Fortification & Recovery

Door Reinforcement

Doors are the primary entry point for forced entry. Harden them first.

DIY priority: 3" screws first ($2), then jamb reinforcement kit ($50). These two changes make most doors kick-resistant.

Window Hardening

Security film doesn't prevent breakage, but it holds glass together. Attacker must push through instead of walking through. Buys 30-60 seconds.

Sliding Door Hardening

• Charley bar: Adjustable metal bar that locks in track. $20-30.
• Wooden dowel: Cut to fit track. $5. Simple and effective.
• Pin locks: Drill through frame, insert pin. Prevents lifting.
• Anti-lift screws: Screws in top track prevent door being lifted out.
• Security film: Apply to glass. Slows breakage.

Garage Security

Garages are often overlooked. They connect to house and contain tools (weapons).

• Garage door opener: Don't leave remote in car parked outside.
• Emergency release: Disable or shield the pull cord (coat hanger trick).
• Side door: Treat like any exterior door. Solid core, deadbolt.
• House door: Door from garage to house should be exterior-grade with deadbolt.
• Windows: Cover or frost garage windows so contents aren't visible.

Fencing

• Chain link: See-through, climbable. Good with additions.
• Privacy fence: Blocks view, but also blocks your view of threats.
• Ornamental: Difficult to climb, see-through. More expensive.
• Height: 6 feet minimum for deterrence. 8 feet better.
• Toppers: Barbed wire, razor wire (check local laws), anti-climb spikes.

Check local ordinances before installing barbed wire or spikes. Some areas prohibit.

Landscaping for Security

• Trim hedges: Below window height. Remove hiding spots.
• Thorny plants: Under windows: roses, hawthorn, barberry, holly.
• Gravel paths: Crunchy footsteps alert you and deter silent approach.
• Remove climbables: No trellises, ladders, or stacked items near fences.
• Clear sight lines: You should see anyone approaching from inside.

Lighting Upgrades

• Motion lights: At every entry. 270° coverage ideal.
• Dusk-to-dawn: Perimeter lighting that stays on all night.
• Solar options: Work when power is out. Less bright but functional.
• Placement: High enough to avoid tampering, aimed to cover approach.
• Backup: Battery or solar for when grid fails.

When You Have Hours to Prepare

Civil unrest, storm approaching, known threat incoming.

1. Bring in anything that can be thrown through windows (furniture, planters)
2. Lock and reinforce all doors
3. Close and lock all windows
4. Deploy plywood on ground-floor windows if pre-cut
5. Move vehicles to garage or secure location
6. Turn on all exterior lights
7. Test cameras and alarms
8. Alert neighbors, coordinate if possible
9. Stage defense tools (legal, accessible)
10. Gather family, review plan

When You Have Minutes

Sudden threat, no warning time.

1. Lock all doors immediately
2. Turn on all lights (inside and out)
3. Call 911
4. Gather family to safe room
5. Lock safe room door
6. Arm if trained and legal
7. Announce presence: "Police are on the way"

Immediate Actions (First Hour)

1. Ensure safety: Threat is gone. Police have cleared scene.
2. Secure scene: Don't clean up. Evidence may be needed.
3. Document: Photos of damage, entry point, anything stolen.
4. Police report: File official report. Get report number.
5. Re-secure: Temporary repairs to prevent re-entry (plywood, boards).

Short-Term Actions (First 24 Hours)

• Change locks if keys were stolen or threat had access
• Cancel stolen credit cards, freeze credit if documents taken
• Contact insurance company
• Check on neighbors - they may have been targeted too
• Review security footage
• Identify how they got in and fix that vulnerability

Long-Term Actions (First Week)

• Upgrade security based on how breach occurred
• Consider professional security assessment
• Install additional cameras or sensors
• Review and update family security plan
• Address psychological impact (kids especially)
• Join or form neighborhood watch

Insurance Documentation

• Photos of all damage
• Police report number
• List of stolen items with approximate values
• Receipts if available
• Serial numbers of stolen electronics
• Contractor estimates for repairs

Before any incident: Video walkthrough of your home showing all valuables. Store in cloud. This proves ownership and value.

Post-Incident Assessment

• How did they get in? (Door, window, garage?)
• Was that entry point adequately secured?
• Did detection work? (Alarm, camera, dog?)
• Did response work? (Police response time, family response?)
• What would have stopped them earlier?

Common Upgrades After Break-In

• Upgrade failed entry point (stronger door, security film)
• Add cameras if you didn't have them
• Add alarm or monitoring if you didn't have it
• Improve lighting
• Trim landscaping that provided cover
• Get a dog if appropriate
• Coordinate with neighbors on watch

Drill: Rapid Fortification

Scenario: Civil unrest reported 10 miles away, moving toward your area.

1. What do you secure first?
2. What temporary barriers can you create?
3. Where do you stage supplies?
4. How do you coordinate with family?
5. Time yourself: Goal is under 30 minutes to full lockdown.

Drill: Post-Break-In Response

Scenario: You come home to find door kicked in. House is empty.

1. Do NOT enter - threat may still be inside
2. Call police from outside or neighbor's house
3. Wait for police to clear scene
4. Document before touching anything
5. Secure door temporarily before leaving