By Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
There was a time in this country when doors and windows were not locked. The front door was generally open; but if closed, all it took was a push and the door would open. And that time period was only 50 years ago.
Fast forward to today and home security is a thriving industry. Front doors are not only closed, they are bolted – along with the rest of the exterior doors and the windows. There are security lights and cameras. Sensors on the doors and windows synced to an alarm system which is monitored by a security monitoring company designed to dispatch law enforcement if the alarm is triggered.
Hundreds of years ago, castles were surrounded by a moat – a ditch filled with nasty water and things that would hurt you if you fell in it.
Today, we can’t build a moat around our house, so we elevate the difficulty of a bad actor getting into our home uninvited with technology.
Locks and dead bolts were mentioned earlier; this is just one in a number of layers that provide protection for our families and our stuff. We can add additional layers with a security sensor program which continuously monitors the doors and windows to determine if they are open or closed. Another layer could be motion sensing flood lights; and we can add to those lights motion sensing cameras. And today you can buy cameras that can record images in the dark, without the flood lights.
There is more that can be added to a home security plan; but none of it works if the household members do not engage the tools. If the family is not disciplined in engaging the tools, the modern-day “moat” around your castle is drained and filled in; offering easy access to a bad actor.
So; how much security do you need for your home?
First thing to do is conduct a security assessment. Most local law enforcement agency will conduct a home security inspection for a small fee. There are commercial organizations that will also provide that inspection; as well as sell you the security equipment. This inspection will identify, and prioritize your risks.
But do not forget that the most technologically advanced “moat” will not work if not engaged, and the family members need to be informed of and instructed on how the plan works and what is necessary for the plan and the system to protect the family and household. So, get the family involved in the process.
Also, don’t forget that a key element to your home security is the collective security of the neighborhood. Knowing your neighbors, familiarity with the schedule of the block, awareness of activities – what is expected and what is not expected.
The safety and security of our home is based on the layering of programs, products and actions. A security aware block. Local law enforcement – and a relationship with those that patrol the streets. Disciplined household lock down protocol. Extra illumination. Extra eyes watching the house and the street. And a system to alert you of an intruder.
You can have all this and still be a victim. Your final layer is your self-protection.
Self-protection training is available at Saddle River Range. We offer several classes to help you plan for bad situations. We offer Private Instruction’s for up to two people or private group classes.
Once you’re more comfortable and confident with your firearm, we have more advanced classes that are done down range or at our outdoor training range, Whiskey Hollow. Everyday Carry part 1 and Everyday Carry Part 2 are classes done from concealment and are designed to help you win a gun fight in the real world. You will become holster certified to draw and shoot from the holster anytime you come to the range.
In our Judgmental Use of Force class, you will learn the laws related to use of force in Texas. During the practical exercise you will be given an airsoft pistol and put into several scenarios where you need to decide what level of force is needed. You’ll have to decide whether to shoot or not to shoot at the role players.
Come visit. Talk with an instructor, share with them your concerns. If there is a class on that subject; sign up. If it’s a unique concern; sign up for private or semi-private lessons with a family member or friend.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe,
© Copyright 2024 Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
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