Building a Personal Defense Strategy

Defending oneself is a response to a real threat to one's person, as in a physical attack, an attack to one's character (ad hominem attack), or an attack against one's ideas or beliefs. This page is inteneded to address the many forms of attacks and defense types to make educated decisions about what defense method is appropriate for the particular circumstance and the theology of the person(s) planning a defense strategy. Prevention is always preferable to a cure. In reality, even in my current day-to-day life, I am defending myself against those things or persons that could negatively affect my lifestyle and peace of mind. I have insurance, alarm systems and locks and methods and plans if those first lines of defense fail. And, I stay current with local, national and global events to be warned of potential dangers.

NO SAFE PLACE:

Along with our "normal" crime conditions, politicians increasingly declare 'sanctuary cities', weaken the Criminal Justice System and pass laws, ordinances, regulations, resolutions, policies, or other practices that obstruct immigration enforcement in favor of illegal immigrants. These actions have resulted in higher crime rates and restrictions on Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). When the hands of the Police are tied, who will protect us?

Every morning, I turn on the television to get the news and weather forecast. I don't like hearing the "talking heads" and ridiculous interviews so I, usually, turn off the sound and read the ticker at the bottom of the screen. I always end up asking myself "why do people think they are safe?" The news is filled with tragedy in all forms. When I do listen to details and interviews, I'm amazed how naive people really are about the world around them. They live in environmentally unsafe and crime-ridden places, they visit places where governments have warned against visiting, they intentionally put themselves in risky situations and they are ignorant of what is going on around them. No wonder they become victims. Why, then, should they be shocked when something bad happens?

I agree that we shouldn't stop living but we need to take off the rose-colored-glasses and the headphones and get our noses out of the our smartphones and be more aware of what is going on around us (Situational Awareness). Emergency Responders are "responders" not "preventers". So, stop being shocked and afraid and stop expecting others to keep you safe. Situational awareness & heeding warning signs are key to knowing your surroundings for a better understanding of circumstances and options that can reduce the risk of becoming a victim. It's your responsibility to be safe and no one else's.

Suggested Readings:
Ways To Improve Your Situational Awareness
Staying Alive When You're In the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

IN TUNE WITH DANGEROUS TIMES:

I am not a fan of "The News". I consider the majority of it depressing and irritating. I have enough of that in normal everyday life. I don't believe the mainstream media knows all or is forthcoming with the entire truth and I feel that some of the unconventional news sources stretch the truth a bit. Unfortunately, if I am to be prepared for times ahead, I need to be in tune with the pulse of the world. I can't wear rose-colored glasses, stick my head in the sand or build my bunker thinking the world won't find me. I need to connect to sources of "real" information; information that is fact-based and not rumor-based (although many rumors are based in fact).

I encourage reduced reliance on the mainstream media for real information. I suggest to google for fact-based news sources and listen to fact-based news radio stations. If you seek, you will find. I always recommend that people do their own research and don't assume that all that is said or printed is true (from any source). I would also suggest that subscribing to any publications of the unconventional nature, may raise a red flag to those who monitor certain activities.

Implementing local and personal actions and tools can help to stay informed like surveillance of the community by the use of a Police and Fire Departments Scanner, Personal Drones and personal communications with neighbors.

The bottom line is to stay informed with the most accurate, truthful information you can find to be prepared for whatever is brewing in your community and the world.

VOTING & GOVERNMENT MONITORING:

This may not sound like something associated with Defense but make no mistake by ignoring this. Unchecked, government can turn our quiet, peaceful lives into a living hell. Why was our country formed? Because of the tyranny against the english people by its king. Corruption starts in secret and may not be brought to light until its devastation is so vast, recovery could last for years. We The People MUST keep an eye on our elected officials. Voting is your voice in government. Vote, intelligently, at every opportunity. Stay informed. Communicate with your government representatives. Don't let them become "career politicians". And don't live with blinders on as if they know what's best for you; THEY DON'T! Remember that they are "servants of the People (you)", not royalty.

SANITATION:

An overall defense strategy must include protection from non-persons as well as people. Knowing how, and planning, to defend against germs, virus and bacteria is essential in our everyday surroundings as well as the world where chemical and biological warfare are highly possible. Even now, our most prolific enemy is the worldwide spread of contagions (disease, virus, etc.). Even the annual flu season virus kills tens of thousands of people. As such, cleanliness should be our priority defense preparation.

SURVIVING THE URBAN JUNGLE:

1. Ditch City Life! The best chance for surviving nearly any disaster is living in a rural area. Cities have far too many factors against them to survive a disaster such as: great terrorist target and blending in, high transportation rates of hazardous materials, high density of refineries and chemical plants, gangs, international airports and sea ports to spread disease, high population to easily spread disease, food supply is limited (3 days) and only from commercial outlets (no hunting, fishing, gardening, etc.), preparing is foreign to dwellers because everything is [normally] easily accessable, high denisty of prisons and released criminals, "you owe me" (entitlement) is a mental norm, overworked and understaffed police with reduced pay and resources, and hospitals are not staffed or equipped for disasters. In a disaster situation, all of these factors will be multiplied especially with police who will want to stay home to protect family instead of working to help the public. If you can't or won't ditch city life:

2. Learn, and prepare for, Survival-In-Place.

3. Learn How to Defend Yourself - Take a self-defense and refresher courses. If you decide to carry a weapon (gun, knife, etc.), learn how to use it effectively or it could backfire and be used against you. If you do not want to use a conventional "weapon" or don't have one at the ready, learning how to make your body a weapon is an alternative you will always have with you.

