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Safety After The Fall


Table of Contents 1) Do not be an easy target

a) Introduction

b) Strengthen your doors and windows

c) You need an effective home defence plan

i) Have a safe room

ii) Be realistic

iii) Practice, evaluate and continuously improve the plan

d) Prevention techniques

i) Detect

ii) Deter

iii) Delay

e) Summary of basic home security measures

2) Securing your doors

a) Finish off with a reliable door alarm

b) Choose the right door jammers

c) Peepholes vs. door chains

d) Securing patio doors

e) Getting the most from your hinges

f) Is your strike plate secure enough?

g) Locks and keys

i) Single-cylinder deadbolt locks

ii) Double-cylinder deadbolt locks

3) Securing your windows

a) Window alarm systems

b) Pinning/bolting windows

c) Screw-down options

d) Securing casement and jalousie windows

e) Window screens, bars and plates

4) Securing the garage

5) Fence security

6) Choosing padlocks

a) Choose the right locking hardware

7) Finding safety in a safe room

a) Choosing a safe room


i) Do you have a room at the end of the hallway?

ii) Consider the most likely intruder entry points

iii) If I have to open fire from the safe room, what are my options?

b) Constructing the safe room – safe room doors

i) Construction material

ii) Safe room door hinges

iii) Safe room door locks

iv) Safe room strike plates

v) The safe room peephole

c) Reinforcing safe room walls

d) What can I have in the safe room

8) An expert’s guide to weapons and weapon selection

a) Where should I target?

b) Types of strikes

c) Impact driven striking

i) Gripping impact weapons

ii) Angles of attack

d) Impromptu weapons vs. semi-impromptu weapons

e) Semi-impromptu weapons that add power to the punch

i) Yawaras

ii) Tape measure

iii) Slungshots

iv) Other impromptu weapons;

f) Edged weapons

g) Pointed weapons

9) Facing martial law

a) Preparing for life under martial law

i) Do NOT trust the government

ii) Zip it

iii) Every authority figure is an enemy too!

iv) Make your own survival your number one priority

v) Help out those who are resisting

vi) Develop a survival network

vii) Stay away from government monitoring and control activities

viii) You can resist too

b) What exactly do you need in preparation for martial law?

c) Can I win?

10) Conclusion


Introduction

You are NOT SAFE. All you have to do is watch the news and see the truth. People

are being burglarized. If that doesn’t scare you, think about this: over 2 million break-ins

are reported EVERY YEAR in the United States alone. And remember, these crimes occur

during stable times. A crisis such as an EMP will dramatically alter the stability and safety

of our society. As access to resources becomes scarce, people will become desperate and

civil unrest will spread rapidly. Safety After The Fall was written to help you prepare for

these times.

That is exactly what this eBook is about. After reading the eBook, you should be able to

at least lodge an informed counterattack in self-defence. It’s not always the case that you will

win. But your survival chances are greatly increased if you can fight back in an informed

manner. You will learn a lot of things in this eBook. Just make sure to stay safe and apply

whatever you learn here as and when necessary.

Do NOT be an easy target Burglars and other bad guys are more often than not just lazy opportunists. They will

show up just to see if they can break into our homes and make away with something valuable.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that they will always succeed. Sometimes all they are able

to do is to go to your home and see how secure it is.

This is especially true when your home is completely secure and there’s no way at all for

them to break in. But if your home looks run down and unkempt, then it encourages them to

work even harder. It’s like sending a message that you don’t really care about keeping them out.

Basic home maintenance starts with the small things, some of which may not seem a big deal in

keeping your home secure, but they are. Mow your lawn and trim any shrub on a regular basis.

Collect and throw away debris from your grounds and don’t leave any rocks lying around. Many

times, the rocks, bricks and other small heavy items are the same ones that burglars will use to

break any windows or break locks in order to get into your home.


Make that every window is shut and

every door locked when you’re away from

home. In fact, get into the habit of shutting

your doors even when you’re at home. And if

the garage door doesn’t need to be open, do

not leave it open.

If you’re not in the garage, keep the

door locked. Always change the factory code

on your garage door openers. What about the

basement windows? How strongly are they

secured? Have you reinforced them? You

should even consider reinforcing them with

bars over the windows. Ground level windows can be an easy way into your home. You don’t

want to leave anything to chance.

It also helps to use a few visual cues to make any potential burglar think twice about

breaking into your home. It’s good to keep up with your home’s appearance, but not if the same

appearance lures burglars to your home.

So, first, if you don’t have a dog, get one – a big one. But even more importantly, make

sure that everyone knows you have a big dog around. The bad guys aren’t usually happy to

tangle with a dog. A dog house, a water or food dish, a big chain, or a bold dog warning sign are

all excellent ways to get the message across. Interestingly, these tricks can work very well even

if you don’t have a dog in the first place. Although your neighbors might know that you don’t

have a dog, the bad guys won’t likely take a chance.

Even though these things may not be available to you in any disaster, video surveillance

cameras are another tool that will work really well. These cameras send a strong message that

you want to keep your home safe. No one wants to get caught on camera robbing a home. It

makes the bad guys wonder what other surprises you have in store for them. So, even if the

surveillance camera isn’t working well or if it’s not working at all, leave it in plain sight. Again,

the burglars aren’t likely to know the truth.

Security service signs are also very effective. Since most security companies include

window decals and yard signs whenever a new system is installed, the burglars will instantly get

the feeling that something isn’t right. Post the signs prominently at your key entry points and

burglars may actually consider walking on even if the power is out.


Strengthen your doors and windows

Criminals generally enter the home through doors and windows. Well, some very skilled

and experienced burglars may try to break in through other areas, but doors and windows

generally represent the easiest points of entry.

Doors are usually the first place the burglar will check. If the door is weak and the locks

are easy to batter, they can quickly and easily make their way into your house. The reliability of

any door heavily depends on the quality of the home’s construction.

The door can only be as strong as the frame and the material surrounding the frame. It’s

quite shocking that some doors are very weak, with even weaker frames. If you think that the

door isn’t strong enough, it is important to reinforce it as well as its framing. Replace weak locks

with high quality deadbolts on all your exterior doors. Ensure that the deadbolts go as far as

possible into the wood frames and fix the striker plate using 3-inch screws.

For doors with glass panes or where the window is right next to the door, opt for key-

operated deadbolts. The reason for this is that locks with deadbolts on the inside are very easy to

manipulate. All the burglar needs is to break the glass and open the lock from inside by inserting

one arm through the broken area.

As for windows, just make sure that they are locked most of the time. Naturally, windows

are the easiest to break. The best idea is to place a glass break detector or connect a senor to

every window in the home.

It is also recommended to use lighting and landscaping to further improve home security.

For instance, you can install a thorny bush below the windows. Consisted cutting back any low

tree branches that can be used to reach the skylight or to climb to upper floors. Remove any trees

and bushes that cause darkness or provide cover near your entry points. Add motion detectors,

flood lights, and motion activated lights to brighten and expose the entry points.

The idea is to do as much as possible to tell the bad guys that you’re not leaving anything

to chance. You want to force them to consider their options. Even if they eventually manage to

break into your home, make them struggle for a few hours by which time you should have

noticed strange activity. The more time they spend trying to gain entry into your home, the more

time you have to notify the authorities or take other actions to protect yourself and your loved

ones.


You need an effective home defence plan

Even after improving the home’s appearance, adding several visual deterrents, and

strengthening all points of entry, it may still be possible for someone to break into your home. At

this point, you need a carefully thought defense plan to ensure the safety of yourself and your

loved ones. A plan allows you to act in an orderly manner without confusion. As long as

everyone can stick to the plan without hesitation, there is usually a chance that you can all get to

safety and alert the authorities in time.

It isn’t possible to provide specifics on this because defense plans generally depend on the

specific situation. The plan you eventually use will depend on the size and layout of the home as

well as the people you live with. For instance, the plan you would use if you live with a wife and

two young kids will be totally different than the one you would use if you are 3 adult males in

the home without kids or females. Here are a few basic facts to consider (most of these topics are

covered in detail in following chapters).

Have a safe room

A safe room is basically a strong room where you can safely hide in the unfortunate event of

an attack. The relative strength of your safe room will depend on your budget. It can be one of

your bedrooms that you’ve secured with extra heavy doors with thick hinges, a reinforced frame,

and a high quality deadbolt lock. Budget allowing, it may also be a typical vault with hardened

walls, weapons, survival supplies, and independent ventilation, communication and power

systems.


Be realistic

You need to be realistic with your assumptions. Consider the following three scenarios;

a. The break in occurs when you’re at home

b. The break-in is happening as you arrive home

c. The break-in occurs when you’re away from home

In each of the three scenarios, you need to have a solid and effective strategy. You must ask

yourself questions about how each scenario may affect your survival reactions. For instance, is it

day or night? Is it just you or is another family member at home? If so, what role does this family

member play? Are you armed? If not, can you access a defense weapon quickly? Should you

escape to your safe room?

Practice, evaluate and continuously improve the plan

The best plan is simple, comprehensive, and well thought out. You want a plan that is easy to

follow but one that covers as many scenarios as possible. Get the whole family involved so that

everyone knows their role in the event of an attack. For children, turn it into a game to see how

quickly they adapt to the plan. Repetition always helps. Practice the plan over and over again

until everyone fully understands it. This way, if you’re attacked, you can execute the plan

efficiently.

Prevention techniques

There are three commonly used home defense techniques that every homeowner should use –

commonly known as the 3Ds. These are;

I. Deter

Deterring means stopping the break-in altogether or doing everything to stop it. It typically

involves investing in a sound residential security system and installing the strongest locks. These

strategies eliminate the opportunity for easy entry.

II. Detect

If you can detect burglary very early, then you can also inform the authorities early. This

allows them to plan for and execute a rescue process in time. Early detection also allows you to

secure yourself and your loved ones before the burglars enter the home. For instance, you can

run into your safe room and arm yourself with a few weapons.


