It is a common misconception that all thieves are brainless halfwits who are easily led by quick cash for drugs. I’m not going to dismiss this, in some cases it is true, however, with the continuing deterioration of the economy, overall crime is going to double and there will be some indivudals who will be desperate enough to turn to a new found life in crime. The sooner you accept this as a reality, the sooner you will realize that these new criminals are more evolved from your everyday petty thief. They will be patient and take their time by researching the best possible way to hit a residence in order to bypass getting caught. That being said, you need to be ready for it and do some research of your own to stay ahead of the game. To beat these criminals, you have to let yourself begin to think like a criminal.

Emerging technology once viewed as a convenience, should now be perceived as a double edged sword. In order gain a bird’s eye view into your home, thieves are now using google maps to find the best vantage points. These thieves used Google Maps to target as many as nine suburban homes in a Chicago neighborhood for break-ins since March 2011, police said.

iPhone even has an application which gives you detailed characteristics of properties (houses) in USA. In this app, you can either search the map or just use your GPS coordinates to get information such as price of the house, number of floors, number of rooms, pictures taken from inside the house if the house was part of any register (letting agencies etc.) before you moved in, and other interesting information.

On the other hand, iPhone also has a app that works in conjunction with an external monitoring service and helps you check your home security system while away from the home, send commands from a computer or cell phone, even manage lighting and thermostat controls remotely.   Home security systems integrated with Alarm.com will keep you updated on what you want to know about the security of your property while you’re away with email or text message alerts when specific sensors are activated. The cost varies depending on what feature you add to your customized alarm system.

Some home owners are fighting back and using cameras installed on their computers as a video surveillance system to monitor their home. All you need is your PC, a webcam or IP camera, and advanced surveillance software like the popular WebCam Monitor. Ensure that you position web cams strategically in hidden areas, and place the computer that is monitoring the locations in a hidden spot so the criminals do not walk off with the computer. 

To further protect your home consider adding some additional home security layers, and using plants to secure the home. In addition, reinforcing the barriers that keep intruders out is a great way to begin protecting the home.  In the book,  How to Survive The End of The World as we Know It, the author, James Wesley, Rawles lists some examples on how to have a defensible advantage from criminals.  Although, this article lists some of these examples, it is highly recommended that you read the book. The following is a constructive list of items you can consider:

• Reinforced doors and locks.
• Barred windows or European-style security/storm shutters.
• Place thorny bushes around windows.
• Intrusion detection systems.
• Position web cams strategically in hidden areas.  Place the computer that is monitoring the locations in a hidden spot so the criminals do not walk off with the computer.
• Create a barrier from approaching vehicles.
• Put a peep hole in the door.
• Add a bolt and chain to the door.
• Guard dogs
• Infrared (IR) floodlights to illuminate the property (These can be motion-sensor activated).
• Fence the entire property, if it is not done so already.
• A gate at the front of the driveway that has spikes at the top to prevent someone from jumping over the fence.
• Extra fire hydrants in the case that the invaders try to burn you out of your home.
• Create a safe room or vault to where a family can go to evade their attackers.
• Create a neighborhood watch.

Take an active stance on your home security and find ways to deter these criminals from breaking into your home. Your safety and security rests in your hands.

It does not matter what nation you live in, no one likes the idea of not having basic human rights to serve their basic needs.  The Egyptian riots begain over bread lines.  If you think this will not happen in America, you are sorely mistaken.  Food prices are rising exponentially.  It is only a matter of time before Americans reach the boiling point.  A person will do whatever is necessary to protect their children and their loved ones.  In every country around the world there has been riots concerning this very issue.

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. — Ecclesiastes 1:9

Perhaps I should agree with that woman at the grocery store.  Because, we are different in the respect of culture, traditions, and even spiritual beliefs, but our similarities are what binds us together as a race.  Many of you have already heard of Maslow’s heirarchy of needs.  Ingrained in each human is a desire to care for ourselves, our family and those we love.  When one’s personal rights are taken away, a person’s anger rules their actions and their thoughts.  They defy government, because the government is the one that took those freedoms and rights away. 