4. Sharpen your Senses on Situational Awareness - Paying attention to what’s going on around you; the sights, sounds and even slight changes in your environment, can help keep you safe from attackers and other threats.
[Video 1]   [Video 2]   [Video 3]   [Article]

5.To help heighten your level of situational-awareness, apply the Three (3) Zones of Assessment technique:
Zone 1: What you have on you or within your reach that could help in an emergency/survival event.
Zone 2: What is within your immediate vicinity that could help in an emergency/survival event.
Zone 3: What you might be able to access within a "reasonable" walking distance of where you are now.
References:
[Wilderness Video 1]    [Wilderness Video 2]
Applying SurvivorMan's 3 Zones of Assessment
Zones Of Assessment: Make A Detailed Account To Increase Your Chances Of Survival
The Survivorman Zones of Assessment: The Key To Your Survival When The Situation Seems Hopeless
Faced with a survival situation? Use the Survivorman Zones of Assessment
Art of Manliness Podcast #64: Survivorman With Les Stroud [Suggested Video]

Tips to break away from a mob/riot/looting situation: With our First Amendment freedom of speech and expression, people can flood the streets as a form of civil/peaceful protest. However, a civil protest can turn into a full-scale riot as tensions build, usually fueled and led by out-of-state antagonistic radical groups (Antifa), brought in from other parts of the country, whose sole intention is to incite violence within an already tense situation. Peaceful protestors should assist law enforcement to identify these terrorists to help disrupt the violence and retore peaceful protests. Here are some tips on breaking away from a mob/riot/looting situation in case you get caught in the midst of all this chaos.
◾ Stay calm and keep your emotions in check
◾ Stay on the sidelines and back away slowly
◾ Try to blend in with (dress like) the croud
◾ Stay away from the leader(s) - Police usually target them for elimination to discourage followers
◾ Avoid confrontation
◾ Walk, don't run
◾ Don't stop moving
◾ Watch your footing
◾ Keep your hands up by your chest
◾ Get inside and stay there
◾ Keep ALL windows and exterior (including storm/screen) doors locked. Shut and lock interior doors when rooms are occupied.
◾ If you're caught in your car, shut and lock your doors and windows, stay calm and slowly drive from the area when able
◾ Other Tips on Staying Safe in a Crowd or Riot
◾ Defense Against Mobs

See Also:
Excerpts from Street Survival Skills
Guide to Personal Safety & Security
Escape and Evade
Crowd Control Under Martial Law
Bug Out Or Stay Put?

HOME DEFENSE:

Crime is an everyday concern; usually involving those who want what I have without asking my permission. And, I need to put everyday security measures in place (locks, alarms, security cameras, Security Lighting, etc.). In a public emergency situation, there will be an increase in the potential for public unrest. In response, my level of alertness should increase. I would like to believe that if a public-unrest situation occurs, requiring me to put my Emergency Plan into effect, those who are knocking on my door are those naïve simpletons who thought nothing could ever happen in this land of milk and honey to ever disturb their rainbows and unicorns world. I would, of course, be partially correct; the other types would not only be knocking on my door to make sure no one is at home but may not knock at all before they break in. Regardless of the potential severity of a threat, I need to have safety, security and defense measures in place. NOTE: Protection of property is not self-defense. Protection of life is self-defense.

86 burglars were asked how they broke into homes. Read/hear what burglars said were the biggest deterrents, what didn't stop them and how to protect your home. Watch the video and read the responses to the 17 questions asked.
Primary Items:
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Jewelry
- Guns (an NRA or gun bumper sticker on a car is a sure sign guns are in the house)
- Electronics
- Safes

Deterrents:
- Visible security cameras
- Lights on inside the house
- Radio or TV playing inside the home
- Vehicle in the driveway
- Nothing (like bushes and trees) blocking the view of the house
- Evidence of an alarm system
- Big, loud dog

What burglars do first when they get inside your home:
Across the board, burglars that were surveyed said they go to the master bedroom first. One burglar said he searches "beds, drawers, closets and boxes." Another said "every inch of the bedroom." Another said he looks for a hidden floor, wall or ceiling space in the master bedroom. "Most people keep all their valuables close to them where they feel they were most safe but in reality they are not," another wrote. View Video Here

Multiple Layers and Backups:
Plan: Develop an Emergency Plan
Does your family know what to do in case of fire, tornado, hurricane, home invasion, burglary or robbery? If not, putting some thought into making some emergency preps is an important step to saving lives. Make a plan, set up procedures. Developing a home safety plan with your family can mean the difference between surviving or becoming another unfortunate statistic. Outline what to do in the event of various types of emergencies. Use the information in this document to help develop a home security plan that can keep you and your family safe.

Don't Share Your Plans or Personal Information: Preventing a home invasion, burglary, personal injury or identity theft can be as simple as using discresion around the amount of Personal Information you share with others. Sharing vacation plans, daily schedule and personal information on social media can give criminals an opportunity to learn when your home will be empty or where you will be for them to do personal harm or use the information for identity theft. Don't discuss your home security measures with anyone outside of your family or anyone else who lives with you. Don't give details about your home or family to anyone you don't know. If a stranger comes to your home looking for help, don't let them in your home; call the police and let them wait outside for assistance.
Sharing photos online can identify vehicles (tag #), personal items, addresses or personal information that will attract a criminal to your door, used for identity theft or threaten your personal safety or the safety of family members.

