The best home defense tactics and techniques for defending yourself is one that never has to be performed. By being vigilant, you can better protect yourself from ever having to be in a situation where technique is required.

The Best Home Defense Preparation Tactics

One of the most important things to do is make sure your home is a safe area. Home invasion is a real danger, and by taking a few steps you can make your castle a little stronger.

1. Deadbolt

Use a deadbolt lock. A well-made deadbolt like the Medeco Maxum will help keep home invaders from getting through a locked door. Installed on a solid door, it is an effective attack stopper.

2. Motion Sensors

Install motion-sensor lights near windows and doors. One of the best in the business is RAB Lighting. It makes a variety of lights to fit a spectrum of locations and budgets.

3. Cameras

Install a camera at the front door. While door peepholes serve a purpose in hotels or small areas, a security camera is better suited for home use. The more cameras you have around your home the better, but sometimes cost is a factor. One of the best entry-level camera units is the NetGear VueZone. It’s a wireless camera than can be placed anywhere with the capacity for expansion.

4. Alarm System

Use an alarm system. Choose a system that has professional monitoring with a variety of service options. One that is highly recommended is FrontPoint Security. Professional and well respected, it can provide service to meet any need.

5. Protection Dogs

Consider a protection dog. Dogs have been one of the most popular forms of home defense for centuries. Working both as an alarm and a deterrent, they can be a great addition to the household. For those serious about using a dog, there are also companies one can purchase professionally trained protection dogs from. One of the best is Canine Protection International.

6. Secure Sliding Doors

Secure your sliding doors. Sliding patio doors are some of the primary points of entry for intruders. They can easily be manipulated and opened. By using a security bar like the Master Lock 265 Security Bar, you keep the door from being forced open. This security bar can also be used on standard doors.

7. Kick-Resistant Plates

Add kick-resistant plates to doors. Even with a quality lock and a deadbolt, a doorframe can give way if kicked hard enough. The best way to stop this is to reinforce the frame with a support like KickProof’s Rebar Door Security Device. It reinforces the doorframe and is capable of stopping even the most serious attempts to break the doorframe.

8. Safe Room

Make a safe room. The ultimate goal would be to include a safe room during the construction of your home. If that is not possible, then consider aftermarket solutions like those offered by Creative Home Engineering. They can retrofit a panic room into most existing structures. If this is not possible, then choose a solid room that can act as a safe haven in the event an intruder enters the house.

9. Lights On

Leave the lights on. An age-old technique that is still effective today is to leave a light on in the house. This serves two purposes. The first is to give the impression from the outside that someone is still awake and alert inside the home. The second is that if someone does get inside, you have at least some light to see.

10. Trim Your Shrubs

Keep shrubs and plants trimmed. Keeping bushes and other plants trimmed eliminates a possible hiding spot for would-be assailants. Go a step further with bushes or plants that have thorns. These can also be a solid deterrent.