The best detection strategy is to force the burglar to work in a situation where they feel like

they are being observed. Burglars like complete privacy; they don’t want people seeing them or

what they’re doing. They don’t like drawing attention to themselves. So, they usually try to avoid

situations where they have to break glass or smash doors. For this reason, install an alarm on

every window and door. You may also invest in a system that alerts your neighbors in case of an

attack, who can then inform the authorities.

III. Delay

A rule of thumb is to delay the burglar for just four minutes. This is considered sufficient

enough to turn the burglar away and subsequently prevent burglary in a residential dwelling.

Even the bravest burglar doesn’t want to be caught in the act. So, delaying them on the job

exposes them to greater risk. The longer it takes to smash your door or break the window, the

less safe it becomes for them. While it’s almost impossible to make your home impenetrable,

you can easily make forced entry difficult and effectively delay the burglar.

If you can follow these tips from top to bottom, then your chances or avoiding burglary will

be significantly improved. You don’t have to be one of the 2 million residential homeowners

who fall victim to burglary every year. These people lose a lot of property and suffered grave

injuries and sometime even lost a loved one or their own lives. Take every step to secure your

home by Deterring, Detecting, and Delaying break-in.

Here is a summary of the basic tips for securing the home:

Always lock up

Even when you’re home, it’s a great idea to lock up. But when you’re away, there is no

excuse; you MUST lock every door and window. Sometimes burglaries occur during the day and

you might be caught unawares because you were in the kitchen preparing a meal. If you can lock

all the points of entry that you are not actively monitoring, you will be safer.

The main door should be the first priority. You need to secure it with a key-operated

deadlock on solid timber. Even if the bad guys find way into the house through another entry

point, a solid lock on the main door will make it difficult for them to carry away your valuables.

Consider reinforcing the deadlock with a security screen and a peephole that allows you to see

every visitor before they see you.


It also makes sense to install the same key operated locks on every other door in the

home because it not only makes owner entry easier but it guarantees increased security. Call your

residential security provider to help you install tamper proof locks. And if you have sliding

doors, ask the security provider to help you bolt then both at the top and bottom. You can also fit

the doors with specially designed deadbolts.

Secure the windows as well. Remember that no windows are ever too high or too low for

burglars. Consider securing every window with key locks or security grills and always lock

upper level windows.

Since shed are garages are usually filled with tools and other equipment that burglars can

use to break into your home, keep these areas completely unbreakable. Keep them locked always

and if there is a door connecting the garage and your home, then ensure it is always locked as

well.

Side gates are another area you need to be very careful with. They should also be locked

at all times. Educate the young ones to always lock such gates behind them.

Finally, do NOT throw your keys about. Don’t leave them lying everywhere. You need to be

extremely careful with all keys, always taking them with you. You can leave spare with a trusted

neighbor or friend just in case you lose your copy.

Consider getting a dog

It is no secret that family dogs play an important role in deterring and even in delaying

criminal activities in the home. A burglar who comes to your home and finds a big dog watching


the your home will have to think twice. Even if they eventually manage to get away with the

crime, they will have spent quite a bit of time thinking about how to deal with the dog.

In addition to having the dog, invest in a bold

warning sign signalling the potential criminal that

you have a scary dog within the home.

Think of a clear sign that reads; “Fierce Dog

Inside.”

It isn’t a surprise to hear of potential burglars

who quickly retreat after coming in contact with a

burglar-unfriendly dog.

Secure the meter box

A dedicated burglar may usually try to

interfere with your power system before trying to

break into your home. You need to beat them at

their own game by locking the meter box so it becomes impossible for them to interfere with the

electricity supply. Electricity authorities may help on this one.

Be prepared

The first step is to ensure that your house number is clearly visible both at the front and at the

back of your house. This way, if the authorities come to your rescue, it will be easier for them to

identify your home. A neighbor who overhears the break-in or who is alerted by your alarms will

also find it easy to read your house number from the rear of the house. Finally, program your

telephone numbers for emergency services, trusted neighbor, close friends, and relatives.

Catch burglars in the act

Burglars can sometimes use a series of tricks to enter your home. You need to catch them on

the act. For instance, a burglar may be disguised as an electrician or as service person from the

gas or water department. Sometimes they may ask for a glass of water or just give you a nice

story to trick their way into your home.

If you’re not buying their story, keep them out altogether. Alternatively, you can ask them to

return later. If you’re suspicious, inform the police.


Secure your doors

As already mentioned, the door is the primary entry point not just for the homeowner but

also for the burglar. So, no matter what door you have, you need to seriously improve it to keep

away any unwanted visitors.

A common thing that people

forget with doors is to use specific

doors for their intended purposes.

There are several types of doors,

developed specifically for certain

tasks. For instance, there are exterior

front doors that are designed to be the

home’s front door.

Then there are interior doors

that should be used for interior rooms.

By using an interior door for an

exterior purpose, you’re weakening the

security of your home and thereby

compromising your own safety. An

interior door is the one you will most

likely find on your bathroom doorway.

These doors are typically made

from thin veneer with a hollow center.

In short, they are made for privacy, not

security. Even if you put the best

security locks on an interior door, it

adds no value because a single blow to

the door is usually enough to break it

into pieces.

Start by replacing these kinds of doors with metal insulated or solid wood doors. This

will keep you and your home much safer. If you can’t afford a sound exterior door (they can be

pricey), then consider reinforcing the existing door with ¾ “plywood. Simply cut a ¾ “ piece

plywood the size of your door and secure it to the existing door by drilling holes and mounting it


using round-headed bolts. The round head of the bolt goes on the outside and is secured from the

inside with nuts, washers, and lock washers.

If the door has a window, then put the plywood right above the window as well. This will

keep burglars from breaking the window, getting their hands in, and unlocking the door. As an

additional measure, reinforce hollow core or wood panel doors by attaching 1/32-inch thick

(approximately 20 gauge) sheet metal on the outside facing end of the door. Use carrier bolts to

attach the sheet metal, spacing the bolts no further than 16 inches apart around the perimeter of

your door. It’s not going to be the best door but it will definitely make your door stronger.

Is your strike plate secure enough?

The other thing you need to consider is your strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of

metal that mounts onto the doorjamb. When you lock the door, the deadbolt goes into this piece

of metal.

A common problem with strike plates is that they are often installed using tiny ½ inch

screws. This is probably because most strike plates are sold with these tiny screws. If a bad guy

comes along and kicks the door with enough power, even if the deadlock was in place, since the

screws are too short, you will see that the doorjamb is splintering with ease.

You can enhance your safety by replacing these screws with longer, stronger ones. Check the

length of your strike plate screws and, if they are too short, replace them with 2 ½ to 3 inch

screws. These longer screws will not only go into the doorjamb but they will also get into the

wood stud to keep the door in place even when it is pushed or kicked. You may even replace

your strike plate with a heavy duty one.

Getting the most from your hinges

Exterior doors should have hinges on the inside. Otherwise a burglar may only need a

screwdriver to pull out the hinges and enter your home, regardless of the quality of the door or

the door frame.

So, if you have an exterior door with hinges on the outside, you need to replace the door with

interior hinges. Alternatively, you can reinstall the door so that the hinges face inwards.


However, you may be living in an area code prone to natural disasters where building codes

require that doors are fitted with hinges on the outside of the door. People who live in such areas

can use other methods to secure their hinges. For instance, you can weld the hinge pins in place

although this may also be prohibited by building codes not to mention that it makes door services

extremely difficult. Another good idea is to buy specially designed hinge screws that have

narrow heads and work like nails, but are more securely anchored.

Your door service company should help you fix your hinges with these special screws so that

even if the hinge pins are removed then the door still can’t be pulled out.

Just make sure to contact local authorities in advance to ensure that whatever you’re doing is

permitted within your area.

Securing patio doors

It is common for people to assume that patio doors are a no-go for burglars. In fact, some

people may not reinforce the patio door just for this reason. Be warned because patio doors, just

like any other doors, can be used by burglars to enter your home.

The patio door might make a lot of noise which can potentially keep away burglars. But that

doesn’t necessarily mean that they should be left unlocked the whole day. Patio doors come with

latches that can be easily forced. Most security experts advise that you put a few screws into the

track above your patio doors. This way the doors can’t be lifted up out of their tracks.


Another excellent idea, and actually a better one, is to invest in an auxiliary patio door lock.

They can be really expensive but will really add to your home security efforts. There are many

different types of patio door locks to consider but basically they work the same way by locking

the doors together so that neither can be slid to one side. They also lock the door right into the

track so they can’t be pulled up and out.

Peepholes vs. door chains

A common security problem with door chains is their glaring weakness. It’s very easy for

someone to shove their shoulder up against the door, snap the chain and that’s it! A peephole

work much better.

There is a wide variety of peepholes to choose from in the market. However, the old-

fashioned style is still considered an excellent choice. It will give you a 180 degrees view of the

outside so you can see almost everyone on the other side. Instead of opening the door with the

guidance of a chain to see who is out there, you can safely look through the peephole – with the

door locked.

A recent innovation which is becoming increasingly popular is the “Door Club.” The

Door Club costs about $29 in most neighborhood stores and offers the discreetness of the

peephole while still allowing you to open your door without compromising your security. If

everything else is in excellent condition (the door, frame, hinges and floor), then it can become

very difficult to break into the house if the Door Club is in place.

This piece of metal is designed to withstand more than two tons of force. It mounts on a

unique bracket on the inside lower end of the door when not being used. When you want to use

it, you will need to remove it from the bracket and insert it in a hole strategically drilled on your

floor.

Choose the right door jammers

Door jammers provide the home with an extra layer of security making it a must-have. There

are different types of door jammers to choose from. Excellent jammers are made from 16 gauge,


powder coated steel with no plastic parts on the doors. Choose a door jammer that sets up

quickly without the need for special tools.

