourself and your property is a basic right given from God. They are correct. In this day and age protecting with deadly force is a necessity. Things are getting pretty rough out there and being ready for that eventuality is something too few think about. Law enforcement in this country is the best in the world. But unless they camp in your back yard you won’t have their protection only in unusual circumstances. Learning to have a security and defense mindset is something you must work at. Looking at things in a way where they can be secured safely, and ways of making your homestead a hard target is easy if you think a little like a criminal. At the very least looking and assessing vulnerabilities helps you to make that hard target a reality. This preparation eases your mind and gives you and your family a peace of mind that is priceless. Semper Paratus Check 6 Burn