Securing Your Home After a Disaster (Defensive)
Simple, non-confrontational steps to deter break-ins and stay safe when police response is slow.
Question 1
The goal
Make your home a harder target and avoid confrontations.
Question 2
Materials
- Door reinforcement plate / longer strike plate screws (3 in)
- Solar motion lights
- Window locks or dowels in sliding tracks
- Phone and radio
Question 3
Substitutes
- Broomstick in sliding door track
- Door wedge alarm
- Neighbor watch group chat
Where to find it
| Material | Household | Wilderness | Urban / scavenged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long screws | Toolbox | N/A | Hardware store |
Question 4
Step by step
- 1
Replace short strike-plate screws with 3 in (7.5 cm) screws that reach the door frame stud.
- 2
Put a dowel or broomstick in sliding door and window tracks.
- 3
Install solar motion lights at entrances — they work without grid power.
- 4
Keep valuables, generators and fuel out of sight; chain generators down.
- 5
Board broken windows and doors promptly.
- 6
Organize with neighbors: share contact info and check in daily.
- 7
Don't advertise supplies on social media.
- 8
If someone suspicious approaches, stay inside, lock doors, and call 911. Don't confront.
- 9
Know two exits from your home and keep keys and shoes near them.
Saved steps go to My Survival Notebook.
Question 5
The science
Most burglaries are opportunistic; visible lighting, locked entries and occupied-looking homes cause intruders to choose other targets.
Question 6
Dangers & limits
- Avoid confrontation — property can be replaced, people can't.
- Never block emergency exits.
- Don't run generators indoors to hide them.
Question 7
How you know it worked
All entries secured, lights working, and a neighbor check-in system is set up.