True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Security for yourself, family, and group is paramount. In the military, there is the concept of "defense in depth." In other words, you should create layers of defensive measures. Let’s apply this concept of layered security to yourself, your family, and your home.
FIRST LAYER: Situational awareness of world, national, and local conditions. This involves knowing any condition that could potentially affect you. Watch TV news reports, read one or two daily national newspapers and a local paper. Check the daily weather conditions and weekly weather forecast and stay current with news and weather alerts. Watch the economic indicators and the job market. Understand what is happening in the world, in your country, and in the local community. When it comes to media, question everything. Ask yourself why they're saying the things they're saying and try to put it in perspective based on your personal awareness of the facts that you know for certain.
SECOND LAYER: Situational awareness of your personal circumstances. Have your eyes and ears open when you are in a potentially dangerous situation, however remote. One afternoon I was sitting on our front porch in our remote cabin reading something on my phone when I suddenly see a motion in the corner of my eye. As I look up, I see ten feet away from me is a 350-400 pound black bear. As our eyes met, the bear turned and trotted up the hill. At that point, I ran five feet into the house as fast as I possibly could. Now... that is what I remember... but the full story played out on our security camera. I was looking at the phone for perhaps 15-20 seconds while the bear was standing only a few feet away watching me before I finally noticed him. That story could've ended differently but, thankfully, it didn't..
THIRD LAYER: Take action and/or plan actions based on your situational awareness. I adjust financial plans and actions based on world and national events. Similarly, a YouTube video depicts a Mother who uses the mnemonic PACE strategy (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency plans), depending on the situation. If all is calm, she wears her usual clothing, but if circumstances are ominous, she wears "technical" clothing (hiking or adventure wear). In the Navy, we referred to having a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C, always improvising depending on the situation and resources at hand.
Know how to call for help. I once worked with a fellow who also worked as a 911 operator. He said some people are so hysterical that the first task is calm them so you can determine the nature of the call. Of primary concern is the location of the incident, regardless of the phone used to make the call. He said the details matter. For example, if you're near a store, state which specific store location and as much detail as possible about your proximity to the landmark and in which direction. Tell the 911 operator calmly why you are calling, what you need, where you are, and then answer the operator's questions. If a loved one is in grave danger, remaining calm can be a challenge. Teach children how to call 911 when they are mature enough and have them practice calling on a disconnected phone and calmly stating their location and needs. A nurse friend's husband was badly burned in a home explosion. She shouted to a 10-year-old granddaughter to call 911 while she gave her husband first aid. The 911 operator later told the friend that the young girl was calm and gave the necessary information on the 911 call.
Clearly mark your address. Make sure your address is clearly visible to first responders. Use large reflective numbers on the mailbox or curb and be certain that the name of the road is also visible.
Home defense is critical. In the military, an officer is taught how to analyze a defensive position. What are the likely avenues of approach (where the enemy is likely to attack)? Place obstacles and position troops according to threats. What are the avenues of withdrawal? Where do we fall back to if we lose this position? Where do you go in an emergency? Where do you go if everything falls apart (in the military, this is called the "rally point"). What type of attack could happen? Have a plan for every potential type of attack.
Here are some standard suggestions for home security:
WARNING SIGNS
Beware of Dog sign (even if you don’t have a dog). An intruder usually will avoid a house with a sign warning of a dog.
Alarm Company sign. Even posting just the sign for an alarm company without subscribing to the service may ward off potential break-ins but if you have the service, post the sign.
Security Cameras. Place cameras around the home to show all views of the house, entries and exits, and surroundings. Regularly check the feed for routines and anomalies.
Answering machine or voicemail. Have a strong male voice answer your phone when you are unavailable. When my father was in his 70s with cancer, my brother re-recorded the message on the answering machine with his voice.
Light up your home at night. This says, we see you and our neighbors see you, too.
Barriers. Lock your doors. Secure windows. Consider a driveway gate.
Have clear views from inside your home and around the outside. Consider security when you add structures, decor, and landscape. Keep all views from any window free from any obstruction with clear paths between the car and the house.
Signals. Establish and practice family signals to warn one another of danger (a warning sign, hand signal, flashing light, turning a chair upside down, writing a message, etc.).
Your home or place of business always should appear as a hard target, not an easy target.
ALARMS
Remote lights. Motion activated lights say we are aware of your presence and this is a first warning.
Driveway alarm. As a car approaches the house on the driveway, it triggers an alarm inside the house. Anyone inside the house immediately knows someone is coming.
House Alarm. Deactivate the house alarm as you enter and set it to a beep while you're home. Then set the alarm when you leave and repeat the at home procedure when you return. Be careful not to trip the alarm unnecessarily so neighbors can recognize an actual alarm instead of constant accidental alarms.
Fire Alarm. Have home smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Place high quality fire extinguishers in key locations (near power box, in laundry room, in kitchen, near fireplace, on every story, etc.) and make a home fire exit plan that includes drop ladders from upper story windows. Some security and fire alarms which will send a text message to your cell phone when you are away from the home.
Dog. Even a small dog makes a great alarm and can deter an intruder.
Security cameras. An effective security camera displays a panoramic view, records any activity or sound, and sends an immediate alert to your email and phone. Optional service may include saving video to the cloud or a device. Nest is one reliable brand but it does require electricity and reliable wifi.
Guns and Other Defensive Weapons. Any guns you own or anything you do with guns or other weapons, ensure they are used legally at the local, county, state, and federal level. If you decide to obtain a gun and have never had professional training in firearm usage and safety, you will definitely need professional training. Understand the laws governing the use, conceal carry, and storage of weapons, and ALWAYS obey the law. Store weapons and ammunition safely and securely locked away from children and others who might cause harm.