Practice: You won't know if the plan works unless you try it out. Practice the Plan, with every member of the house, on a regular basis. Regular practice helps everyone respond quickly, reinforces the plan so it becomes second nature, and reduces panic and fear during an actual emergency, freeing participants to focus on how to evacuate, shelter in place, or lockdown.
• Practice the emergency plan (both announced and unannounced) at least 2-3 times a year with all members of the household.
• During practice, address and include pets and those with special health care needs or disabilities.
• Test emergency communications, assemble at your meeting locations and practice your evacuation routes
• Update your plan with any changes, if necessary, after you practice.

Warn: No Trespassing, or other Warning Signs to Visitors and Would-be intruders

Detect: Security Cameras, Motion Alarms, Security Lighting, Neighborhood Watch

TellTales: A Telltale [sign] is a low-tech evidence left behind after something has happened. For Example, about 25 minutes into the James Bond, 007 movie "Dr. No", 007 (Sean Connery) arrives at his hotel and gets his vodka martini (shaken, not stirred). He then shakes some powder onto his briefcase latches and pulls a hair from his head and places it across the crack between the room door and door jamb. Why?; to detect if someone opens the door or his briefcase after he leaves. In the spy/detective business, these are called "tells". They tell of activity that took place when the spy wasn't there to observe. These techniques can be used to alert of unwanted access/activity when observation isn't possible. In this video, these techniques are described in detail.
[More Ideas]

Prevent: Fences & Gates, Locks, Safety Glass, Reinforced Doors, Walls, Roof, Ceilings, Security Lighting, Don't Share Information

Retreat: Safe Rooms, Emergency Exits, Exit Routes

Backups: Never should there be a Single-Point-of-Failure. At least two (2) [preferrably three] levels of redundancy should be built in to every plan, process and system in case of failure by the primary and backup. Not only should there be a multi-layered defense plan but backups of each layer in case one strategy or tool fails or is breached. For example, electric (AC powered) Security Lighting might not work if there is a power failure. Consider Solar Security Lights that do not need electric power. Each layer of the the defense plan should have at least one (preferably more) backup.
Reference(s):    [Complete Guide to Home Security]    [My Personal, Real-Life Backup Strategy]

Window Coverings: During daylight hours, use Window Sheers that let light in but maintain privacy from the outside. When it's dark outside, use shades, curtains or blinds on windows to prevent people from seeing inside and finding out whether or not anyone's home.

Allowing Unscheduled Access: Hiding a key outside the house is not a good idea. The best methods of giving your permission to enter the house is to give an extra key to a trusted neighbor or having a quality [reprogrammable] combination lock on one of the doors. If someone, you know, needs unscheduled access to the house, they can call you for the combination or the name of the neighbor. Once gone, they need to give the key back to the neighbor or you can change the lock combination.

Secure Premises: It should go without saying that I need to secure my property and structures. Post "No Trespassing" signs, build fences, keep ALL gates, doors (including storm/screen) and windows locked (with QUALITY locks), arm alarm systems and reinforce walls, doors, roof, ceilings and windows/glass within budget. In a real event, tape windows to reduce flying glass in case of damage. Consumer home window (laminated) glass (similar to car windshields) is available that can withstand a thrown brick without penetration. Keep in mind that just because one area of a structure might be nearly impenetrable, another area might be the weakest link that needs special attention.
Board Up Windows & Doors if Necessary: To protect from break-in or severe weather, boarding up windows and doors may be necessary. There are [glass and board-up] companies that do this or you can do it yourself. Also, wood products, such as plywood, may not be the best option if the intent is to protect against many types of attacks, such as a fire (Molotov Cocktail). Consider metal roofing/building material or metal shutters instead. Additionally, if it's necessary for permanent protection, grates, bars and gates are options. As a precautionary measure, having pre-cut plywood panels for first floor doors and windows could save time and anxiety if future events warrant them.

Be Forewarned: The first line of defense is being alerted, well in advance, of visitors. I don't want my doorbell to ring before realizing I have visitors. I want to know they are on their way, from as far away as possible, so I am prepared for them before they arrive at my door. Perimeter Alarms can be as sophisticated as electronic motion sensors, listening devices and surveillance cameras or as simple as a barking dog (I understand that Lamas are good "watchdogs") or fishing line with bells or other noise-makers attached. I've even read that developing the skill of interpreting bird sounds can be used to alert when setting up bird feeders around rural property. Several options should be in place in case any of the others fail. Build a Simple, Low-Tech, High Security Exterior Perimeter Alarm or purchase one.

Surveillance Cameras: Cameras should not only be a tool for detection and monitoring but for evidence. When the smoke clears, documented evidence may be needed, for prosecution and defense, to show how an incident went down. A minimum of 30 days stored recordings is the rule of thumb. Keep in mind that recorded evidence might be used against you, as things are not so cut a dry as we would like them to be or interpreted by others as we might interpret them. Here are suggestions where to position security cameras. Read Solar Energy: A Spotlight on Home Security.
• With the Alfred Home Security App, nearly any cell phone with a built-in camera can be setup as a security camera to send real-time video activity to the smartphone you always use.
• Trail or Game Cameras can be easily hidden and positioned for effective photo-capturing of intruders. Most, however, do not provide automatic notification of detection (a cell phone service may be required for this feature). It is recommended to use cameras with "Black IR" to prevent the typical red glow of night-time infrared lights.
• Home Security Camera Systems can be a bit more costly and require more involved installation but everything can be setup, controlled, monitored and recorded remotely from a central location (computer). Be careful, however; take precautions to reduce the potential of your security cameras spying on you. Remote computer hacking into your camera system can turn the system against you and provide criminals visual access to the premises. Shop for Wireless Solar Battery Powered Security Camera & Spot Light.