Locks and keys

When discussing doors, it’s also important to cover locks and keys. To quote a popular

adage; any lock is better than no lock. Therefore, before you even you think about the different

types of locks, ensure that there is a lock on the door.

However, you should always strive to find a reliable lock for your door to protect

yourself and your family. Typical locks offer little protection, if any. Armed with a simple

screwdriver, a burglar can easily force his way through. For increased protection, you need to

invest in high quality deadbolts that are resistant to attacks from tools such as ice picks,

crowbars, pipe wrenches, sawing and drills. These deadbolts are preferable because they also

protect against unauthorized key duplication.

Most people only have door knobs on their doors. While these knobs are quite effective at

what they are designed to do, they offer limited security. If you have only a knob on your door, it

would be better to add a deadbolt below or just under it. You can choose from single-cylinder

deadbolts or double cylinder deadbolts.

Single-cylinder deadbolts

A single-cylinder deadbolt usually has a key slot on

the outside and a thumb turn from the inside. Unlike with

door knobs, when the deadbolt is fully extended, you

cannot push the latch (bolt) back.

This often helps when someone tries to pry the bolt

back. Since the latch can’t move back, the door can’t be

opened.

A good idea is to have the same key for the knob and

the deadbolt. You simply need to ask your locksmith to re-key your knob lock to match the

deadbolt lock. Alternatively, you can buy a set of locks where the deadbolt and the knob are

already keyed alike. This way, you don’t have to worry about carrying a pair of keys.

You should also find a deadbolt that has a latch with a minimum of 1-inch when fully

extended as well as a tapered cylinder guard. The cylinder is simply the slot into which the key is

inserted. The cylinder guard therefore is the piece of metal that goes around that hole. To taper,


on the other hand, means to customize. A great cylinder guard is wider around the area that goes

up against the door and narrower on the other end where the key goes in. This makes it difficult

for a burglar to try to drill or chisel into the guard.

The best cylinder guards are free spinning, capable of twisting round and around without causing

damage. This makes it impossible for someone to unscrew the cylinder guard and remove the

lock.

There are several advantages of installing a deadbolt lock over doorknobs. Some of there

include:

You are better protected because the locking mechanism is inside the door, not outside

like on a doorknob.

Deadbolts are typically longer than door knobs. This makes it much harder for a burglar

to “spread” the lock and pry the door open.

A deadbolt can’t be pushed backwards after it’s fully extended. This effectively reduces

the success rates of a shimming attack (where burglars use credit cards and knives to

break through doors).

Key bumping issues

Key bumping refers to the process of tearing apart the lock using a bump key. The bump

key is inserted into the lock and slowly struck with a plastic hammer until the tumbler pins fly up

and the lock whacks open.

You can avoid these kinds of worries by investing in a high quality deadbolt. Grade 1 locks

are particularly effective and can withstand key bumping.

Double-cylinder deadbolts

Double cylinder deadbolts are similar

to their single cylinder counterparts except

that they require a key both inside and

outside the house.

This is particularly effective when you

are trying to prevent thieves from

breaking nearby windows and unlocking

the door from inside.


These types of locks are however restricted in some parts of the US, especially the areas

prone to fires. You may want to check with your fire codes before purchasing one. In fact, it is

NOT advisable to install a double-cylinder deadbolt lock on a door that acts as a primary fire

escape point – the role most front doors play. If you were to get caught in a fire, you may panic

when unlocking the door if the key isn’t handy. You will agree that your hands may not be

particularly steady when you’re threatened by fire or when you’re running from an intruder.

Therefore finding the key and opening the deadbolt lock quickly may be difficult.

Usually, a good option is to leave the key in the lock so that you don’t have to search for it in

case of an emergency. However, this significantly reduces the security because if the burglar can

get one arm through a hole and onto the key then that’s it – you’re in trouble!

Secure your windows

Research shows that windows are usually the next alternative for burglars to break into

your home. In fact, windows present a complex security challenge even compared to doors. First,

most windows (if not all) are usually made of glass which is known to be brittle. Secondly,

windows come in all styles and shapes, some of which significantly reduce the strength of the

windows.

Windows security involves three main things;

Preventing entry by ensuring that the window can’t be opened too wide.

Preventing breakage or removal of the glass.

Providing a warning if any the two occurs.

A typical window is made of three parts; a glass/glazing, the sash, and the window frame.

The glass/glazing mounts onto the sash and sashes mount into the window frame which in turn

runs into the wall. A window sash can be moveable/sliding or fixed and is usually made from

aluminium, steel or wood.

Window alarm systems

If you already have your windows in place and don’t want to go through the expense of

replacing or modifying them, consider installing a window alarm system. Integrating an alarm

system into your windows helps to deter thieves and other bad guys by sounding a warning

should someone open the window. There are several types of window alarm sensors to allow for


the integration of practically any window into the alarm system. In fact, you can now find

window screens that double up as alarm systems. The screens fit closely to the glass/glazing so

that it becomes impossible to cut or break the window without cutting through the screen. And

cutting the screen usually means cutting several thin wires that run through it, which breaks a

predesigned circuit and thereby triggering the alarm. This may cause the thief to take off for fear

of being caught in the act.

French-door type windows are some of the least safe windows. Someone simply has to

pry out a single, small pane of glass to gain entry. Even if you have an alarm system, by the time

a warning is sounded the thief may have quickly made his way into the house. To reduce or even

eliminate this problem, you need to invest in sash keys, pin locks, or keyed sash keys, or any

other locking system that is difficult to unfasten.

Aside from window locks, you may also need glass break alarms, especially if your home

has large sized window panes. If the panes are large enough, the lock alone won’t be sufficient

because a burglar can simply enlarge the hole in the window and enter through the sash.

However, in order to do so, they will need to break more glass. This is where glass beak alarms

come in handy.

Keyed sash locks are sometimes used in place of window fasteners. You will need to

consider the possibility of having to exit house through the window in case of an attack or a fire.

For this reason, keep the keys in accessible places, but out of plain sight. Ensure that every

family member knows the location of these keys.

Pinning/bolting windows

Window pins and bolts work much like deadbolts on doors. A lock mechanism with a sliding

bolt or pin is fastened to the window sash or frame so that the bolt slides into a receiver (like the

deadbolt would slide into a strike plate). You can also find a design where the bolt slides into a

hole drilled in the window sash or frame. The lock and the receiver are usually aligned for easy

operation.


There are many options to consider. For instance, you can choose a pin-lock model that

allows you to pin several deadbolt holes and several receivers to use with a single pin lock.

It is also possible to “pin” a window without using a dedicated lock system. Simply drill

several holes at downward angles through the sash and right into the frame. Then insert 8-gauge

or thicker nails into the holes to hold the windows in place. Ensure that the nails you use are long

enough to engage both the sash and the frame. You can consider trimming the head of the nail so

that it becomes almost invisible when fully engaged. This type of pinning might be old-fashioned

but it has worked very well where it is applied. Even if a burglar breaks the glass, finding and

removing the pins will delay entry allowing you to act accordingly.

Screw-down options

Maybe you live in a rented apartment where you can’t drill holes into the sashes and window

frames. However, you may still feel like boosting your window security. There are a handful of

options in the market.

Consider screw-down window locks, for instance. These locks use a simple technique to

prevent vertical or horizontal windows from sliding open without force. You can also use

thumbscrew locks that are effective in preventing window jimmying. However, these locks

require a significant amount of force to fix them in place and can be easily removed once the

glass is broken.

To counter this, some security companies are now designing friction screw locks with special

triangular shaped heads that require a special key to run.

Securing basement and jalousie windows

Basement windows should be fitted with a mechanical crank. This will force any intruder to

break the glass if they are to use the window as an entry point.

If your crank windows open freely, consider fitting them with a crank or lever opening

mechanism. Additionally, install a keyed lock on the window. You can choose from the many

keyed locks discussed here.

As for jalousie windows, the very best you can do aide from replacing them is to fit them

with strong security screens or grate.


Window screens, bars and plates

To further secure your windows, you may want to install a window screen, bars, or grates. The

three actually refer to the same thing except that the styles can vary widely. However, the most

common name is burglar bars.

Burglar bars are a low cost, extremely effective method of securing your windows. Most

homeowners aren’t overly keen on the bars because they usually create the perception that the

neighborhood is unsafe, and this may lower property values. However, you can now find stylish

designs that seamlessly accent the architecture of the home.

These “designer” burglar bars are increasingly finding their way into high-end homes.

Thieves will almost instantly give up on the mere sight of a burglar bar, stylish or not.

Burglar bars can be installed from the inside or on the exterior of the window. However,

you need to exercise caution with your bars. If a window is designed to serve as an emergency

escape route in the event of a fire, then such a window cannot be fitted with a fixed or rigid

burglar bar. You may only use hinged or collapsible ones or bars that can be unlocked from the

inside in case of an emergency. However, the key to these bars will have to be handled with care

and placed in an accessible but still safe place.


Secure the garage

Garages are usually a key target for burglars and rightly so. Quite often, people tend to

secure the rest of their home well only to forget the garage. It is therefore no surprise to find a

home that is sealed on every edge, only to find that the garage right beside the home is not even

monitored.

If you want to be totally secure, you must ensure the security of your garage. Do NOT

allow the burglar to enter the garage because the garage contains exactly the tools they need to

break into the main house. Garages are also usually quiet, which may provide the intruder with

ample time to strategize an attack. You need to secure the garage as much as you secure the

home.

Start with garage door openers. Garage door openers can be very convenient or very

frustrating. Depending on the openers, it might be very reliable or the weakest link in your

garage’s security. In general, garage door openers should provide ultimate security considering


that the garage door is almost impossible to open from the outside. The best openers are those

that implement a programmable code. For the openers, if you lose the remote, you will simply

need to reprogram the opener so that the missing remote cannot be used to operate the opener

again.