Staying Safe During a Riot

Fortunately, riots for the most part are peaceful, but when human rights are a centerpiece for the protesting, it can and typically does turn violent.  No matter how much a person wants to stand up for a cause, a riot is not the place to do so.  Just typing in the world “riots” into google images shows you what you would be up against if you were caught in a riot.  It is no place that I would want to be.

Stay inside.  Your voice will not be heard in an angry mob.  Stay inside until the riot subsides. 

Keep away from windows.  Because riots can turn violent quickly, it is best to stay away from windows. Bricks, trashcans and other heavy surfaces can be hurled into the windows, thus creating medical problems.

Stay calm.  Remaining calm will keep you as clear headed as possible.  Maintaining rational thoughts will keep you from panicking and helping you find the safest escape route.

Find an exit.  Looking for the nearest exit that is safe to take is what your thoughts should be focusing on.

If a person is caught outside when a riot breaks out, your main priority is finding safety.  Staying away from the angry mob is the goal. 

Be prepared.  Though riots are often difficult to predict, if you are traveling in an area that is a known place of civil unrest, there are certain things that you can do to keep yourself safe. Wear clothes that cover all of your exposed skin, and that fit in with the local dress. When a person blends in with locals, it is easier to escape.  Rioters can be unpredictable, and you may be the target for violence if you stand out as an outsider.

Have an escape.  During a riot, it’s important that you get as far away from the rioting crowd as possible. If you are in an area that you know well, this may be easy for you. However, if you are in an unfamiliar area, you may have a bit more difficulty. Before traveling to an unfamiliar area, it’s best if you have a general idea of how to make your way around the area without attracting too much attention.

Riots, hurricanes, earthquakes, even severe power outages have all occurred in different cities across the country and have all left their mark upon citizens who dealt with the aftermath.  Many urban inhabitants do not realize how quickly “the system” can deteriorate.  Along those same lines, after  a disaster, the usual civil nature of  those occupying a city devolves into an unorganized mess of chaos. 

For instance, many remember the L.A. riots that occurred in 1992 because of civilian frustration at the local government level.  When the civilians were angered about the verdict of a trial of officers, within two hours there were riots, looting, fires and chaos that broke out. Over 50 murders occurred during the L.A. Riots.

These breakdowns of the system eventually lead to waves of crime.  Typically those that are creating the chaos are ill equipped and unprepared to survive in such surroundings.  Desperation will be a reason to legitimize aggressive force to steal, loot or kill if need be.  The assistance of government agencies could be delayed as they are dealing with the influx of crime and other city related  matters.  Depending on the circumstance, citizens may realize they are on their own and left to fend for themselves.  And those that choose to bug out or stay in place may have a major survival situation on their hands. 

The most important asset to have in a situation such as this is to have the capable skills and know-how of getting out of harms way.   The best advice in surviving the aftermath of a urban disaster would be to stay away from the crowd, keep your head down and immediately seek safety.

If a person must stay in place, having the following disaster items and equipment will make the situation more bearable:

• Have a emergency plan in place.
• Stock up on a basic short term food and water supply.  Having a stockpile of food will eliminate the need to go out and brave the crowds.  In addition having alternative cooking sources would be beneficial in that electricity could be cut off (i.e. fuel camping stoves, hot plates, compressed trioxane, etc).  In the event of food shortages that are expected, the skills and equipment to cook without alerting others is a life saving skill to have.
• Buy emergency items now – This is basically any item that would be of benefit in a survival situation (tent, bug out bags, flashlights, candles, lanterns, etc.)
• Keep your fuel in your vehicles filled up in case you decide to flee.
• Prepare to protect your family with different security layers.  Any type of self defense would be beneficial in a situation such as this.  In addition, the family owns firearms, then making sure they are clean and loaded may help ward off unwelcome guests.