Security Lighting: Lighing is one of the best ways to protect the home from intruders. Criminals prefer to do their dasterdly deeds in the dark. Illuminate outside areas where it's easy to hide in the dark or behind trees or shrubs. Motion-detecting Security Lighting created unexpected exposure to intruders. Interior lights (on a timer or not) and having a Radio playing are deterrents. Solar Lights save on electricity, operate when the AC power goes out and avoid wiring while providing security.

Make Paths Difficult: While you need a clearing to see who's coming so you're not caught off guard, you also need to make it difficut for the bad guys to navigate your property or inside your home (if they have managed to get in). Where there is a straight path, place, plant or create obsticles (trees, shrubs, hedgerows, debris piles, holes in the ground, large rocks, sand bags, nets, booby traps, barbed wire, trip wires, furniture, etc.). This will help limit the line of sight to reduce detection or surveillance, allow more time for your escape, increase time for the bad guys to navigate or reduce time for the bad guys to react to your ambush. Obviously, when you create such barriers, you must know where they are and how to easily naviagate around them. Practice.

Hidden Security: Fortifying home security doesn't mean making the home look like a fortress. The best security is actually when it doesn't look like a fortress. Practical softscaping, hardscaping, and few other tricks can keep would-be intruders at bay better than a moat. Advertising security can be just as dangerous in some situations as not being prepared at all. Protecting the home in a low-key manner is preferred for most people. Don't identify property as a resource target by stringing up razor wire everywhere. Here are some suggestions:
• Landscaping - A house that cannot be seen from from the street is a means of obscurity that can go a long way to deter intruders.
• Bush Security - Hedgerows have been long used to partition off areas, and they don't look as intimidating [or inviting] as walls.
• Fences and Walls - A balance between function and form is key so a fence or wall looks commonplace but is still effective to keep out intruders.
• Picking the Right Colors - Colors that blend in with the home and landscaping are best to use to conceal. Brighter colors help "warn".
• The Reality of Traps - Don't use traps that could maim or kill. Use tactics and devices to scare away unwanted intruders.
• False Fidos, Sham Security, and Lying Lights - If just starting out with security, using fake warning signs and equipment can be effective.

Use Your Imagination to Hide Your Supplies:
Camouflage: Hide in Plain Sight
Awesome Places to Hide Guns
Survival Caches hide supplies in remote places and help to lighten the load if bugging out is necessary so you don't have to carry everything with you. The keys to successfully hiding a survival cache are to hide it where no one else will find it but you can and stored in a way the contents will be preserved. The obvious decisions to make are: Supplies to store, the best Container to use, Where to hide it and how to Find it once it is hidden. Here are some links to help in the desicions:
[Article 1]    [Article 2]    [Article 3]    [Video]

Bullet-Proofing the House: Understand that the typical wood-frame house provides little in the way of protection against firearms fire. At best, the 2"x4" wooden studs, 16" apart, are the most bullet-resistant part of the structure. Picture that; what are to odds of a bullet striking a wall stud within a 16" span? . . . very slim. The house is a bit more bullet-resistant if the exterior walls include real brick, rock-face, cinder block or concrete. Even then, it's good to never assume the walls will stop a bullet. Forget what's portrayed in the movies. If the house comes under firearms fire, the best thing for its occupants to do is to lay on the floor, as flat as possible, behind furniture or appliances or head for a Safe Room.

There are some inexpensive things that can done to make the exterior of the house more bullet-resistant while avoiding the look of a fortress. Place "decorative" flower boxes or planters outside the house where you want to protect areas of the house from firearms fire. Use bricks, concrete or solid wood materials to build these containers and fill them with [mostly] packed sand and metal plates for improved stopping-power protection. Additionally, bullet-resistant window shutters can be added, or existing decorative shutters can be modified, to protect the wall areas on both sides of windows for use as cover against firearms fire by placing several layers of metal sheeting behind them.

While not so inconspicuous, and generally used for diverting water, Sand Bags are an effective bullet stopper. Most civilian rifle or handgun rounds can be stopped by six (6) inches of compacted sand. Dirt and fine gravel may be other options. Sand bags could be stacked on the inside of the sturcture to avoid detection and increase protection. Today's commercial Sand Bags are usually made of polypropylene (found online or in home improvement stores) but an inexpensive route could be any heavy plastic, cloth or burlap sack (maybe even pillow cases) capable of holding 25+ pounds of sand. Filled no more than half (1/2) way Sand Bags can be easily molded to whatever design is needed and reduce gaps between bags where bullets (or water) could get through. Here is an article on How to use Sandbags To Stop Water or Bullets.

Read this article and watch this video and this video for details. View more videos on The Bulletproof House.

Due to the rise in mass shootings, many bullet-resistant products have been developed that may be used in the residence or Safe Room.

