Your home must always be secured to protect your family and to keep out looters if SHTF. There are several ways to improve your home security, like getting a guard dog and replacing faulty door and window locks with sturdy locks. (h/t to DoomsdayMoose.com)
As a prepper, your garage, barn or shed are crucial parts of your preps. You probably also use these areas as storage for your supplies and tools, or for keeping your cars safe from weather damage.
Like your home, a garage, barn or shed also needs to be protected from vandals or thieves with affordable security options.
Sturdy door and window locks
Even if you're not a prepper, your home should have sturdy door and window locks.
You can secure your outbuildings without breaking the bank if you install strong door locks and window locks, preferably with alarms. If you're not good with tools, work with a professional locksmith and have them post an alert or warning sign on your property to deter break-ins.
If your budget allows, inquire about video surveillance with a security system, so you can capture images of anyone trying to break in. Keep all your buildings safe by improving security in your property.
If you don't have extra funds for a high-tech security system, invest in sturdy doors and window locks to prevent property destruction and theft.
A guard dog
Guard dogs are another great option if you want to secure your property.
Keeping an outside dog to guard your barn or garage is often effective because looters tend to avoid homes once they see a guard dog outside. Contain your pet in a fenced-in yard with a visible or invisible boundary.
Let your dog also sleep inside an outbuilding and train them to growl or bark if a stranger approaches. Alternatively, you can keep your pet in a doghouse or let your dog run at night where it can see anyone trespassing on your property.
Some pet owners keep their dogs in the house and if a dog barks from inside, you can let the dog out to check the perimeter. Most of the time thieves will watch a property in advance before breaking in. Seeing a ferocious guard dog can help deter criminal activity.
If you're not sure what kind of guard dog to get for your home, here are some recommended breeds from the American Kennel Club:
These dogs are considered guardian breeds and they tend to be "loyal, fearless, strong and watchful." Note that these breeds need proper training and socialization due to their strength and size.
- Akita
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- Appenzeller Sennenhund
- Belgian Laekenois
- Boxer
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Puli
- Rottweiler
- Tibetan Mastiff
Fencing
Depending on the layout of your property and the area you live in, you can install tall fencing to discourage trespassers. Check if you can use barbed wire, or ask the local town council or law enforcement agency if it’s allowed on your property.
Another option is to plant tall, thorny shrubs around the perimeter of your property to make it difficult for robbers to access your buildings. (Related: Home security: 3 Ways to protect your homestead.)
Motion detectors
A motion detector sensor can automatically turn on a bright light or a floodlight in the direction of the sound near or on outdoor premises.
You can also install a motion detector light with an accompanying alarm or siren so you can be alerted about unusual activity on your property. Motion detectors with alarms will also help scare away intruders.
Install as many motion detectors as needed to cover the doors and windows leading to your garage and outbuildings.
Before SHTF, secure your home and garage or barn by getting a guard dog or installing other safety measures like motion detectors.
More related stories:
5 Simple ways to prep discreetly if you live in the city.
8 Disasters you can avoid or survive if you have a safe room.
Alarms, doors and perimeter protection: Keep your family safe with these 10 home defense strategies.
Watch the video below to see experts assess the security of the average American home and give tips on how to improve their home security.
Go to SelfDefense.news for more articles with tips on how to secure your home.
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