A common problem with garage door openers is the tendency to open in case of “phantom

signals.” Phantom signals are signals coming from sources other than the remote control of the

garage door opener and usually include sounds from police radios, aircrafts, and many other

sources. If your garage has a tendency to open even when you’ve not signalled it to do so or if

you’ve come home only to find the garage door open, then you need to do the following;

Check to ensure that the garage opener has no loose connections.

Change your frequency code. Sometime it helps to solve the problem.

Consult garage repair professionals to diagnose and fix the problem.

Remember that the garage door should always be closed until you open it. If you’re going on

a long holiday and won’t be home for a few days, consider unplugging the garage door opener

for safety reasons. It will cause a little inconvenience when you return, but it also ensures that

your garage won’t get opened unnecessarily while you’re away.

You can also install a garage door auto-closer. An auto-closer is simply a device that closes

your garage door automatically when you unknowingly leave it open. The auto-closer uses the

latest infrared light sensing technology to ensure that the garage door is never open when it

should be closed.

You can even use the disable button when you know that you won’t be around for some time.

Once you press the button, the garage door will remain closed at all times. The good thing with

this is that you need very basic tools to fully install the auto-closer. The unit is typically

connected to an AC power source.

However, before you purchase the auto-closer, ensure that you’re not breaking the law.

Auto-closers are only recommended for use with garage door openers that are developed in

compliance with the latest government regulations.

The government, in the federal laws, requires that auto-closers be used only in automatic

reversing openers or openers with electronic photo eye sensors that can detect obstructions. A

garage door opener that doesn’t have these government-required features must be updated

accordingly before an auto-closer can be installed.


Fence security

Before you even

think about securing your

fence, it is important to

understand that fences only

exist to delay intrusion.

A fence doesn’t

prevent a thief from stealing

from you. In any case, when

the thief is coming to steal

from you, he will have

looked around and knows

what kind of fence you have.

This way, they usually come

knowing exactly what to do

to get to the other ride of the

fence and proceed with their

mission.

It is almost impossible to install a fence that can’t be penetrated. The fence might be

effective in providing excellent privacy and keeping pedestrian traffic at bay, but someone who

is determined to get across and steal something from you will always find a way to pass through

the fence – no matter how demeaning it may be.

Interestingly, even the razor wires you see around the high walls of some highly guarded

homes can be overcome. Someone who knows what they are doing will easily can easily pass

through the wires, as is shown by numerous prison escapes.

Several military tests have been conducted to determine if and how quickly someone with

relevant experience can penetrate different security perimeters. In one test, it was discovered that

it only took a mere 4 seconds for an experienced person to penetrate a 7-foot high fence topped

with barbed wire. This just shows that no matter how high your security fence is and the

materials you use to build it, you can never rely on the fence alone to keep burglars out of your

property.


Solid wood fences are a popular choice. They provide excellent privacy and a good level

of security. The main problem with these fences is that they provide the same privacy (if not

better) privacy to potential intruders. If someone can climb through the wooden fence onto your

property, then it becomes very difficult for neighbors, police and passers-by to see them. They

can then proceed to execute their plan knowing that no one is seeing them from outside the

home.

Security experts describe the ideal fence that which marks your boundary without

concealment. From this argument, the ideal fence would be a chain link. Chain link fences are

excellent at marking out your boundary and keeping people off your lawn and property. It sends

a clear message to people on the other side that they do not belong in that area. Yet, when

someone is inside the fence, they will be easily seen by people from outside. As already

mentioned, thieves and all the bad guys don’t like operating in the view of the public. They

prefer to work in complete privacy. Therefore, exposing them to such attention can only hurt

their efforts. Moreover, with the security authorities always patrolling most neighborhoods, there

is usually a great chance that these bad guys are caught in the act.

The ideal chain fence is approximately four feet high. This is considered sufficient to

mark your boundary as well as keep the small animals away. However, if you’re very concerned

about your security and are therefore trying to keep away people from penetrating the fence, then

a 7-foot chain link fence is recommended. You can also top the fence with barb or razor wire.

However, you need to know that such toppings are prohibited by law in certain areas. It is

therefore recommended to first check with your building inspector to determine whether the

building codes in your area permit it.

There are several types of chain fence out there so you should be very careful with your

choices. A secure chain fence MUST have no more than a 2-inch grid. Also, the best chain

fences are made from 9-gauge wire or heavier. Ensure that the fence extends to within two

inches of the ground and is secured to a bottom wire or rail. This will prevent people from

sliding under the fence.

However, having the right fence in place alone doesn’t guarantee maximum security on

that front – you need to maintain a clear zone around your fence. Ensure that there is no tool or

equipment lying around the fence that can be used to jump or climb over, or even cut the fence.

Things like boxes, lawn furniture, ladders, vehicles, and containers must not lie aimlessly around

the fence zone.

Finally, ensure that there are no overhanging branches around the fence. You don’t want

to put that kind of effort in building a solid fence only for someone to climb over it with the aid

of a low hanging tree branch. You should realize that no matter how strong the fence it, if

someone can use the tree branch to climb over it then the fence becomes practically useless.


When it comes to gates, keep the number to a minimum. The more gates you have, the

more difficult it becomes to secure your fence. All gates should be equipped with sturdy locks

and closed and locked all the time.

Choosing padlocks

Most of us store bikes, boats, motorcycles and many

other things in storage sheds. Often, these sheds are located in

the backyard. It is also possible that you rent a commercial

storage unit. In both cases, you’ll need to fully secure the shed.

When deciding what lock to use on the shed, think

beyond just the ordinary. If you store some really valuable

property in the shed, then it only makes sense to invest more in

securing the shed. For instance, if your shed only houses $200

worth of toys, then it may be sufficient to lock the place with a

$20 padlock. However, if your shed houses a $15,000 motorcycle, then you’ll need even better

security.

It doesn’t take much to overcome a cheap padlock. An experienced burglar will take less

than a few seconds to force the padlock open and take off with your valued items. A simple

hammer, a bolt-cutter, or a pry bar is often sufficient to force the padlock open.

Most padlock attacks are usually not to the body of the padlock but rather to the shackle –

he “U” shaped part. Padlock shackles vary in almost everything except for the shape. They vary

in thickness, size, length and even the construction material.

When selecting a padlock, you also need to choose a padlock that locks well. When

buying a padlock from a locksmith, ask for a high security padlock. Some padlocks are case

hardened for extra security. A typical high security padlock has a boron shackle that is extremely

resistant to bolt cutting attacks.

There are basically two locking mechanisms that can be used; the first is where a spiral

latch is used while the other mechanism involves the use of two ball bearings. Padlocks that use

ball bearings are preferred over those that use spiral latches. This is because padlocks that use

ball bearings lock at both the “heel” and the “toe” of the shackle.


Another reason why locks that use ball bearings are preferred is because the notch has a

rounded shackle. Compared to a square-shaped shackle, a rounded shackle is less likely to break

if struck by any heavy tool such as a hammer. Ball bearing padlocks are also preferable to their

spring-latch counterparts is because you can’t get them open with a shimming attack. A “shim”

is a thin sheet of metal usually shoved down into the lock alongside the shackle. As already

mentioned, a square shaped notch is secured by a spring. Using the shim, you can push the spring

back and open the lock. However, with a ball-bearing lock, you cannot push back the two ball

bearings because there is no room for them to maneuver.

How a ball-bearing lock works is very simple. When you insert the key into the lock and

turn it, the key turns a certain cylinder. When the cylinder turns, it forces two ball bearings to get

into predetermined positions to keep the padlock locked. A shim cannot push the ball bearing

around because there is usually no room for them to move into; they are right up against the

cylinder.

To determine if a padlock use ball bearings, imply ask the locksmith. If the locksmith

can’t help, try to assess the padlock on your own. Look for a rounded notch in the shackle as

opposed to a square notch. Alternatively, unlock the padlock and look into the hole where the

shackle goes. Tip the lock back and forth and observe it closely; you should be able to see a steel

ball bearing rolling into view.

For increased security, some padlock manufacturers are now adding a shrouded shackle to

the original padlock. This makes the padlocks very resistant to sawing and bolt cutting attacks

because the additional shroud makes it almost impossible to put the bolt cutter on the shackle.

1. Choose the right locking hardware

After choosing the best padlock, you need to go the extra mile to find a sturdy hardware to

match it. You need a strong, reliable hardware that holds your door shut and is secured by the

lock.

It makes little sense putting an $80 lock on a $2 hasp. Ensure that the hasp is sturdy and

properly mounted so that any no screw heads are exposed. In fact, instead of using screws to fit

the hasp onto the door, use carriage bolts that go through the door and are secured from the

inside. Use flat washers and nuts to secure the bolts.

Hasps that are mounted with screws are typically easy to compromise because one only

needs a screwdriver to lift them off. If it’s mounted with bolts that go through the door, then the

thief may have to break the door if he is so determined to get past it.


Finding safety in the safe room

Ideally, every home should have a safe room. There is no doubt that some safe rooms

(the most sophisticated ones) can be really expensive. However, even if you have to turn one of

your bedrooms into a safe room, so be it. A safe room serves as the last line of defense in any

home and should therefore be prioritized at all times.

Before you start creating unrealistic pictures in your head about what an ideal safe room

would look like, take a deep breath. Safe rooms are neither camouflaged walls nor are they

rooms with barbed wire running across every corner. In fact, a safe room should be nothing

scary or out of the normal – it should form part of your daily life. That’s why a normal bedroom

can be used as a safe room. The only difference is that you need to modify the room lightly to

make it more secure than the other rooms in the house. A secure room will delay intruders at

the very least, allowing you to call for emergency help.


You also need to accept that a merely having a safe room in your home cannot prevent

intruders from breaking into the home. The safe room only provides an additional layer of

security until security authorities arrive. Which brings us to choosing a safe room; what exactly

should you look for when choosing a safe room?