Safe Rooms & Emergency Escape Routes: If someone is home when an intruder strikes, it's likely they won't have time to think of a plan on the spot. It's important to have a preemptive plan of action. If self-defense is not an option, or not feasible, an escape route should be an option and part of the home-defense plan. Know where the closest exits are at all times. If you can't escape the house, designate a 'safe room' that has a strong, secure door and reinforced walls, floor and ceiling. All interior doors should have locks installed on them to further delay intruders and protect occupants. A Safe Room is also a potential retreat in case of severe weather. Determine how to notify police (or other first responders) in the event of an emergency. Keep in mind that "safe room" construction materials could block (dampen) cell or radio signals. Running a cable from the safe room to an exterior antenna may be necessary to get a signal inside the safe room. Read "How to Build a Safe Room".
Emergency Escape Kit [from High-rise Building]: Most buildings have an evacuation plan that can lead everyone to safer grounds. But when the initial plan falls apart, you need to have a ready-to-go emergency kit nearby. Having a kit with the right items can make a huge difference in getting out of any building and avoiding injury or death. Additionally, even in a ground-level structure, busting through an exterior wall may be the only means possible to escape when all other exits are blocked. Use any tools at hand (hammer, chair, table, lamp, etc.) to escape through a wall or window or jammed door.

Booby Traps to Arm And Protect the Home: Remember Home Alone? Little Kevin had to come up with some creative and innovative ways to booby-trap the house against the burglars. This flick serves as a great reminder that just about anything can be used for home security if you put your mind to it. Locks, alarms and security cameras are good home security measures. But when SHTF, you'll need more than just alarms. You'll need booby traps for additional protection. Not all booby traps cause injury. Many are used to startle and scare away intruders and alert you to activity. But, remember, by entering your home, the instuder has now intentionally threatened you or your family and you must STOP that threat. To do anything less is to allow the threat to continue. Initially, using devices to scare away the intruder, at a distant perimeter (away from the house), is preferable to more harmful methods. But, if the intruder is determined to enter the house, more injurious methods should be considered as the intruder has proved their intent of doing harm to the residents. Note that some, or all, of these devices may be illegal in your jurisdiction (consult local codes/laws) but in a desperate survival situation, if you cannot safely retreat, you may have to do what you have to do to survive. If nothing else, it is hoped that this article gets you thinking about various ways (watch the Home Alone movie) to protect yourself, family and home. Here are some suggestion to put an end to an intruder threat:
- Tripwire    [Video 1]    [Video 2]
- [Paracord] Snare Trap
- Talking Booby Trap
- Explosion Simulator
- Corn Flour (dust) Explosive
- Slow Burning Fuse buys time to hide the device before it explodes.
Resources:
Images of Ideas
Booby Traps for Home Protection
Do Snare Traps Really Work? (Answer: Yes. Very Much Yes.)
Homemade Booby Traps: Enter At Your Own Risk
Ways To Upgrade Your Home Defense Using Booby Traps
Practical Homemade Booby Traps for Burglars and Thieves

Emergency Communications: Keep an extra charged cell phone and/or Portable 2-Way Radio in the safe room/closet or keep a cell phone on you at all times. NOTE: Even inactive cell phones may be able to call 911. Just make sure to keep the devices charged. Also, keep in mind that some structure building materials may block radio or cell signals.

Fire/Smoke/CO Detection & Response: It should go without saying that part of defense and safety is the detection, and methods to respond to, Fire, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide. Detectors are available for all 3 and should be installed, as well as Fire Extinguishers, at strategic locations throughout the home or office. Detectors should be tested 2-4 times a year and batteries should be replaced at least once a year (New Years Day is suggested). Having an Emergency Escape Plan is also essential.


National Fire Prevention Week (in October) promotes safety measures to avoid risks of causing fires and escaping them. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week on October 4-10, 1925, beginning a tradition of the President of the United States signing a proclamation recognizing the occasion. It is observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began October 8, 1871, and did most of its damage October 9. The horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.
Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!: Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries. Hot liquids from coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Practice Safe Cooking.

Suggested Resources: Protecting Your Home From Smoke, Gas, And Fire
Is Your Home Protected Against Carbon Monoxide and Fire?
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) - Home Safety

Mail Screening: This might seem to be a strange thing to consider in a home defense plan but this is one of the easiest ways to inflict injury without actually 'being there'. Knowing the signs of a suspicious letter or package could save a life or prevent serious injury.

Mail Screening Best Practices
Potential elements of suspicious mail & Response:
• Fictitious, unfamiliar, or no return address.
• Hand written or poorly typed address.
• Address to a title only or an incorrect title.
• Mailed from a foreign country.
• Excessive postage.
• Excessive string or tape on package.
• Misspelling of common words.
• Restrictive markings such as "Confidential," "Personal," etc.
• Response: DO NOT Handle or Open and Call the Police

Other Resources on Home Defense:
Military Principles for Homestead Defense

SELF-DEFENSE:

As we live in uncertain times, we should be prepared to defend ourselves in our home, car, at work, or on the street. If someone is intent on harming you or those you love, you have a choice; Run, Take It or Fight Back. Understand that if the attackers are 'that intent', they may not allow you to flee and, be assured, their attack will not be without serious, possible life-threatening, injury to you or loved one(s). In the case of a home invasion, the criminals have already decided (they don't care about) their fate and risk to their own safety/life. NOTE: Protection of property, alone, is not self defense. Protection of life is self-defense. Likewise, intentionally putting oneself in harms way (voluntarily placing oneself in legal jeopardy) to protect the property of others is not considered self-defense. Refer to this page for more information on the legal aspects of self-defense and self-defense insurance.

Know the Enemy and Know Yourself:
In order to win the battle you must, first and foremost, know the enemy and know yourself [weaknesses, strengths, skills, tactics].

