Countdown to Preparedness

In large part, we implement security measures not just to prevent unauthorized access to our dwellings but also 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’s almost impossible to make the average house 100 percent impregnable. This week, we discuss what you can put in place to alert you to someone who’s up to no good.

I’m a big fan of dogs, both as family pets and for security. You need not, and probably should not, go out and get the largest, meanest dog you can find. A Chihuahua will do just as well as a German shepherd when it comes to alerting you that something’s 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’re capable of detecting danger much more effectively than we can.

With that said, though, my take on dogs is such that my mutts are part of my family. They’re 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 that should not be entered into lightly. If you take the time to bond with your dog and train it properly, it’ll return the favor by being a vigilant protector.

Many studies show that a dog’s presence is the number one factor to discourage a burglar from attempting to enter a home and instead deciding to move on to another target.

Remotely monitored alarm systems can be worth the investment, but they’re costly and contingent on electricity to operate. And, by their very nature, they require the involvement of another person to both monitor the system and alert you if something happens. I’m not ready to invest that amount of trust in someone 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 windowsills so if intruders are able to gain access, they’ll knock the cans over and make a loud racket. Depending on 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.

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’s 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. There are solar-powered lights as well but many of them aren’t very powerful. If you can, position the motion sensor so that it detects anyone going near windows as well.

WEEK 39 ASSIGNMENTS

TASKS

1. Work on obtaining what you need to install alarms for exterior doors and ground-level windows. Everyone’s situation is unique, so use the information above as a guideline, but tailor your solutions to your specific situation.

2. If you have one or more dogs, work on their training this week and going forward. You want them to alert you to possible danger but also be quiet on command.

SAVINGS

Add $10 to your Prepper Savings Account.

TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT:

WATER STORAGE

One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.

TOTAL WATER STORAGE:

GROCERY LIST

3 cans vegetables, your choice

2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup

1 can chili or stew, your choice

1 package or jar gravy, your choice

1 box powdered milk

1 lb pasta, your choice