"Homeland" security begins at home.
Sometimes we hear folks claim they are "ready for anything so bring it on". But are you actually ready or are you just kidding yourself.
Print this self evaluation out and go through the list item by item. See where you are good to go and concentrate on taking care of any areas you are difficient.
HOME / BASE SECURITY:
Do you have...
1 Solid core exterior doors with properly installed deadbolt locks
2 Window locks
3 Several large ABC Fire Extinguishers in the home (1 in each bedroom plus 1 in the kitchen)
4 Smoke Alarms
5 Fenced yard with lockable gate
6 Dog that can bark and might bite an intruder
7 Fireproof safe in the home
8 Exterior Motion activated floodlights
9 An adequate surveillance system utilizing the computer and external cameras.
10 Firearms - including handguns, shotguns, long range, large caliber rifles with scopes and extra ammunition
11 Nonlethal weapons - stun gun, taser, pepper spray, etc.
12 Firearm Safety instruction & minimum of monthly practice
13 Cell phones
14 GMRS, MURS VHF or Sideband CB radios for each family member
15 72-hour Bug Out Bags for each family member
16 Neighborhood Watch in your community
17 Hidden cameras that operate by motion
18 Important documents stored off site (like a safety deposit box for important papers, insurance papers, etc.)
19 Inexpensive timers (these can cut lights off and on while you are absent, giving the appearance that someone is home)
20 A Local Area Threat Assessment
21 A Evacuation Plan in case of fire or other immediate emergency
22 An Escape and Evasion Plan in case of other threats
23 A Neighborhood / Team Communications Plan that includes a Phone Tree and a radio network
24 A Financial Plan including a budget that will allow you to pay off debt so you can afford to make emergency preparations
25 A $1000 cash Emergency Fund in case Murphy comes to visit
26 3 to 6 months of living expenses saved in case of job loss, disaster etc.
27 A minimum 30- 90 day food supply
HOME / BASE CAMP EVALUATION:
Start by evaluating your home/base camp.
1. Will it hold all the people who plan on using it?
2. Is there an independent water supply?
3. Can you heat and cook without relying on a municipal power supply?
4. Do you have adequate facilities so that everyone may bathe or use the toilet?
5. Do you have adequate stockpiles of food, medical supplies, ammunition etc. so that everyone may survive for periods of 2 weeks up to a year independent of any outside aid or assistance?
6. Is the home/retreat adequately stocked with all the necessary tools and utensils? How about consumables such as batteries, light bulbs, toilet paper, soap, canning supplies, garden seeds, salt, sugar etc. etc?
7. Are you prepared to fight and contain fires?
8. Do you have a survival library that will cover all your needs?
9. Is the retreat actually defensible? or are you just kidding yourself?
10. Have you looked at how to defeat your retreat through the eyes of the enemy?
11. Can the area be patrolled?
12. Is it possible for attackers to sneak up on your retreat unseen or more importantly, for them to observe the retreat without exposing their position?
13. Can the approaches be mined and guarded?
14. Can the immediate approaches be made impassable by booby traps or other physical means?
15. Do you know how long it will take to close the approaches and who will take care of this job?
16. Are you familiar with all branches of law enforcement and military units in your area?
Do you:
Know the numerical size of all enemy units and their firepower?
Know the enemy’s response time and avenues of approach?
Know the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses?
Can you recognize all their vehicles and monitor their communications?