Self Defense and the Bible:
What does the Bible say about Self Defense? Discover Bible verses about Self Defense from the Old and New Testaments. Read through these biblical references of Self Defense to learn more about its meaning and significance. May you find some insight from these related articles:
   [Reference 1]    [Reference 2]    [Reference 3]    [Reference 4]    [Reference 5]    [Search for other references]

Decide Your Responses NOW:
Can You Effectively Defend Yourself If Attacked? Make no mistake; as the world is right now, where others still want what I have, a disaster situation will amplify that a thousand times. Right now, as I make plans for what I will do if disaster strikes, I need to decide if I will fight or cave when the dogs of society begin to howl. If I decide to turn my back and walk away, I better be ready to scrounge for water, food and shelter or die trying. If I decide to share, I better have tons more than I ever thought I would need and watch my back while I hand it over. If my choice is to defend and protect, I need to decide, right now, at what point I will run, give up, or fight and, possibly, take a life. And, if I do take the life, or severely injure, my attacker, am I prepared to live with the consequences? I believe, in a crisis situation, most of us will have to make these choices. We will not be in a protective bubble. We will come face-to-face with thirsty, hungry, homeless people; some who will ask and some who will not. Before the attack happens we need to decide to what extent we are willing to defend family and self. Thinking through different scenarios will help prepare for the real thing.

I saw a TV show about a private, self-sustaining community of people who did not believe in the use of guns but one of them said that if hostile visitors would come, take over and not leave, eventually, those visitors would be poisoned or have their throats slit as they slept. These anti-gunners had pre-established a tolerance level and a plan.

Self-Defense Tactics:
Recognizing & Responding to Pre-Attack Indicators
21-Feet Rule (Tueller Principal): An attacker, 21 feet away, can reach an aware victim in less than 2 seconds. There are many factors to consider and, obviously, some who would debate "21-feet". The point is, keep as much distance as you can between you and the attacker to the level where you feel threatened.
[Link 1]   [Video 1]   [Video 2]
Home Invasion
Communication in Home Defense
Covenience Store Shopping
Defend Yourself with a Vengeance Until the Attack Stops
Other Tactics when using a firearm

Defusing Hostility:
It should be obvious that avoiding, preventing and diffusing hostility is a better option than conflict. Self-defense aims to stop victimization before an attack starts. Citizens seeking to improve their self-defense skills should also understand how mental health impacts their world and train on verbal deflection, de-escalation and deterrence. Learning how to evade a hostile situation or de-escalate a personal encounter are worthwhile skills in our Emergency Preparations.

Be Assertive, Not Aggressive: While assertive communication can sometimes be misinterpreted as arrogant, selfish, or unhelpful, by learning how to establish clear boundaries and communicate your needs and ideas clearly and respectfully, you can enhance your relationships with others, whether work colleagues, friends, or romantic partners. A gentle, diplomatic nudge that allows others to make the first move, garners respect.
Read: Initial Aggressor: Losing the Right to Argue Self Defense
But the fruit of the spirit is . . . gentleness . . . - Galatians 5:22-23
Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength. - Francis de Sales

Hand-To-Hand:
If you have to defend yourself, you may not want to use a conventional "weapon" or don't have one at the ready. Learning how to make your body a weapon is an alternative you will always have with you. Take a Martial Arts or street fighting class and take refresher classes periodically. This can also help you stay in good physical condition.
Find a Self-defense course near you
3 Self-Defense Moves Everyone Should Know
Street Fighting Tips: How to Use Body Weight in Self-Defense Techniques
How to Defend Yourself Against an Attacker
How to Defend Yourself Against an Attacker Carrying a Knife
Surviving a Knife Attack From Behind
How to Defend Yourself from an Attacker

Weapons:
Even in "peaceful" societies, it doesn't hurt to have a defense method in place, and at-the-ready, while jogging, walking the dog, driving, shopping, at work, or watching TV at home. Whatever it is, it's important to know how to use it effectively BEFORE it is necessary and know that you are emotionally and physically ready to use it when a threat comes knocking. However, situational awareness should be our greatest defensive weapon.

As never before, we have many non-lethal and lethal weapons choices. Before deciding if you even want to use a weapon in self-defense, you must determine, ahead of time, your level of accepting the consequences of taking a human life or causing serious injury. This may help to reach the conclusion of what to use or even if you are going to use anything.

Selecting non-lethal and/or lethal personal defense weapon(s) will be based on availability and level of proficiency, trust, hospitality, beliefs or paranoia or a combination of these or others. The obvious are firearms, knives, stun guns, and pepper spray but thinking outside-the-box, when none of these are readily available or desired, may be the difference between surviving and dying. Consider, also, that marauders will be on the lookout, and searching, for the obvious weapons.


Knife Laws: Like other weapons, Knife laws vary wildly by state. Knives like switchblades, spring-assisted knives, butterfly knives and others are legal in some states and illegal in others. Getting caught or crossing state lines with an illegal knife or switchblade can lead to serious consequences. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, so arm yourself with the right information on knife laws by state. Note: The information contained herein is for enlightenment only and may be out of date. Seek current governmental knife-carrying laws for the state(s) in question. Other Information Resource.

Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons: The way things are going, it may get to the point when any self-defense "tool" may become illegal (including non-lethals). Wasp/Hornet Spray shoots a stream about 10 feet. "Judge, I had wasps in my car and I just didn't remember to remove the can from my car after I sprayed the wasps. And when I was attacked by these ass-wipes, I was in fear for my life and grabbed the first thing I could reach to defend myself." BE PREPARED to use whatever means necessary to defend yourself before and after the attack. But here may be some current legal options, depending on your jurisdiction:    [Link 1]    [Link 2]    [Link 3]    [Link 4]
Pepper Spray:    [Bear Spray vs Pepper Spray]    [Pepper Gel vs Spray]    [Defense Spray with ID Dye]


Treating Exposure to Pepper-Spray / Mace / Chemical Irritants:
• Don't touch or rub contaminated skin or eyes.
• Wash Eyes with mixture of two teaspoons of table salt per liter of water OR a 50/50 mix of bland liquid antacid & water.
• Remove contaminated clothing. Wash separate from other clothing with STRONG detergent.
• After pain begins to subside, decontaminate skin using liquid soap diluted with water.

Make Your Own: We all know that purchasing a weapon can cost a lot of hard-earned money. Fortunately, you can make your own effective self-defense weapons without breaking the bank. Although these weapons are homemade, they are reliable when emergency circumstances arise. We should never be sure that we are safe or complacent about our security so it’s better to be protected than sorry.    [Make a Powerful, Easy & Cheap Stun Gun]    [Homemade Pepper Spray]
[Make and Use Improvised Weapons]    [Other Ideas 1]    [Other Ideas 2]
In addition to Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons above, learning how to use ordinary household and garden objects as weapons may provide some sense of security and protection during a self-defense encounter. When commercial weapons or ammo is scarce or you're forced to leave your supplies behind, improvised weapons may be your only choice for self-defense.

Distribute Weapons: Having a single place to store or secure weapons leaves you unprotected if you don't happen to be in that area of the house when a self-defense event happens. It's always good to secure weapons to prevent theft or use by young or inexperienced household members. But, to improve ready-access by "authorized" members of the household, weapons should be distributed throughout the residence. Consider these Concealed Gun Safes.

Distance: Taking lessons for fist fighting, hand-to-hand combat, martial arts, kick boxing, even fencing, are good as backup options but, generally, defense at-a-distance is preferred to up-close-and-personal to reduce the possibility of injury to yourself (see the 21 Feet Rule above). Striking tools like a baseball bat and fireplace poker or pepper spray may already be available in the house and are fair distance weapons but the greater distance to stop an attack, the better. For keeping predators further away, a high-powered rifle with scope and sniper training may be considered. A dog with a "big dog bark" may deter a predator but a dog that has been trained to attack is a formidable defense weapon.

Ammunition:    [Non-Lethal Ammunition for Regular Firearms - NOT]
.22, 9mm, .38, .357, .45, .223/5.56, 12 gauge and .410 gauge are the most universally used caliber ammunitions but, whatever you may have, make sure all of them are adequately supplied with the right kind of ammunition.

Stockpiling, before an emergency occurs, is a wise activity. Waiting until an emergency occurs is too late. Others will panic-buy and create an ammunition shortage and/or price increase.

When budgeting for ammo, it makes sense to buy when ammo is cheap and buy in bulk to save money, but also plan and budget for training ammunition. From personal experience, periodic weapons training is necessary to keep and improve the skill to use the weapon(s) that ammuniton fills. In a real-world situation, a lot of ammo will be wasted if it doesn't hit it's target. Training will help to make sure the bullets go where they should.
Reasons to stockpile: Avoid shortages and price hikes, firearms/ammo don't need software upgrades, firearms/ammo work even after an EMP attack or solar flare, it's a good bartering tool and it keeps skills sharp with regular training.
Conceal-Carry Weapon (CCW) Permits

Re-Purposing Recovered Weapons and Ammo: Have you ever watched an action or war movie and said to yourself "take their ammo and weapons"? Well, that's exactly what needs to be done in any armed conflict. Removing any weapons and ammunition from downed enemies, or critically-injured team members, should be a priority, when possible, for personal re-use against the enemy and spare parts. However, be careful, and suspicious of booby traped ammo, weapons and equipment that are just laying around and not attached to any deceased bodies as well as on critically-injured or deceased bodies that may have been there before your conflict; those bodies could be booby-trapped. Also, the weapons might be defective. Use what you know to be reliable but do what you must to survive. Read these articles for many perspectives:
[More Info 1]    [More Info 2]    [More Info 3]

Practice Your Defense Methods: If you are going to protect yourself, others and the supplies you have stored to prepare for, and survive, an emergency, you MUST be proficient with whatever tools or abilities you have planned to use in your defense. Simply having a gun is a worthless piece of metal if you have never had formal firearms training lessons to use it and maintain it. So it is with any method of defense. You must practice, practice, practice and then practice, practice, practice again until everything about your defensive tactics is second nature.

Fight With A Vengeance Until the Threat Stops: In self defense, the goal is to STOP the attack as quickly as possible. The attacker must be discouraged from attacking, or incapacitated such that they cannot continue their attack. If you don't STOP an attack in progress, you will just make the attacker angry and more determined to continue attacking. The attacker is not playing a game. They have already determined to accept any personal safety risks by making the decision to attack. DO NOT be shy with your response. When necessary to defend, fight as if your life depends on it; IT DOES!

Consider the Consequences: Most of us would probably say "I'll do what I have to do to protect myself, family and friends." But very few think of the aftermath, and consequences, of taking a life or severly injuring an attacker. Self-Defense Insurance is available to help deal with the legal and financial impact after a self-defense action. NOTE: Protection of property, alone, is not self defense. Protection of life is self-defense.

