1. Know Your Enemy:

This is probably the most important aspect for everything from personal protection to national defense.

Two Kinds of Criminals:

i. Rational Criminal:

The rational criminal wants to enrich themselves at your expense or rape.  They are looking for anything of value in your house or on your property.  They look for easy targets with the primary objective being not to get caught.  Victims are usually chosen at random.

 ii. Irrational Criminal:

The irrational criminal is frequently known by the victim.  Very often an ex or anyone that might want revenge.  Domestic violence accounts for more than half of the murders in the United States.  Anyone that fears no consequence of their actions also might be considered an irrational criminal.  Protecting yourself against irrational criminals can be more difficult but it is always important to beware of your surroundings and recognize who you might be up against.

 2. What an Alarm System Can Do for You

Alarm systems, surveillance systems, fences, and locked doors and windows are your first line of protection from a criminal.  They are effective because it increases the chance that the criminal will get caught and discourages them from attempting them to break in.  Fences, locked doors, and locked windows increase their exposure to the outside as they attempt to get in.  Alarm systems do not keep anyone out, but simply announce someone's entry.  Surveillance systems, again, do not prevent anything from happening, however, they do record all events by date and time.  These two factors increase the chance of discover and identification on an intruder.  Remember, their primary objective is to not get caught or identified later.

Not all alarm systems are alike in their installation and performance.  We prefer to have the alarm trigger an outside siren while the intruder is still outside the premises.  It is highly unlikely that they will continue to break in when the alarm can be heard by neighbors.  This is why we highly recommend protecting all vulnerable windows and doors with a siren that can be heard from outside.  In the unlikely event that an intruder does make it inside without opening a window or door, we recommend using infrared motion detectors and glass break sensors as a second line of interior defense.  The advantage of glass break sensors is that they can be armed while the premises is occupied.

Fire and dangerous gasses can also be detected using carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.  New county codes require a very sensitive smoke detector in every bedroom of the house.  The purpose of these smoke detectors is to wake you up.  However, they frequently go off by accident because of non-threatening incidents.  For this reason, alarm systems that are made to automatically call fire departments are less sensitive.

3. Power Failures and Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters can also be a threat to your security.  This includes fire, dangerous gas (smoke), earthquakes, falling trees, power failures, car crashes, govern breakdown, accidents, and possibly wild animals.  A lot of jokes are made regarding survivalists and preppers.  However, everyone has seen on the news what can happen during a hurricane, tornado, or massive power failure.  We believe that it is good practice to keep a thirty day supply of food and water, medications, batteries, and gasoline for your generator.

4. Additional Protection

Properly installed alarm systems are very good protection from criminals.  However, they are only one aspect of protection.  The dictionary defines an alarm as a call to arms.  This is ultimately your only protection in some situations.  The purpose of the alarm is to give you time to for preparation.  Any firearms should be locked in an easily accessible area in case they are ever needed.

If you are building a new home, consider security while you are in the planning process.  Every home should have at least one closet or room that is reinforced and protected in case of an emergency.  It should have power outlets, phone outlets, computer cables, running water, and a drain pipe.  Alarms, as well as these other items, are much cheaper if installed during the construction process.

5. What to Do When the Alarm Goes Off in the Middle of the Night

If you have additional protection, arm yourself first.  Next, hide.  Do not be in a hurry to disarm the alarm or to go investigate.  Go to a comfortable place with your cell phone and dial 911.  If you hear sounds of forcible entry into your home, do not advance.  Stay in your hiding place and wait.  If the intruder continues to advance to your location, order them to leave.  If they continue, use your weapon if you are armed.  Leave your cell phone on to record what is going on because this will be your best defense in court.  This is a very brief and general example of an outline and does not cover every situation.  Stay safe and feel free to give us a call (804-241-8182) if you have any questions or concerns!