Once all resources have been depleted in the city, the remaining occupants will flee the city and survival will become even more arduous.  Evacuating the urban areas to safety will be a journey in itself.  Here are some tips to staying safe if bugging out of an urban area:

• Know your evacuation route and plan before you leave.  Having a clear and concise plan will keep you as organized and efficient as possible.  In addition, plan for an alternate route.  Let’s be honest, in an emergency situation nothing ever goes as planned.  Have maps, GPS or compass to assist in guiding you to safety.  Try and stay off the major roads as much as possible.  This is where many crimes will take place. 
• Have a planned shelter to go to.  Whether it be a family member’s home, a friend or an out of town relative, make plans beforehand.
• Efficiently pack a 72 hour kit  and if you are evacuating in a vehicle, prepare a vehicle 72 hour kit. 
• Have extra fuel stored and ready to go.  Try to anticipate reasons that you would need to stop the car and prepare for them.  Stopping the car makes you vulnerable to the outside and groups that may be around.
• Expect the unexpected and mentally prepare.  Survival is 90% psychology.  Mentally preparing oneself, as well as staying flexible to the situation will help a person stay focused on surviving.

Surviving the urban jungle is not for the weak hearted.  The reality of the situation is whether you bug out or bug in, there are risks.  Those that are looting, stealing and being destructive will more than likely travel in large gangs and be heavily armed.  Therefore, setting up a perimeter and combining forces with others would be advantageous on your part to fight this horde off.  Morals, ethics, religion all are forgotten when a person cannot have basic needs met.  Preparing oneself for the possibility of a urban survival situation will increase your survival chances exponentially.

Achieving a Secret Survival Garden

Concealing Your Plants - Many have thought of the idea to conceal the garden with a sturdy barrier or fence using materials such as cement blocks (6 ft. or taller),  and then adding a locked gate that strangers cannot access easily or kick in.  The gate would be functional, yet protective at the the same time.  Adding additional security to this type of garden can be added by placing broken glass or nails on top of the walls.  The broken glass will not be easily seen and create a protective layer to the top of the garden.

Planting bushes or plants with thorns (bush or vining) on the outside of the wall would minimize invasions with their intimidating presence.  Some varieties are zone specific so do some research to find out which security plants grow in your area.  However, any type of thorning plant will ensure that  an outsider to the garden will not be able to access the inside of the garden.

The author of the Survivalist Blog gives some insight on how to get your home and your garden to “blend in” so that attention is not drawn to it.  Here are some of the tips that were mentioned:

“Concealing your plants can be achieved by covering the plants in some way, such as using the Three Sisters method or allowing tall weeds to grow around the garden.  Additionally, not drawing attention to gardens with pathways is another suggestion of keeping the garden out of sight.  The idea is to make your garden blend into it’s surroundings as much as possible.  This can be achieved by not leaving trash around, and covering any exposed soil with leaves, mulch, or whatever was covering the garden before you started working.”

Grow Indoors - If one is concerned with growing outdoors, growing indoors can be achieved by either growing plants near a sunny window or by creating an inconspicuous green house or “grow room”.  Grow rooms are a great way to hide what is on the inside of the building/room.  This method is best if windows are covered in plastic or there are no windows to begin with for people to look in.  The author of the Survivalist Blog provides some advice for building this type of room set up:

“Grow rooms can be made by “taking the roof off of an old shed, barn, garage or storage building and replacing it with corrugated fiberglass sheets used to build greenhouses.  You can get the fiberglass sheets at any good hardware store.  The walls and floor of the building should be painted white or covered with aluminum foil to reflect sun-light back onto the plants…Grow rooms should also have vents covered with screen cut into the walls to let air circulate.  The vents should be cut up high next to the roof to keep anyone from looking in.  Four 6×12 inch vents, will provide plenty of air circulation for a modest size room of 15×30.”

Source

Items to Have For an Indoor Survival Garden

Having an indoor greenhouse is a great way to hide the plants so those passing by do not notice it.  However, depending on where the grow room is in the home, additional items may be needed to get plants to grow to their optimum growing capacity.  Mimicking mother nature is not an easy task.  For plants to grow, they need adequate sunlight, nutrients, a breeze and good amounts of water.

For example, if a person were to grow plants in their basement or a windlowless room to completely conceal their harvest, they may need items such as:

• Self watering planters or planters of different sizes
• Soil or growing mediums for hydroponic growing
• Fertilizers
• Fans or Ventilation Fans
• Lights if there is not sufficient sunlight in the room
• Thermometers
• Additional shelving or tables
• irrigation system or hoses
• Trellises or support cages
• Hydroponic gardening system
• Books or sources on how to grow plants indoors or the hydroponic method

This small investment will pay itself back the first harvest.  Food can be harvested year round and stored for later use.  Additionally, having fresh foods in a survival situation will sustain the body with a constant supply of fresh vitamins and nutrients, as well as purifies the home with rich oxygen to reduce lung related illnesses and allergies.

They can tell which person on the block has the extra bucks laying around just by looking in the drive way. Your car and the contents in your trashcan say a lot of how well your financial life is going. They can also tell which person on the block lives in a false sense of security.  It’s usually the person with next to no security features outside of their home (no flood lights, security cameras, peep holes).  Criminals usually study the area they plan to steal from extensively before they actually strike. They could drive by to see what is in the trashcan (especially after the holidays), or even pretend they are a community helper and get invited into the home for some type of “inspection.” 

Why Do People Break Into Homes?

The answer to this question is quite simple: because we make it so easy for them to do so.  Many people leave the vulnerable areas of the home unprotected for intruders to enter.  And typically, intruders will break into those vulnerable homes that have easy access to windows and doors. If the homeowners made things more difficult for them, the inruders will skip the home all together and move onto another home. 

In an article on home security, there were many suggestions provided on how to prevent crime from occurring at one’s home.  This article will elaborate on the type of plants one can use for security.     

Plant Thorn Bearing Trees, Shrubs and Vines Around Vulnerable Spots To Minimize Invasions 

Check your garden zone to see which varieties are best for the area you live.  Some of these plants are very prolific and can cover an area in a fast amount of time.  Do some research to see what plant works best for you and your home situation.

Some thorn bearing tree varieties to consider would be:

Trees with thorns on their trunk can help protect upstairs windows from being broken into.  Because who wants to scale a tree of thorns?

• Argentine Mesquite - This variety of tree bears 2-inch thorns in it’s bark making it a very intimidating tree to climb up.
• Honey Locust – This plant is a multi-purpose plant that not only provides a security defense with it’s sharp red thorns, but also has edible parts on the plant as well. The seed pods are edible and sweet and can be fed to livestock. In addition, the flowers this tree makes creates a nectar that attracts bees. 
• Black Locust – This tree has smaller, 2-inch thorns on it’s main trunk.  However, if the thorn makes contact with skin, there will be swelling and pain.

 Thorn bearing vining plants:

These vining plants are good multi-taskers.  They serve as aesthetic beauty and provide preventative security at the same time!

• Bougainvillea
• Climbing roses
• Blackberry vines
• Catclaw creeper

Thorn bearing bush varieties:

• Pyracantha or fire thorn bush is not a bush to get caught up in.  The sting will radiate a burn-like feeling for hours. It is quite prolific and will definately make a statement of “back off.”
• Catsclaw acacia conceals it’s thorns under beautiful leaves and yellow flowers.
• Cacti are a great way to keep intruders out. Look for varieties such as the thorny chollas with 2-inch thorns. 
• Rugosa roses are a thorn bearing variety, but are also functional in that they attract bees with their pollen and nectar. 
• Oregon grape holly is both attractive and deterrent with it’s 2-inch thorns.
• The Washington hawthorn tree has attractive red berries and thorns.  It can be allowed to grow or pruned into a bush. Having these planted directly under windows will help deter any intruders.

These days, having a security alarm may not always prevent intruders and criminals from breaking into your home.  But a thorn bearing tree or bush can make a big difference!  As many individuals are starting to see, crime is increasing and people are beginning to make the effort to find alternative ways to beef up their home defense. By planting thorn bearing plants, bushes and trees around the vulnerable and exposed area of the home, can help to secure the property so that criminals will think twice before attempting to break in.

In a previous article, Urban Defense Planning for the Home, it was briefly discussed that designing a home defense  system to evade possible criminals is your only way to protect your home, your family and your belongings, as well as alert you to anyone trying to break in.  Home invasions are growing more and more frequent these day.  Recently in the news, a 15 year old shot a home invader trying to break into his home. 

Desperate individuals feel their cause is justified and important enough to break in, terrorize, attack and steal belongings from others homes.  Thieves are beginning to use technologies such as Google Maps and iPhone applications to gain an upperhand in breaking into your home. Being aware of the possible bouts of crime in your area, the technologies that are being used against you and and designing a home defense  system around this will help to better protect your home.

Preventative measures can be put in place to keep these scums far away from your home.  Minimize the threat of a home break in or home invasion by adding layers of security to prevent your home from being a possible hit.  Security layers are preventative measures put into place that will advertise to possible intruders to avoid your home altogether. 

Layer 1: The Outside Layer                                           

• Reinforced doors and locks.  There is only 1 ” of wood protecting you in normal door locks.                                                                 
• Invest in heavy duty door hinges and secure door frames with 3 ” screws.                                   
• Barred windows or European-style security/storm shutters.
• Doors that are not glass or see through.
• Install a peep hole for the door.
• Never rely on a chain latch as an effective barrier (they are easily broken if the door is kicked in).
• Install infrared flood lights, or motion detector lights around the perimeter of the home.
• A gate at the front of the driveway that has spikes at the top to prevent someone from jumping over the fence
• Never leave a spare key hidden under a rock or door mat.  Too many people do this and it is the first place a criminal is going to look.
• Cut back large trees or bushes near the windows to provide concealment.  Additionally, putting thorn bushes and other types of plants to further secure the home would be advantageous.
• Have a guard dog trained to attack.  And place “beware of dog” signs in the front and side gates of the home.

Layer 2: The Inside Layer

• Consider investing in an alarm and advertise that you have one by placing stickers in windows and signs in the yard.
• Consider adding a 2-way voice feature to the existing alarm system.  This feature enables your security system to communicate directly through the control panel.  This feature also allows you to call into your system and be able to listen to any activity or speak to your child or other family members who are home.
• Position web cams strategically in hidden areas.  Place the computer that is monitoring the locations in a hidden spot so the criminals do not walk off with the computer.
• Have emergency plans and protocols set up where children or teens can see them.  Additionally, have important contact phone numbers next to the plan.
• Teach the household how to call 9-1-1, and have a script ready for them to read to the dispatcher.  This will help keep them explain calmly to the dispatcher what the emergency situation is.
• Teach members of the home different escape routes to use in case they need to leave the home, as well as a code word to use for the family to immediately leave the home to go to a safe location.
• Close all curtains and blinds at nighttime and set the alarm.
• Keep purses, car keys, money and jewelry away from windows were burglars can look in and see.  This only makes them want to break in more.
• If a gun is in the home, have it locked up or put away so that smaller children do not try to use it.

Layer 3: The Personal Layer

This is the most critical layer. 

• Teach family members to be observant of their surroundings when coming home and be aware of suspicious activity.
• Never open the door to strangers.  Teach children not to be easily persuaded by strangers who look professional or have badges. 
• Teach chidren to call “safe” adults, such as neighbors for help in cases where parents are not home.
• Get to know your neighbors and have their phone numbers on hand in case the child needs help from a nearby adult.
• Or, arrange a neighborhood watch program.
• Never be afraid to call the police if a stranger or solicitor is acting suspiciously.
• Teach children how to use the security alarm and where the panic button is.
• Find a bug out location for family members to go to for safety.
• If someone is trying to break into your home, activate your car alarm or panic button on the security alarm to draw attention from the neighbors.
• As a last resort, teach older members of the home and older children how to use weapons against intruders.

It’s not enough these days to tell those who are home alone to have the doors and windows locked at all times or to not open doors for strangers.  Parents need to thoroughly discuss emergency and safety plans with those living in the home, as well as protocols on how to handle certain dangers.  A person who is prepared for a possible run in with a burglar or home invader is well equipped with knowledge on the home’s security features, knowledge on how to get additional family members to safety, get help, and as a last resort know how to use a weapon. Teaching members of the family what a home invasion is and the dangers associated with it will help them understand that invaders will not be kind, that they are intending to hurt persons who are inside, and will stop at nothing to get what they want. 

When an emergency arises, adrenaline is kicks in, and triggers the fight-or-flight response, causing a rush of emotion, anxiety and for some, panic.  Practising emergency plans can help a family know exactly what to do and how to stay calm doing it.  Dangers such as home invasions and burglaries are occurring more frequently, thus causing those who are home alone to be more at risk.  Having layers of security features in and outside of the home can keep those inside the home safer.

Imagine, the dangers that would lurk.  Imagine the hungry and desperate that would be willing do anything it took to get their family fed, the diseases that would occur due to poor sanitary conditions and contaminated water supplies.  The people of this Nation would shed their decency and timid natures (which we are so used to seeing), and become nothing short of animals.  We would become territorial predators that would attack to get what is needed to survive.  In desperate times, people will stop at nothing to get what they need to survive.

The Hungry

When a  long term disaster situation begins, many of the unprepared will go out searching for food.  The human race is genetically wired to do what is necessary to survive, even in a panic state.  Those that are panic stricken and in a desperate state are not the type of people to get tangled up in.  They will either attack in organized groups, or individually attack.  They could set houses on fire, and kill if necessary to feed themselves and their families.  If a person decides to be charitable, approach this with caution.  Desperate times call for desperate measures.   As much as a person wants to help their fellow man, their fellow man may want more than just a hand out. 

If a person has the power to prepare a city or town for a long term disaster, a great way to plan for this would to have churches or other facilities begin preparing a food bank with canned goods, non-GMO seeds, and needed preparedness items for a long term situation.  This food bank would be able to keep hostility down in the beginning of a long term disaster so that a city can prepare an action plan (if it has not already done so).  The more a city is prepared, the more success it will have, and it’s citizens at surviving. 

 Dangers From Lack of Security

To prevent someone from attacking your shelter or homestead, measures must be put into place.  Additionally, having a good security detail to be aware of possible threats and attacks.  This is an essential defense maneuver.  Whether an urban street has blockades and neighbors take turns in groups securing the parameter, or having a sniper set up to alert in the case of a surprise attack.  There must be some form of security in order to defend the area.  Defense will play a large part in a long term disaster. 

Creating a barrier to prevent vehicles or individuals from approaching would efficiently secure the parameter of the home.  Re-enforcing fences with cement, or planting a shrub that has thorns is also a good deterrent.  Additionally, another way to secure a parameter is by planting an aggressive growing, highly resilient planst around the parameter, such as bamboo.  This will not only hide the homestead or home, but will also be a way to stop ambushes and persons trying to forcibly attack a home.

Fire

Next to having food and water, having a shelter is a top priority.  If a fire were to break out, many do not have enough measures available to put the fire out.  If the home is on fire, one must do everything in their power to save it.  Having some extra supplies such as Class A fire hydrants and baking soda for smaller fires, Class B for grease fires or a Halon Fire Suppression system, would come in handy if someone needed them.  If the fire cannot be contained, then everyone should evacuate immediately.  If the fire was started by looters, then a defense strategy would be necessary.

Disease

In a long term disaster, death is going to occur. When death is all around, it creates a disease prone area.  If dead corpses are laying in a water source, water-born diseases such as typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, viral hemorrhagic fever, and dysentary can pose a threat to the surrounding area.  Although persons that are alive are more likely to spread diseases due to poor sanitation and hygiene conditions, it is better to be on the safe side and take necessary precautions.  Additionally, some corpses could have blood born viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, or tuberculosis and could pose a slight risk if someone were handling the bodies.  But the risk can be minimized with basic precautions and proper hygiene.  Having a well organized plan of what to do to minimize the spread of diseases is something for many to think about.  Adding extra rubber gloves, face masks and bleach to the medical supplies would be advantageous.

In Summation

There are two very likely facts that everyone can agree on.  1.) Disasters happen every day.  They happen all over the world.  And may, in fact, happen to each us at one point in our lives.  2.) Desperation has no bounds.  If everyone agrees on these two facts, then the only logical answer is to prepare for the result of these two facts occuring, and the possibility of it happening at the same time. 

Preparing for the likelihood of a major, long term disaster is a choice that each person has to make.  If a long term disaster were to occur, the cities would become breeding grounds for disease, not to mention crime, starvation and total devastation.  Many city dwellers will try to flee the cities and roam the countryside trying to find safety and basic needs.  Yet, at the same time have the potential of bringing the diseases and exposing the countryside to sickness.  This is a nightmare, than many hope to never see.  But it has happened before, and it could happen again.  The point of all of this, is if it does indeed occur, how prepared for it will you be?

Providing charity during a long term disaster can be seen as a blessing to those in need.  But to those providing the charity, it can be seen as a security nightmare.  There may come a time when a person feels the need to help their fellow man.  After all, it is human nature to want to help. 

But,  desperate times call for desperate measures.  If the person in need is neither a family member or a friend that can help on the homestead, what can be done?  If there is a group of displaced persons, do you risk it?  Survival during a long term disaster depends not only on making the right choice, but the smartest choice. 

Maintain Anonymity

Provided that a person has enough provisions to support his family for the long term, and has enough extras to give out, it would be wise to be as inconspicuous as possible when providing the charitable items.  In a situation where people know that you have a lot of supplies, dangerous situations could occur.  If a person were desperate enough, they could try to overtake your home to get to the supplies, or get a group together to attack your home.  A person can never be too paranoid in a situation like this. 

Many are conflicted with how they could provide charity and still maintain good OPSEC and home security at the same time.   Going through a third party to give out the charity would eliminate the danger involved in  face-to-face donations.  This method would also eliminate the risk of people talking and spreading the word around that you have extra food at your disposal.  A third party could be a member of a church, or a family member.  A person could drop the donation off at the church door and tell the church leader to give the donation to who he/she feels needs it the most.

Charity during a long term disaster is quite a conundrum for those that have the means to assist.  But there is no “one size fits all” answer to this question.  It truly is a conundrum that each prepper may be faced with in the near future.  Whatever decision is made regarding charity, keep in mind that in a post -SHTF world – the rules have changed, and there will be more dangers out there.  So, make sure if you decide to give to charity, play it smart, and keep your family safe.

City dwellers have been “exposed” and have lived in close proximity of each other  for so long, that many have forgotten the concept of what privacy really is.  Because of people living in such close quarters to their neighbors, OPSEC (operations security) is a forgotten or unknown concept.  This forgotten concept carries though into the community as well.

People talk to strangers about unnecessary things,relay secrets to strangers more, and for some, gossip to exchange bits and pieces of information they have obtained to “one up” each other.  Neighbors observe other neighbors who behave differently, or seem different based upon their own social definitions of what and how a person should behave.  This information is stored until it can be used at a later time.

What is OPSEC?

From a prepping standpoint, OPSEC, or operations security is a term based upon a systemic process used to identify if critical information or inventory is properly concealed so that exploitation is not possible.  OPSEC maintains essential secrecy for effective operations.

Therefore, if a person wants to secure their preps they use OPSEC:

1. To keep their prepping inventory secure.

2. To secure the perimeter of their home in order to make sure their inventory cannot be taken.

3.  Use OPSEC in a social environment so that others will not know that there is an inventory at all.

Anything Can Be Used Against You

A person should think twice about telling others about any prepping investments they have made.  If a SHTF scenario occurred, anything said previously can be used against that prepper.  For example, if you tell your neighbor you have silver coins stashed away, if times were desperate enough, that neighbor could turn on you.  Keeping quiet about what one does is second nature to some.  But for others that are new to the idea of prepping, they do not see the whole SHTF picture.  If one person tells another about their preps, one person could tell another person about what preps their neighbor has.  Then, the word spreads throughout; especially when a severe situation occurs.  People will remember what you have told them, and come to you for help (if they are unprepared).  Helping a neighbor or family member in need is a noble deed.  However, those preparedness items are an investment for you and your family; and therefore, no one outside of the family should know what you have (unless you want that person to know).

You Endanger Yourself When OPSEC is Breached

Many of us live out in the open for everyone in our neighborhood to see. Our neighbors know more  about us than we give them credit for.   They know our schedules, they know our habits, they know what kinds of food we eat based upon what is in our trash cans, they know when we do yard work, they know what is inside our garage.  Neighbors talk, and they do not necessarily speak good things.  If you do tell a person about your prep items, make sure you trust that person explicitly.  But to be on the safe side,  keep your preps on the down low.  It is better for you, your family and your well being.

Do not place prep items in a area that can be easily seen. In dire situations, neighbors will lose their “neighborly way” if their family is in jeopardy, and will do just about anything to keep their family safe.  Therefore. store food in an area not easily seen.  If a person stores their prepping items in a garage, if they raises their garage door regularly, people walking by, neighbors across the street or adjacent to you can see what is inside your garage.  They will see the bottles of water, the super pails of food and keep a mental note of it.  Mainly, because it is out of the ordinary.  When a disaster situation occurs, they will remember what they saw, and they will come to you for help or get what they need by force.

It is important to keep in mind that a person should store food and water in an area where temperatures do not fluctuate.  Therefore, a closet or unused room would be a better choice.  Additionally, the preps should not be exposed to large amounts of light.  If a person has to store their preps in a garage, try and buy storage shelves with doors to hide what is inside, and use some sort of mobile AC/heater unit to regulate temperature.  And the best bet, is to not open the garage door to expose what is inside.  Not to mention, a garage is a easily accessible area to rob if the parameters are not adequately secured.

Secure the parameter of your home so that it cannot be breached. Let’s face it, crime is increasing and home invasions are more common, even in the so called “safer neighborhoods.”  Many invaders know that a majority of people do not have guns in the home, and home owners rely on their expensive home alarm systems.  There are ways to make a home less of a target to burglaries.  Additionally, many law enforcement agencies will “walk through” a home to make suggestions on trouble spots.  This is usually done free of charge.  If there is a long waiting list due to the lack of police in the area, an “off duty” officer could do this as well for a nominal fee. Or, you could put yourself in a burglars shoes and walk around your property.  Take a friend around the property who is not as familiar with it as you.  He may find some things you overlooked.

Your Preps are Your Life Line

Prepping is not the newest fad that people should talk  casually about.   The items stored are necessary items to carry you and your family when times become difficult. Those preps are your life line when a natural or man made disaster is imminent.  You must keep them as safe, secure and out of sight as possible.  Use OPSEC to keep those items, your home and your self secure.

Ten Commandments of Gun Safety

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

2. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

3. Always keep the action open except when actually hunting or preparing to shoot.  Always wear approved shooting safety glasses and hearing protection.

4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that the ammunition is appropriate for the firearm.

5. Always be sure of your target and beyond prior to firing.

6. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm and never point at anything you don’t want to shoot.

7. Never climb a fence, tree, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.

8. Never shoot as a flat hard surface or water.

9. Firearms and ammunition should be stored and locked separately.

10. Do not use alcohol and/or drugs at any time while handling a loaded firearm.

These guidelines are to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.  If a person is inexperienced with handling a firearm, there are classes available through local gun ranges on assisting a person understand their firearm and how to use it.  Additionally, the National Rifle Association is also a good source of knowledge to fun information pertaining to firearms and safety. 

A firearm should be used as a last resort when all other means of diffusing the situation has been exhausted. 

Gun safety should be taken very seriously when children are present in the home.  Children are very curious and typically live in their world’s of make believe.  Follow certain safety guidelines when children are concerned.