Selecting a safe room

Well, the first step is to conduct your own survey of the home. Before you go about

throwing money on purchasing a high end safe room or buying a few items to transform one of

your rooms into a safe room, you need to know exactly what can happen and what steps you

can take to enhance your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

Ask yourself a few questions such as; “Where would I be when the attack occurs?” The

answers to this question alone could be plenty. For instance, the attack might happen when

you’re in the kitchen preparing a meal. Or it could happen at night when everyone is asleep. Or,

it could happen when you’re babysitting your grandchildren or alone with your children. In each

of these scenarios, you need to be able to access the safe room fast. If you have children for

example, you need to consider how many they are and whether you would all fit in the safe

room comfortably. If you’re using a bedroom as your safe room, you may also have to ask

yourself what would happen in case you’re attacked. Do they run into your room or do you run

into theirs?

Moving from where you are when the break-in happens to the safe room is the worst

possible nightmare. It means you have to run across the hall which gives the intruder an

advantage. Worse still, the chances of running into a hostile area are significantly increased.

What if during the relocation you meet face to face with the attackers? These are the kinds of

questions you need to be asking yourself. However, sometimes you cannot help it. If the floor

plan is such that the kids’ bedrooms are located on the other side of the house, several corners

away from the master bedroom, then you will have to do your best to help the kids which may

mean running to find them.

2. Do you have a room at the end of the hallway?

These rooms provide the most favorable location for a safe room. Apart from the fact that it

allows you and your loved ones to meet up at the hallway as you make your way to the safe

room, it also forces the intruder into several undesirable situations.


First, it forces the intruder into the hallway – a natural “choke point” for any bad guy.

Secondly, it also limits the amount of exterior walls accessible to the intruder. Since hallways

are typically located in the middle of the house, the intruder will feel less safe.

However, you must also admit that interior walls are not usually very strong. Often, the

walls are made from sheetrock and wood which leaves them little, if any, power to stop bullets.

As you will learn later, you can always remedy that problem.

3. Consider the most likely intruder entry points

The front door is the most obvious but never rule out the backdoors and the garage doors.

The latter two are not only entry points, but they are even more concealed, providing the

intruder with the perfect discreet way to enter your home. It may help (though it isn’t a must)

to see this entry point from your safe room.

A more pressing factor is where you have to move across these entry points to reach the

safe room. Is there a less open route to the safe room? You need a route that is both concealed

and covered; concealed routes hide you while covered routes protect you from fire.

4. If I have to open fire from the safe room, what are my options?

First of all, you need to understand the use of firearms remains a personal decision. No one

should tell you whether or not to keep a firearm and/or use it to protect yourself and your

loved ones. You need to carefully consider the implications and decide if you need to keep a

firearm. It is also important to ask yourself the following hard question before resorting to using

a firearm to protect yourself and your loved ones in the unfortunate event of a break in: “Can I

take the life of another person to protect my own and/or to protect the life or lives of my loved

ones?” If your answer is yes, then go ahead and keep a firearm of your choice.

The next major consideration is your available fields of fire. A field of fire generally refers to

the areas outside the safe room where you can safely fire your weapon without fear of hitting

your loved ones. Typically, the narrower the field of fire, the easier it becomes to hit your

target. This is why hallways and stairwells are ideal choices for a field of fire.

Also, ask yourself what would happen if you miss the target, or if you hit the target and the

bullet passes through to the other side. Where does the projectile go? You need to carefully

examine the objects or other things that might be behind the target and where the bullet might

eventually stop. If there is a wall behind the backstop, don’t assume that the bullet won’t pass

the wall. Go behind the wall and see what it might hit if it penetrated the wall.


You also need to think about the obstructions that might be situated on the bullet path

between the firearm and the target. Is there any furniture any other valuables on the way, for

example? If yes, then ask yourself if you’re willing to damage that valuable to protect yourself.

It may seem unnecessary but after the trauma of a break in, you don’t want to spend another

$1,000 replacing a shattered smart TV.

Constructing the safe room

After you’ve considered all your options and selected the best possible solution to your

safe room needs, it’s now time to build the room.

Safe room doors

Safe room construction starts from the door. Let

the door be the biggest initial expense because it is also

the most critical element in the safe room. Remember

that you’re trying to stop the bad guys from reaching

you and your loved ones. So, do NOT go for a cheap

door.

The following guide will help you install the best

possible door for your safe room. It is assumed that you

have basic knowledge of door installation. If you don’t,

then you can read the procedures from the internet or

find a specialized handyman or contractor to help.

Construction material

You need to determine whether the door has a hollow core or if it’s a solid door. Most

interior doors are hollow core. So, all your bedroom and closet doors are probably hollow

inside. To confirm this, tap the door on the face with your knuckles and listen carefully. If the

door is hollow, you will hear the hollow sound. While such doors are excellent at providing

privacy, they are not entirely secure. Someone can easily split it open with a sharp object such

as a hatchet, reach in to find the lock and unlock the door.

For a safe room, you cannot have a hollow door. If the room you intend to use as a safe

room has a hollow door, the first step is to replace the door. Take the measurements of your


current door and get someone to make for you a new solid door with the same measurements.

Alternatively, ask for an exterior solid-core door of the same measurements. And while you are

at it, do not waste your money on steel exterior doors because they aren’t solid steel. The

doors are made from a foam-insulating core placed between unhelpful sheets of steel. So, their

prices aren’t justified because they offer no more protection than a solid wooden door.

Safe room door hinges

You’ll need to hinge your door securely for enhanced safety. Hang the door with at least

three door hinges – and let them be the heaviest hinges you can find. Install each hinge with 3-

inch long screws to the door as well as to the doorjamb. Typically, hinges come with ½ -inch

screws. You cannot secure safe room doors with these types of screws because they are

useless. Remember that you need to pre-drill pilot holes for the longer screws.

Safe room door locks

For safe room locks, go for a door knob with two deadbolt locks. The ideal deadbolt lock is

one that requires a key on the outside but be easily opened using a door knob on the inside.

NEVER install a lock that requires a key on both sides on your safe room door. You don’t

want to fumble around trying to locate keys in the dark.

The doorknob should be installed as usual. As for the two deadbolt locks, install them as

follows. The first lock should be installed hallways between the knob and the top of the door.

The second deadbolt lock should be installed between the knob and the bottom of the door.

Budget allowing, you can install an additional two deadbolt locks on the side of the hinges,

directly opposite the first two locks. That should cost you about $100. It’s definitely worth it. It

leaves the intruder with virtually no way to penetrate into your safe room unless he uses an

explosive.

For increased safety inside the safe room, do not stand directly behind the door because

the assailant may try to shoot through it.

Safe room strike plates

A deadbolt lock is only as good as the strike plate into which the lock goes. If the strike plate

is weak, then the whole locking system is compromised. Again, deadbolt locks will often come

with thin shiny strike plates. Do not use these plates for your safe room door. Instead, find high

quality deadbolt wells. These are made from heavy steel straps measuring up to 5 inches long,


with a well where the lock goes. They attach to the casing using 3-inch screws and to the studs

inside the wall using 2-inch screws.

The safe room peephole

The ideal peephole is situated about 4 inches from the door knob at the eye level of a

kneeling adult (in this case yourself). You will mostly be kneeling while leaning on your side of

the door to look through the hole. The kneeling position guarantees increased safety. Ensure

that the peephole is a wide-angle hole. The benefit of placing the peephole to one side is that it

allows you to hide behind the wall and still observe through the hole. Also, placing the

peephole at the lower level makes it possible to be used by children.

Reinforcing safe room walls

There are two ways of reinforcing the walls of your safe room. If the walls are made

from sheetrock, cut a 2-inch hole below the light switch right under your doorjamb and pour

sand pea gravel into the hole until it is filled completely. Then use wall patch to patch the hole,

sand the wall, and paint.

A second and more difficult alternative is to cut a 2-inch sized hole as above. But instead

of filling the hole with gravel, fill it with concrete and fill the space between the studs. You can

use a funnel to pour the concrete. Then patch it as above.

What can I have in the safe room?

This will depend on your specific needs. For instance, if you’re asthmatic, then you MUST

have an inhaler in the safe room. However, there are a few basic things that should be stored in

the safe room. These include;

A cellular phone – It is possible that the intruder might cut your landline, effectively

disconnecting you from the grid. This is when a cellular phone becomes invaluable.

Flashlights and spare batteries – The ideal flashlight is a rechargeable one. However,

what if the bad guys also cut your electric supply? Spare batteries are essential! Ensure

that you always have spare batteries in the safe room.

Ammunition – Firearms are just one example of ammunition. Consider a 12 or 20 gauge

shotgun with 00 buckshot.


First aid kit – If anyone is already injured or gets injured or ill in the safe room, the first

aid kit will help

Fire extinguisher – The same applies for a fire extinguisher. You never know when the

safe room might catch fire. That’s why you need a fire extinguisher.

Emergency sign - How will emergency rescue teams or security officer know where you

are in the house? You need a clear sign that you can place on one of the windows to tell

them where you are in the house.

Collapsible ladder – This is especially necessary if your safe room is located on the 2nd or

higher floors. You can use the ladder to exit through the windows.

Your valuables and most important documents – Remember that although the bad

guys might never gain access into the safe room, they will still have the rest of the home

to raid. Keeping your valuables such as important certificates in the safe room may help.

An expert’s guide to weapons and weapon selection

There are several types of weapons; edged weapons, pointed weapons, flexible,

weapons, hybrid weapons and so forth. For our case, we will dwell on a type of weapons known

as impact weapons. Impact weapons are a type of weapons used to break bone and cartilage.

There is a reason why we will concentrate on impact weapons. The first reason is that it

is rather easy for someone to use these types of weapons to strike an enemy in the name of self

defense. It takes a different mindset to stick a knife into someone belly, even if they are an

enemy. Impact weapons on the other hand are easy to use because you don’t really have to

think much before firing.

Before we go deeper into weapons, it is important to consider what happens in an ideal

fight and how to stage the bet fight.

The best possible scenario is when you don’t have to fight at all. If you can reach a compromise

with the enemy, then everyone can walk home safe and sound. However, sometimes you have

no choice but to engage in a fight. This is when common sense should help.