Defense Equipment:
Bullet-Proof Clothing and Accessories - Helps to reduce trauma from firearm and knife attacks
Face Shield / Eye Protection - Protects face from attack or projectiles
Head Protection / Helmet - Protects head from attack or projectiles
Body/Riot Shield - Helps to deflect projectiles
Body Armor - Protects body from attack or projectiles
Cut Resistant Safety Gloves - Protects hands from injury
Steel-Toe Boots/Shoes - Protects feet from injury

WORKING WITH OTHERS:

Working with a trusted group of people (spouse, family, neighborhood watch, etc.) provides better security and, usually, helps many to cope better with an emergency situation. Meet with them together, periodically, to discuss strategies and preparations. Read more.

Rules of Stupid: When I was a Police Officer, my greatest frustration was a constant slap in my face to the very reason why I became a Police Officer; to help people. My frustration was that there are very few "innocent victims"; people usually make bad choices that put them in a position where they have to call the Police.

The "Rules of Stupid" state that you should not go out with stupid people to stupid places to do stupid things at stupid times. But there is no guarantee that if you follow those rules you won't be the victim of violence. You could meet up with a thug in a car park or fall victim to a terrorist attack in church. While the odds are low, the consequences are huge, so we need to be prepared for the worst. But, first and foremost, we need to avoid putting ourselves into bad situations to begin with.

The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity:
1 - Always, and inevitably, everyone underestimates the number of stupid individuals in circulation.
2 - The probability that a certain person be stupid is independent of any other characteristic of that person.
3 - A stupid person causes losses to another person or persons while himself deriving no gain nor the possibly of incurring losses.
4 - Non-stupid people always underestimate the damaging power of stupid individuals; constantly forgetting that at all times and places and under any circumstances to deal and/or associate with stupid people always turns out to be a costly mistake.
5 - A stupid person is the most dangerous type of person.

INFORMATION SECURITY:

Keeping personal information out of the hands of unauthorized persons is a must for an overall defense plan. Know what personal information you should safeguard Follow recommendations (below) to protect personal information/identity on the Internet Destroy important documents and credit/debit cards by burning or using a cross-cut shredder (shredder-type comparison) Letters/documents, containing personal information, being sent by snail-mail should be placed in a Public Mailbox or your personal mailbox just prior to pickup (not left in the box overnight). Set out trash for pickup, just prior to pickup, to reduce the chance of "dumpster diving" Frequently Backup your computer, tablet or smartphone data to a USB drive for recovery in case the device(s) in case of device failure, theft or destruction. Store the USB drive in a separate and secure location. Important & Legal Documents and Valuables Storage: Important documents and valuables should be gathered, organized and protected in one location for easy, but secure, access in a waterproof and fireproof container, easily transportable in case an emergency arises that requires evacuation. Paper documents should be converted to digital as a backup and for easy transportation. Here is a list of documents to consider for secure storage. Web Search and Smart Phone Data: Removal Web Browser Data All data that is captured via a Smart Phone (especially Android) is saved on the web/internet. For example, if you use an Android smart phone, you must have a Google account. If you login to your Google account, from a computer, you can see everything you have, and have accessed, on your Android phone, including your contacts, photos, YouTubes, phone calls you've made, where you have travelled, searches and much more. You can make some changes on your smart phone or computer. From a computer, login to Google.com and click on your account avatar (top right) then click "Manage Your Google Account. From there, you can view how Google has been tracking you and edit how Google tracks you in the future. You can also clear/delete data that has been gathered. Here are some links to help keep your business your business instead of it being plastered all over the internet without your permission: Search on DuckDuckGo.com Ways to Keep Google from Collecting Data on Your Android Phone How to turn off location tracking on your iPhone or iPad How to stop your smartphone from tracking your every move, sharing data and sending ads All the Ways Google Tracks You — And How to Stop It Google is probably tracking you — here's how to limit it Look at this alternative, non-tracking, Search Engine - DuckDuckGo.com

Internet Safety / Children:

The Internet can be a source of education and fun for children. They can use it as a resource for school projects, watch fun videos, play interactive games, and learn more about the world. However, it's also possible for them to stumble on inappropriate content or become a victim of cyberbullying and online predators. They may also unwittingly put themselves or other relatives at risk of identity theft by revealing personal information. That's why teaching children about internet safety is just as important about teaching them "don't talk to strangers". Educating them at an early age will help them understand that their parents are a safe place to turn to if they feel attacked or uncomfortable online and may, also, help prevent fraud as they grow older. Additionally, follow these recommendations to protect personal information on computers and the internet: Use, and frequently change, strong passwords Don't reply to any unsolicited emails Don't publish any Personal Information on any internet sites, including social network sites Other Internet Safety Rules & What Not to Do Online Internet Safety Tips for Kids and Teens Top Internet Safety Tips for Kids & Parents Ways to keep your digital life safer


DNA Tests May Be Used Against You:

People who send in DNA (Genomics) testing requests to find relatives (from Ancestry.com, 23andMe,, etc.) should not expect the results to remain private. As our privacy is constantly being violated, and with more government control, our DNA can be used against us for all kinds of nefarious purposes without our knowledge. Police are using this information for criminal investigations and insurance companies could use the results to limit buying Life Insurance. Don't assume that any medical testing, where DNA can be extracted (nose swab, throat swab, blood test, hair sample), will remain private. Suggested Readings: 5 Things You Need To Know Before Taking an At-Home Genetic Test and Other Search Results

SCAMS, FRAUD & ID THEFT:

VEHICLE SECURITY:

KIDNAPPING:

TRAVEL SAFETY:

DEFENSE AGAINST ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI):