Preppers do not only prepare for natural disasters and man-made catastrophes, but also for one of the most prevalent crimes in the country -- home invasion.
According to statistics, a home invasion happens every 12 seconds in the United States. Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows that women or senior citizens living alone in a house are the primary targets of home invaders. Break-ins also increase the volume of other related crimes, such as assault and rape. According to the Department of Justice, 60 percent of rape cases and 38 percent of assaults happen during home invasions. (Related: Stay safe at home this summer, when most home invasions and break-ins occur.)
Below are four simple ways to protect your house from invaders.
Install a home security system
There are many options to choose from when it comes to home security systems, such as door stop alarms, window alarms, motion sensors and security cameras. Just make sure that these security systems are strategically placed in parts of your house that can be used as entry points. Always make sure that these alarm systems are working. You may test them once in a while to ensure that they will work once a real intruder comes.
Tend your yard regularly
Bushes and plants might grow tall if you're not tending your yard regularly. An unkempt yard could create ideal hiding places for thieves. Untended yards could also give an impression that the person or family living in the house is not always there, giving criminals a reason to attack.
You may add a fence around the perimeter to serve as your first line of defense. In building fences, you may use barbed wires, spikes or glass. The presence of such fences may discourage thieves. You may also plant thorny vines in your yard or set up traps to serve as your second line of defense. Having a dog in your yard also helps.
Reinforce your doors and windows
Home invaders normally enter through your doors and windows, so these entry points are the ones that must be strengthened more than any other parts of your house. One way for you to reinforce your door is by installing a metal doorframe, which is harder to break compared to a wooden frame. If you can afford it, use a steel door. It is the sturdiest and it is fireproof. But if you don't have the means, adding extra doorstops and deadbolts will do. It is also better to put a peephole so that you can first see the person outside before opening the door.
When it comes to windows, you may use security bars or put dowel rods in the gaps where your window slides. Consider ways to fortify glass windows.
Don't show off
As a prepper, live low-key. Avoid using a high-end car, expensive gadgets or anything that will make you look rich. Also, avoid dressing up flamboyantly. The things inside your house like television, furniture and other electronic equipment must be hidden behind your doors and curtains. Live a private life. It may save your life.
For more tips on keeping your house safe from break-ins, visit SelfDefense.news.
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