Pick your battles very carefully. If someone breaks into your home and threatens to

shoot your loved one, then you may have to pull the trigger or find some other means to fight

back. You’re not just going to watch as they butcher your loved one or squeeze a bullet through

their brains, are you?

However, you need to be reasonable. If you can disarm the bad guy and render them

helpless without hurting them, then that would be even better. Otherwise, try to use as little

force as possible.

The law exists to protect everyone; even burglars. If you kill a burglar, you will be

charged accordingly. Do not expect to walk away scot-free. Even if you were reacting in self

defense, you will have to pay for your actions in some way.

For deadly force to be justified, the threat of serious injury or possibly death must be

imminent and unavoidable.

Therefore, if you or your loved ones are not in any of these situations, you are not

allowed to use deadly force.


Where should I target?

The following diagram shows some of the parts you should target when fighting an

enemy. You will immediately realize that the head is not indicated as one of the parts to target.

In fact, the target areas are mostly concentrated around the arms and limbs in general.

You should always aim to hit them in areas where you’re unlikely to cause fatal injury.

These areas include the arms, shoulders, knees, and limbs in general. The second diagram

indicates the areas that shouldn’t be targeted unless you want to cause serious injury or even

death.

Types of strikes

If you’re going to strike, you need to know how to hold the weapon you’re using to

strike, how to swing it, and where to strike. There are many ways to strike but only a few will

work for a given case. If you’re serious about protecting yourself or if you live in a hostile area

and need professional training on striking, then you can find an instructor to help. Nevertheless,

here are a few tips to consider;

There are at least three different ways to strike; impact driven, tip driven, and a

combination.

Impact driven striking

Impact driven striking is when you strike with the top few inches

of the tip, the pommel, or the bar. There are two ways to execute an

impact strike.

The first is what is called a broken strike. In a broken strike, the

strike travels from the point of origin at approximately 90 degrees to

the target area and then back to the point of origin. For instance, if the

strike starts at your right shoulder, it will hit the target and then return

to your right shoulder. Broken strikes are excellent for stabbing or

hacking.


The other way to strike is called fluid striking. This is where you swing the weapon at

180 degrees through the target. For instance, if you’re starting at your right shoulder, then the

swing will cut through 180 degrees to your left hip before returning to your right shoulder. It’s

more like a batter in baseball, swinging through the target. It is also possible to strike the target

when returning 180 degrees to the point where you began, like a backhand in tennis.

Gripping impact weapons

As you would expect, there are so many ways of gripping an impact weapon.

One hand hammer grip – This is where you would grab a hammer that you intend to use

in driving nails into a piece of wood.

Two hand baseball grip – This is where you hold the weapon with both hands. It is more

suited to longer weapons such as baseball bat. One advantage of this kind of grip is that

it allows you to put more power into the swing.

Two-hand double-force grip – The main difference between a baseball and double force

grip is that while in a baseball grip both palms rest on the weapon, in a double-force

grip, only the strong hand palm come in direct contact with the weapon while the other

hand supports it. It is effective for short-to-medium length weapons.

The bayonet grip – This is where you start with the strong hand hammer grip with the

support hand palm up.

Angles of attack

There are at least 7 angles of attack. The option you choose will depend on several factors

including the type and length of weapon you’re using. To make it easy to understand, here are a

few terms used in this section. First, a strike from your stronger hand is called a strong strike

while that from the weaker hand is called a backhand strike. Secondly, a strike may come

straight down or at an angle.

1. Downward vertical – This is where you strike straight down into your target area.

2. Strong side downward diagonal – This is a strike that comes from the stronger hand at

an angle.

3. A backside diagonal – This is similar to a strong side diagonal except that it comes from

the weaker hand.


4. Strong side horizontal – This is a strike that comes from the strong side, delivered in

parallel with the ground.

5. A backside horizontal – This comes from the weaker hand delivered in parallel with the

ground.

6. The thrust - This is delivered with two hands, in a bayonet style.

7. Crossbody – Also delivered with two hands, but more like a hockey player delivering a

cross check.

You will also realize that all the seven strikes discussed here can be delivered using a shorter

weapon.

Impromptu weapons vs. semi-impromptu weapons

Basically, an impromptu weapon is something that you have access to and which you

can use as a weapon, but which is NOT designed to be used as one. For instance, if you’re

attacked outside the home and grab the trash can lid to hit your opponent, we can call the lid

an impromptu weapon.

Semi-impromptu weapons are basically the same thing except that with these items,

you may at one time have envisaged using them as a weapon. An excellent example is an axe.

The axe isn’t really designed to be used as a weapon; they are used to cut wood. But how many

times are they used in fights? A lot. This is because people somehow see them as potential

weapons. Another good example is a flashlight.

Semi-impromptu weapons that add power to the punch

If you’re really concerned about self-defence, then you’ll also want to add power to your

punch. You don’t want to break your fingers because you punched the opponents head.

A hammer fist is a strike delivered with the bottom of a clenched fist, more like a swinging

hammer. You can also deliver it horizontally like a back fist strike. This fist isn’t likely to break

your bones because there is no compression of the knuckles or metacarpals. It is therefore

effective for striking the back of the head, the nose, temples, mandibles, the ear etc.


Yawaras

If you want to add power to a fist strike, you can use the yawara. This simple tool helps to

add about 1 inch to a fist and is usually the difference between a flat slap and a round slap. A

blow from a flat slap is spread over a larger area resulting in a smaller impact. You want to

deliver a strong force on a single place, not a weak slap distributed over a large area.

A kubaton can be used as a yawara with the other end being used as a pressure point. Other

items that can be used as yawaras are a screwdriver, a crescent wrench, a putty knife, a pair of

pliers, and a wooden spoon to mention just a few.

Tape measure

The tape measure can also be used as a semi-impromptu weapon, to enhance the power of

the punch. When you clench a fist around the tape measure and deliver a strike, it will be

similar to a strike from a flat strap. You can even turn the tape measure slightly in your hand

and deliver with the edge. The third way is to strike with the sharp edge of the tape measure

which is more likely to cause a cut.

Slungshots

A slung shot is a device consisting of a weight or “shot” on one end of a line secured with a

knot called a “monkey’s fist”. It is typically used to throw a line from ship to ship or ship to

dock.

When used as a weapon, the end can be wrapped around the fist and the weight carried in

the hand. In the event of an attack, throw the weight into your opponent face’s or swing it like

a flail.

You can also make one quickly using a padlock and a bandana. Fold the bandana once

diagonally and roll it so that you have only two opposing ends. Thread the bandana through a

locked padlock and grab the two ends of the bandana to leave the padlock hanging. Now you’re

ready to swing a really dangerous strike.

Other impromptu weapons

Double pulley – Get the right size and run a piece of nylon through it

Dog collar – No one will suspect you. Just get the right one.

Blackjack (1) –. Load your bandana with a handful of bolts and ball bearings and you’re

ready to go.


Blackjack (2) – Put one or two rolls of coins into the middle finger of an old leather glove

and one roll into an adjoining finger. Grab the glove below the coin and use it.

Blackjack (3) – Fill a sock with sand and pour some water into it. Your weapon is ready.

Blackjack (4) – Wrap your towel around a bar of soap and use it to deliver a walloping

blow.

A strap for self defense – Typically, a strap is used to hold the book in place while you try to

take notes or to hold the recipe book as you prepare a meal. But who says it can’t be used a

weapon?

A wallet as a weapon – You can also use a wallet as a weapon. Well, you’ll need to buy a

quality wallet in the first place. The wallets often used as weapons are made from

conspicuously heavy leather with the stitches reinforced so they don’t burst if you use the

wallet to hit something. The snaps and straps are all heavy-duty as well. You can carry the

wallet with you all the time because it’s really not different from other wallets.

The unbreakable umbrella – The unbreakable umbrella is another weapon that doesn’t look

like one but which can be used to fight an opponent. It weighs less than two pounds but

wallops with the force of a pipe steel.

Books – You can also use a book to protect yourself. If you’re attacked while reading, use a

large book to shield yourself from blows and knife attacks. Then you can counterstrike to the

head, collar bones or arms using a two handed grip.

Edged weapons

Basically, edged weapons cut things or give added focus to the edge. As such when you

strike someone with an edged weapon, they will most definitely bleed. And when someone is

bleeding and the blood is flying around, you risk infection. So you need to be extra careful when

using your edged weapons. Here are a few examples of edged weapons;

The knife

This is probably the most common edged weapon. And there are several types of them;

from butcher knives to meat cleavers and paring knives. You need to be very careful when using

a knife so that you don’t let it be snatched from your hands and used to slice your throat.


There are at least 4 basic ways to grip a knife;

1. The fencer’s grip – This is where you hold the knife between your forefinger and

thumb tightly with the rest of the fingers wrapped loosely around it. If the knife is

single edged, the edge points downwards, if it’s double edged, the edges are held

horizontally.

2. The reverse grip – This is where the knife is held upside down with the blade lying on

your wrist and the edge pointing outwards.

3. The ice pick grip –The knife is held the same you would do if you were chopping ice

with the blade(s) held outwards.

4. The hammer grip – This is where you grip the knife like you’re swinging a hammer

with the blade pointed upwards and the edge pointing towards your opponent.

Torn soda cans

Bend the soda can into two, back and forth until it tears into two pieces and use the sharp

edges as your weapon.

A dinner plate

While this may not be the best of weapons, it can still work some magic. Simply break it into

two and use it as an edged weapon.

Broken shard of glass

It doesn’t matter where you get the piece of glass from; the table, window, cabinet etc. you

can use it as an edged weapon.

A pizza cutter

Again, this is not the best of choices to use as a weapon but still a good call. You can use the

handle as a yawara or slash with the sharp cutting wheel or use a combination of the two.

