In large part, we implement security measures not just in hopes of preventing unauthorized access to our dwellings but to at least slow intruders down long enough for us to become aware of them and take action. As I stated in last week’s lesson, it is almost impossible for the average homeowner to make their house 100% impregnable. This week, we’ll discuss things you can put in place to alert you to someone who is up to no good.
Personally, I’m a big fan of dogs, both as family pets as well as for security. You need not, and probably should not, go out and get the largest, meanest dog you can find. A little ankle biter will do just as well as a large German Shepherd when it comes to alerting you to something being amiss. Scientifically speaking, a dog’s sense of smell is about a bazillion times stronger than ours and their hearing is much sharper as well. They are capable of detecting danger way more effectively than us.
With that said though, my take on dogs is such that my mutts are part of my family. They are not employees nor are they cattle. They are to be treated with love and affection and, in return, they are wholeheartedly devoted to me and my family. Bringing a dog into your home is a lifetime commitment and as such should not be entered into lightly. If you take the time to bond with your dog and train him properly, he will return the favor by being a vigilant protector.
In many studies, it was found that the presence of a dog was the number one factor as to why a burglar would not attempt to enter a home and would move on to another target.
Remotely monitored alarm systems can be worth the investment, but they are costly and are contingent upon electricity to operate. Plus, by their very nature they require the involvement of another human being to both monitor the system and alert you if something happens. Personally, I’m not ready to invest that amount of trust in a person I’ve never met.
There are relatively inexpensive alarms you can purchase from retailers like Radio Shack. They run on batteries so their effectiveness isn’t tied to the grid.
You can go even cheaper though and use a DIY approach. Take a few empty aluminum soda cans and put some pebbles inside them. You don’t need to use a ton of pebbles, just a few will work. Place these empty cans on window sills so if someone is able to gain access, they’ll knock the cans over, which make a loud racket. Depending upon your window’s configuration, you might even be able to balance a can just so, causing it to fall to the floor if someone so much as jiggles the window with a bit of force.
You can do something similar for doors by placing the can or a glass bottle a few inches behind the door when you retire for the evening. In the morning, place the can or bottle up against the wall behind the door so it is out of the way.
If you have the means to do so, consider putting in a gravel or crushed shell walkway in front of your home. You might be surprised at how loud the noise is from someone walking on it, especially on a quiet night.
For as long as the grid is up, motion lights mounted above every exterior door work great. If you can, position the motion sensor such that it detects anyone going near windows as well.
Your assignments this week:
1) Work on obtaining what you need to put alarms in place for exterior doors and ground level windows. Everyone’s situation is going to be unique so use the information above as a guideline but tailor your solutions to your specific situation.
2) How are you doing with food storage? By now, you should have at least a month of food for your family in your pantry. If you don’t, step it up.
