There are a lot of preps that you can do to improve your home security. But if you're on a tight budget, you can still secure your property and protect your home from the elements using simpler tools. (h/t to BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com)
Hand-operated post hole auger
A well-built fence is essential for securing your property. You can make a fence from materials like wire or wood, but you also need good, sturdy posts.
When setting up your fence, purchase or scavenge solid wood or metal. With a hand-operated post hole auger, you can easily dig deep, narrow holes for your fence posts.
A hand-operated post hole auger is a hand tool that will prove incredibly useful even before SHTF. Unlike a regular shovel, hand-operated post hole augers can dig narrow and deep holes for fence posts.
A hand-operated post hole auger is capable of the drill-type action required to make a straight, deep hole. Hand-operated post hole augers are easy to use, and you can dig a hole that's three feet deep using one in less than 15 minutes.
To use a post hole auger, rotate the handles to drill down. Then, pull up the auger to occasionally dump out the dirt. A post hole auger makes a hole as deep as the handle and a little bit wider than the end of the hand-operated post hole auger.
Strike plate locks
A standard doorknob lock or chain lock can secure your door, but if you want to fortify your home, you need strike plate locks.
A strike plate lock is more secure than a standard doorknob lock, and it's small enough that you can easily install it if you're renting an apartment. (Related: Simple strategies you can implement NOW to significantly improve your home security.)
To install a strike plate lock, secure it into solid wood using the long screws that are included in the package. Before you head to bed, slip the hoop attached to the lock on your door handle.
The hoop will secure your door even if an intruder tries to kick it down. This should buy you enough time to get a weapon if you're forced to face anyone who is determined to break into your home.
The strike plate lock has several important security features: It bolts very solidly into the framing in or around your door, and it comes with a chain that is stronger than a regular chain lock.
The hoop, which is easy to secure on a door handle while you're indoors, is impossible to remove if you're outside.
Here are other easy ways to fortify your front door:
- Use high-quality metal-insulated or solid wood for your doors.
- Install sturdy deadbolt locks. Use single-cylinder one-inch deadbolts on your front door.
- Door jammers can also buy you time to arm yourself during an attempted break-in.
Wood strips
You need wood strips to protect your home from the elements.
For example, if a window breaks due to strong winds caused by a storm, you need wood strips to temporarily patch the window using plastic sheeting. Without wood strips, the wind will easily tear the plastic sheeting from the nails.
To secure the plastic sheeting to the windowsill, place a wood strip over the edge of the sheet then drive the nails through the wood strip, sheeting, and the window frame.
Don't wait before disaster strikes. Use these simple but incredibly useful tools to secure your home against intruders.
Sources include:
BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com
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