Bottle opener

Finally, the bottle opener is another very good choice. The point can be used as a wicked

slashing instrument


Pointed weapons

Pointed weapons are another category of weapons. As the name suggests, these weapons

are pointed. Examples include;

The screwdriver

A screwdriver is an excellent example. A screw driver can be held either in the ice pick grip

or in the hammer grip. While it may not slash as effectively as a knife, the damage caused will

be sufficient to leave a mark.

Consider having a longer, heavier screwdriver which can allow you to flick the tip and strike

your opponent’s temples, neck, ribs, upwards to the groin as you would do with the tip of a

baton or nightstick.

An ice pick

An ice pick can also be used as a weapon and can be easily found in the kitchen. A similar

weapon called an awl (usually used to pierce holes in leather and wood) can be found in the

garage or workshop. Stab the opponent in the eyes and throat or use the handle to deliver

hammer strike blows.

A kitchen fork

A kitchen fork can also be used to stab the eyes and throat during self defense. You can use

it in both an ice pick grip and hammer grip. If the opponent raises their arm to block your strike,

stab that arm.

A rat rail

An aluminum or steel rat tail can be used to slash with the teeth and stab with the pointed

handle into the eyes and throat.

A nail file

This tool is almost always in a woman’s purse. Hold the end of the file with your thumb and

forefinger with about half an inch protruding beyond your fingertips and slash into the

opponent’s eyes.


Knitting needles

Yes, you can also use knitting needles to protect yourself. The big ones will particularly do a

great job.

Scissors

There are at least three ways to use scissors to harm your opponent. First, you can open

them as wide as they can get and stab with the pointed end. Secondly, you can hold the scissors

open about eye width and jab the eyes. Thirdly, you can also stab with the scissors in the closed

position as a pointed weapon. You can hold it in the hammer grip or ice pick grip position.

Pens

Lastly, pens also make very good pointed weapons. They can be used in a stabbing motion to the arm, throat, and the nerve center in the top of the chest. If you hold it in the hammer grip position, you can use to thrust and jab at the face, eyes, and throat.

And in the ice pick position, a pen can be driven into the face, neck, shoulder or pretty

much any other target area within reach.

Facing martial law

You have probably heard about martial law before. The truth is, not many people even

consider this a possibility. Yet when martial law comes into force and finds you unprepared, it

could possibly be the worst time in your life (that’s if you don’t die in the process).


Martial law is the set of rules that become a reality when the military takes over.

Currently, we live under constitutional law. However, a time may come when the constitution is

“suspended” and military law comes into force. You’ve definitely seen similar circumstance on

TV when some countries go through military coups. Who says the same can’t happen to us one

day?

Martial law is typically characterized by curfew, rationing of basic goods, confiscation of

firearms, enforced relocation and summary arrests and executions by soldiers and/or

paramilitary officers wielding dangerous firearms. When you see them in movies and on TV, it

looks unreal, but it might only be a matter of time before we are caught up in that situation.

Unfortunately, police officers are regularly training for this kind of thing so when the time

comes, they will be fully prepared. The least you can do is to be prepared as well.

Preparing for life under martial law

Here are several things you can do to prepare for martial law and to protect yourself in case

you have to live under the laws for a few days or weeks.

1. Do NOT trust the government

The last person you can trust under martial law is a government agent. Be it the president

of the United States, your governor, the chief justice or anyone else who works in the

government. The one reason why you can’t trust the government is because the government

itself may be a part of the whole plan. But more so, how many times has the government really

shown sincere concern about your security as a person? Yes, you will hear people talking about

making America safe but do you feel safer today more than you felt a week ago because the

government did something to protect you? No. in fact, often the only time you feel safer is

when you pull a coin out of your pocket to enhance your own security.

Whatever we have discussed here is aimed at helping individuals better secure themselves,

their loved ones and their properties. This is because the government is too busy training the

same military personnel who will be one day be sent to run havoc on you. And when that time

comes, don’t be fooled that someone will look down upon you with pity. Not if that person is

from the government. The president will be safe, guarded heavily by the same police. Even the

vice president and the top officials will be reasonably safe. But not you; you won’t be safe.

Government-trained military officers will be patrolling the neighborhood, probably with shoot

to kill orders. So, you will not be able to set foot outside your house.


The question is; can you still trust the government when you have such knowledge? The

same government that cares very little about you and uses the taxes you pay to offer the best

security to the president and his entourage while you look on? The same government that is

training the military personnel who will be sent to enforce martial law? The answer is only one;

NO. Do NOT trust the government.

2. Zip it

Do NOT speak to anyone about anything that might get you in trouble. It is fine to share

with your family but remember that whatever gets beyond your own head can often easily

spread to the corridors of justice.

For this reason, keep your mouth shut. In time of martial law, there could be so many

questions to ask and even more answers from everyone who thinks they have a clue about

what’s going on. The government itself can send spies to check on you, and you may never

realize. So, the person you’re speaking to may actually be a spy trying to collect information

from your area.

In particular, you need to avoid talking aimlessly in large groups. Actually, avoid making rash

comments even when discussing with the people you know. Here are a number of people who

could be out to get you in trouble;

An old foe – Life under martial law isn’t the best time to reunite with an old foe. If you

once had a disagreement with someone and they are looking to reunite, think twice.

Such a person may be out to seek revenge.

Your local store owner – Store owners and business persons in general are only

motivated by profits. If they can make a little more by telling on you, they will happily do

it.

Someone desperate for food – Don’t be fooled by their faked hunger or thirst. Times

might be harder (and will only get harder), but you can see when someone is just acting

out. Probably it’s not your food they want, its information!

Don’t forget that the government is your number one enemy during martial law. So, you

must never divulge any information to anyone who works for the government.

3. Every authority figure is an enemy too!

Ask yourself; “What would someone who works in the police or in the military want from

me at such a time?” Again, there is only one answer to this question: information.


There is just no way you can trust someone from the forces during martial law. Even if they

bring you goodies and promise you riches, you must avoid speaking to them. Unless you’re

waging a war of liberation, it’s actually better to assume that they did not exist in the first place.

Assume that they are all liars, con artists, thieves and sell-outs who have nothing to add to your

life but misery.

The same applies to those in big business. If you don’t know yet, these people are the chief

information sources of the government as well as the chains that get the government wheels

rolling. By divulging any information to them, you’re directly (not indirectly) passing the same

message to the government.

4. Make your own survival your number one priority

There isn’t a better way to put this. If you’re prohibited by any law to keep a weapon that

may help you to survive, this is the time to break the law and get that weapon. You may be

prohibited from having extra food, medicine and guns in the home. But if they are the items

that may help you to survive, then you need to have these items in plenty. Do not stop at

anything. If you fear being found with the items, hide them where they can’t be found.

Consider putting the guns in a sealed water-tight container and hiding it somewhere in the

woods where no one can find it, except you!

When dealing with firearms, remember that they are metallic and can therefore be

detected using metal detectors. So, you need to store them where the detectors can’t reach

such as an underground hole or somewhere inside a wider metallic tube away from your

property. Moreover, there is no need to keep firearms if you can’t use them. You must learn

sight alignment, how to squeeze the trigger, and how to reload the ammunition.

If you have never used a firearm in your life, here are a few tips for you. But before you go

on with the tips, find the right ammunition for your firearm.

Semiautomatic pistols – in these pistols, if the slide (the movable part on top) is locked

back, you can close it by moving a small lever placed on the left side of the gun. Simply

push on the lever and the slide with close.

Which do I pick? – Generally, pistols are concealable and can be easily carried around

without anyone noticing. Rifles and shotguns, on the other hand, are for staring a fight.

You don’t carry them around unless you’re waging war. The shotgun is loaded from a

port on the underside, right behind the fore stock.


Types of rifles – There are several types of rifles, single shot, bolt action, feed from

chamber and so on. However, if you’re very new to the business, the best choice an

automatic rifle.

5. Help out those who are resisting

The thing is, those men in black are not changing their minds soon. They are not going to

suddenly drop their weapons and stop oppressing you. So, while you’re at it, why not help

those who try to resist the oppression? They, unlike you, have decided that the best way out of

the situation is to tell the people behind the oppression that they will not take anything kindly.

At the very least, they deserve your help.

There are many ways you can help people who are resisting martial law.

Provide food - An excellent place to start would be to keep and provide them with extra

food. Since they spend most of their time on the war front, they probably haven’t had

the thought to store extra food should they run short. They usually don’t know how

much longer the war will continue so the little they even remembered to store might

get depleted pretty fast. You will have played your part in the fight.

Provide basic medication - Another great way to help is by keeping extra medication.

Even if they are resisting the new laws through peaceful demonstrations, there is always

a possibility that someone will come home hurt. And how many times do these peaceful

demonstrations turn into bloodbaths? Be the good guy and give the basic medication

they need. You can even set up an underground hospital if you have the skills.

Supply firearms and ammunition - You can also keep extra firearms and ammunition

and supply the people resisting the war with them. For your own safety, conceal the

supplies and only pass them to people you can trust. Alternatively, you can

“manufacture” weapons for your team if you have the skills.

Be an intermediary - Those at the battle front will also need to communicate. Yet,

during martial law it becomes almost impossible to meet and discuss strategies. You can

chip in and be the middleman; the person who picks information from one side and

delivers it to the other side.

As you can see, you don’t have to be at the front line to play a big role in the battle for your

freedom. You could live underground providing healthcare services to those who go to the

battlefield and still be a hero.


6. Develop a survival network

This needs to be done carefully and secretly. No one has to know except the people in the

network. The people in your network should each have a role to play in the ultimate survival of

the group. Ensure that everyone in the team has workable skills/expertise and resources to

help each other in areas they are lacking. Be it food, medicine, transportation, repair parts, fuel,

etc, no one can have it all – at least not at the same time during martial law.

Consider separating yourselves into groups. You can have mechanists (those who make

weapons), drivers (people who have very good driving skills as well as the local transport

network), medical personnel (those who have basic medical skills), and gardeners (people with

excellent gardening skills). You may even need computer technicians to help you with regular

scans who can you hack into government surveillance systems in search of critical information.

However, keeps the groups small. The smaller the group, the more difficult it becomes to

penetrate by enemies.

Since you’re now a network and no longer individuals, you will also need a means of

communication. Choose a system independent from wiretapped phones and audible

eavesdropping. You need your own unique system that cannot be spied on by the enemies. You

can use athletes or kids on bikes to deliver hand written messages, for example. The letter can

be concealed in a small package with a breakable vial of flammable liquid in case the messenger

is found out. An excellent idea is a sealed packet with potassium chlorate taped to a gasoline

vial. The gasoline will automatically ignite. Alternatively, you can ignite the evidence physically.

Your mailbox can be anything; a hollowed tree trunk, a hole in the ground, an empty home,

or an open fence pole. As long as it’s discreet, it will do the work.

7. Stay away from government monitoring and control activities

The government will be trying to monitor everything from the clothes you wear to the

things you carry and the places you go. Do not allow them to get too much information. Look

out for cameras and avoid them. Make it your responsibility to know where the cameras are

located and find alternative routes. Also, avoid the patrol officers. Know the routes they are

most likely to use and avoid them whenever you can. Know your snitches but accept that not

everyone can be a good snitch. Feed your snitches with info as often as you can, but don’t put

your safety on the line for it.


With checkpoints likely to be lining every

major road and even the small ones, you need

to be careful. You must avoid the checkpoints

whenever you can.

Side streets, railroad tracks, your neighbor’s

yard and tunnels could all be used as

alternative routes. The idea is to get between

point A and B without untrustworthy

government officials searching you.

8. You can resist too

You just need to be smart. Who says you must wield your rifle and carry your armory on

your back in order to resist martial law? You don’t even need to be seen on the street singing

songs of freedom in order to successfully resist.

There are plenty of clever ways to “monkey-wrench” the basic functioning of the

government in times of martial law. If you work for the government, for example, you have a

whole bag of opportunities to wreak havoc. However, even small, private firms can still find

enough way to mess things up.

If you work for the government, you probably know who’s being paid to do the job, who is

supporting the war, and who is resisting it. You are likely to know who is following orders and

who is not. If you can do something about them, great, go ahead and do a great job. If you

can’t, then you can still pass this information to patriots and be a reliable source of intelligence

henceforth.

Every little thing that distracts or sets the government back in any way is most welcome.

Whether it’s breaking a surveillance camera while you’re in disguise or misdirecting a

bureaucrat or soldier, or even if you just botch the paperwork, you are doing an excellent job.

You never know. Maybe that’s the beginning of a ripple effect that will soon get everyone in the

neighborhood up in arms resisting the oppression. You just need to find your own way of

contributing.


What exactly do you need in preparation for martial law?

What you eventually keep is up to you. However, there are a few basic things that everyone

might consider keeping;

A sturdy army surplus backpack – Army backpacks are made from high quality, heavy

fabric which makes them extremely durable. They are also sturdy meaning that they can

carry a lot of stuff without showing signs of giving.

A first aid kit – You need a first aid kit. What happens when you fall ill and the

government is blocking every road? If you thought they would allow you to go to the

pharmacy to get medicine or to go to your physician, you’re crazy. A first aid kit allows

you to treat yourself at home without risking your life further.

Close range weapons – Even if you can’t make these weapons on your own, you can get

them from your local store or welder while you still have the time. Consider getting a

welder’s chipping hammer and a handmade axe, a bowie knife and assorted pocket

knives. A solid handmade axe can go through a wall and a welders chipping hammer is

as nasty you can find.

Long range weapons –The best long range weapon you can find is a rifle. And to be

clear, don’t go for a sniper’s rifle. Find a rifle that uses locally available ammunition not

one that you struggle to use because you can’t frond the right ammunition for it. When

choosing your rifle, ensure that it’s light enough to carry on your shoulders. Above all,

be sure that you can use it.

Clothes – The key here is to carry as little as possible. You don’t and won’t need a whole

bag of clothing nor will you need trendy suits during martial law. Consider keeping one

set each of cold weather and hot weather clothing. You’ll also need rain gear.

Shoes (in this case boot) – You’ll need a sturdy new pair of military combat boots.

Ideally, see if you can find those ones with steel plates at the toes region. These steel-

toed boots can actually become a weapon on their own somewhere down the road. For

woodland areas, ensure that your boots are waterproof. Just ensure that the boots are

sufficiently comfortable and suited to both the task at hand and the area you are in.

Manual (or manuals) – Since you’re likely to be on the run, starving and surviving on a

nothing but hope and determination, you’re bound to lose memory at some point. And

when you fail to think clearly, manuals can become your best friend. They will help you

get back on course by providing you with the information you need. Consider having an

ammunitions handbook for your firearms, a wilderness tracking and observation

handbook, and an army wilderness survival handbook.


Plenty of water – Never assume that you will find water where you go or that you will

by some kind of luck run across multiple rivers when on the run. Carry your water and

carry enough of it. You only need to watch a few movies to know how stressful it can be

to live without water even for a few days. In addition to the water, carry purification

tablets in case you come across some water and need to purify it before drinking.

Light – You will also need a source of light. There are many options to choose from but

the best is usually an army style red lens flashlight. This flashlight is great not just

because it will show you the way even in the darkest of nights but because it does so

without ruining your vision. This way you won’t be left in pitch darkness when you turn

off the flashlight.

A fire kit – Don’t assume that you can rub two sticks together to produce fire when

you’re in the woods. While this is possible, you may never be in the mental state to

accomplish the task. Moreover, you never know when the rains are going to pour

making it virtually impossible to produce fire using this trick. So carry matches and

lighters and ensure that they are safely sealed in plastic containers. Bring lighter fluid

and kindling too if you can.

Medicine – Start with painkillers and then pack the important medication you will need

such as insulin for diabetics.

Maps and other navigational devices – if you’re part of a group, you will need to

communicate as well as know the locations of each member of the group. Maps and

compasses help you to remain on the same path. Let everyone know where you will be

headed by drawing the routes on a map and using compasses to locate specific

locations. Good maps include hiking maps, road maps, and topographical maps. Before

you set off, ensure that every member of the group knows how to use a map.

Hand signals – if you’re in a group, you will also need to be able to communicate

secretively. Hand signals are a great way to accomplish this. As long as everyone in the

group understands the hand signals, you can say just about anything (even openly

criticize the government), and no one will know.

Shelter – Consider carrying a tent that will keep you out of the rains and winds.

However, this doesn’t mean you must drag one along if you can’t fit it into your bag. In

this case, leave the tent behind and take off. You can always improvise when the need

arises.

A watch – When you’re on the run, time may fly or it may go really slowly. You need a

watch to tell you how fast you’re moving and to time every activity. You also need to a

watch to be able to attend group missions on time, among many other reasons.


Batteries – You’ll need as many batteries as you can possibly carry. The flashlight, your

watch and a few other things that you’ll be carrying along probably need electric power.

This is where the batteries come in.

Cooking equipment – Even if you don’t want to, you will probably end up cooking out

there. Consider carrying a pot, something to eat from, and some tools to help you cut

the wood. A commando saw comes to mind because it can also be used as a weapon.

Plenty of knowledge – Ultimately, surviving in the wilderness comes down to being

clever. You need to know your ways around and how to deal with simple threats. You

also need to be aware of the potential dangers while you’re out there and be prepared

to meet them head-on. Above all, you need to know the area you’re heading into like

the back of your hand. Know about the streams in that area; from where they start to

where they go, and the hills, mountains, and caves. Know about the flora, fauna, and

the climatic conditions of that place for the whole year. You will need this knowledge to

survive.

Can I win?

YES, you can win. The only problem is that you’re never certain about it. When you’re

starting a battle from scratch against an enemy who has long been prepared for it when all you

have is hope can be tough indeed. You can’t fight for territory when all have are a few rifles

while the enemy boasts unlimited automated weapons, armor, air support and so much more.

But if there is one thing you need to do, you need to believe.

Smart coup leader will usually execute martial law against a population that has already

been appeased in one way or another. It will do it against a population that is already pacified

after being frightened and terrified. When people are pacified, they can do anything to save

their lives. Even when they can’t get exactly what they want, a terrified population will give it all

as long as they have a semblance of their old lives.

The American people are already pacified. That why people increasingly see the TV as

their best friend. That’s why people form a strong habit to go to the movies even if the actual

show won’t be entertaining per se. With the population already pacified, the government can

now easily hypnotize them while their rights are legislated into impotence and irrelevance. Tell

me who has the basic skills to grow crops in America today? Not very many. And it’s all because

the government is so determined to take away our basic survival skills. If you can’t grow crops,

then you can’t survive without the help of the government. If the government was to wage a

war and all jobs were taken away, would you survive? No.


It’s not all lost yet, but there is no way we can say that the American people are

empowered to fight back if martial law was to be enforced. Even though the government is

telling us that we’re free and prosperous, we are indeed just slaves whore being appeased with

small goodies.

What we can do is to work as a team; to help each other. We need to secretly develop

our own weapons; first starting with the light one then moving to heavy weapons. The military

doesn’t have to wield dangerous weapons in the name of fighting for us; if there is a war, let us

fight it on our own.

Ordinary Americans also need to start thinking about manufacturing ammunition, food,

fuel, and medicine. All these can be manufactured using basic engineering and chemistry skills.

This way, when the enemy comes, the American people will be fully prepared.

Conclusion

If you haven’t learned how to use a rifle, don’t waste any more time. Find shooting

lessons and sign up for them. Alternatively, find a retired military person and let them help you

learn the basics. If you haven’t bought a firearm yet, this is also the time. You can easily find

guns at gun shows in exchange for cash. Attend gun shows and learn a few tricks. You even

need to join a gun group.

Start exploring your neighborhood to know exactly where you would run to if

ambushed. And while you’re at it, you can also start grouping yourselves just in case Martial

Law was to come into force tomorrow.

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