Civil Unrest: Fast Home Defense Setup

These measures can deter trespassers and minimize the risk of intrusion. Below, we’ll outline several effective strategies, from reinforcing windows to enhancing outdoor lighting.

HOME DEFENSESHTF & SECURITYGEAR & TOOLS

10/28/20249 min read

civil unrest prepping to protect your family

Protecting Your Home During Civil Unrest: Practical Tips for Homeowners

In times of civil unrest, taking proactive steps to secure your home can provide peace of mind and enhanced protection for you and your family. These measures can deter trespassers and minimize the risk of intrusion. Below, we’ll outline several effective strategies, from reinforcing windows to enhancing outdoor lighting.

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The Reality and Fragile Nature of Disaster Chaos

From 2020 until present day, the most common thing i prep clients for is civil unrest. About 90% of my clients from blue states don't trust their neighbors even if their views align. As opposed to only 40% in red leaning states. The factor of unity is a critical role during an invasion or civil unrest. The less you trust your neighbor the more likely I would recommend a combination of hardening your house into a bunker as well as a well planned vehicle bug out bag and also personal bug out bag for each family member. The reason i mention "invasion" is because logistically, to me at least based on my experiences, civil unrest and invasion are very similar. So its important to learn how to prepare for an invasion from China as well as prepare for civil unrest. In both circumstances, people or adversaries will be brutal towards you. In an invasion there will be primarily guerilla warfare from American communists loyal to China working with anywhere form 10,000 to 800,000 Chinese nationals as cells in the U.S. During civil unrest, the tactics use to terrorize families are not that different and are typically funded by subversive groups from Eastern Europe and Ukraine previously. Yes, Ukraine was the most corrupt largest country aside form Russia an China, and will be once again after the war has passed. The point is that preparing for civil unrest should be analogous to preparing for war in line with guerilla warfare and cells.

When i tell clients in rural areas that they need 3000 pound (or more) boulders, a winding road, tree cover, motion sensors, and a good quality security camera that can see 1 mile during the day and 500 ft or more at night with IR, they are shocked. But when i explain how the small percent of bad guys they could encounter have military training, they understand a little better. I had a client in 2018 that just moved to a farm, he was skeptical until he talked to his neighbor, a former CSAR operator, who confirmed my proposals. He recently contacted me in 2021 thanking me. At this point almost 4 years later, his evergreen trees grew several feet providing more cover and he even added fighting holes disguised as retaining wall shrubs, with drainage systems. I was impressed. He also added a ballistic bulletproof safe-room (which i gave him a blueprint for) in his garage surrounded by storage boxes, I didn't even notice until he told me!

Society is a volatile chessboard where the pieces sometimes move themselves. One moment, your home is a sanctuary; the next, it could be ground zero in the chaos of civil unrest. Protecting that sanctuary requires a strategy—a plan that accounts for every variable and leaves nothing to chance. This isn't just about locking your doors and hoping for the best. It’s about fortifying your stronghold with precision, preparedness, and tactical efficiency.

Start with the windows. They’re the weak points of your home’s defenses, the soft underbelly of an otherwise sturdy structure. Boarding them up isn’t just a precaution; it’s a calculated move to deny entry and visibility. Plywood sheets, secured with heavy-duty screws, can transform fragile glass into an impenetrable barrier. For those seeking a more permanent solution, consider shatterproof window films or reinforced glass. These upgrades aren’t just investments in property; they’re safeguards for your family’s safety.

But a fortress isn’t just about walls and barriers; it’s about knowing what’s coming long before it arrives. Security cameras are your eyes in the dark, your sentinels standing watch. Choose cameras with high resolution and night vision capabilities, and position them to cover every angle of your property. A well-placed camera isn’t just a deterrent; it’s a tactical advantage. Every recording is a piece of intelligence, every live feed a window into the intentions of those who may wish you harm.

Illumination is another critical layer of defense. Motion detector spotlights aren’t just tools; they’re psychological weapons. The sudden blaze of light piercing the darkness can dissuade even the most determined intruder. Position these lights strategically around entry points and blind spots. When coupled with your security cameras, they create a synchronized system—light exposes the threat, and the camera captures the evidence. Together, they send a clear message: this house is not an easy target. I made a Reel on IG about civil unrest, which was very popular around the 2024 election for obvious reasons given the amount of fraud and infiltrated foreign subversive entities pushing violence.

Your perimeter is just as important as the house itself. Fencing can be a first line of defense, but its effectiveness lies in its design. A tall, sturdy fence made from difficult-to-climb materials can deter opportunists. Add locked gates with reinforced hinges, and you’ve created a choke point, a controlled access area that can slow or stop unwanted guests. Thorny plants and bushes along the fence line can add an organic layer of deterrence, turning your yard into a natural obstacle course.

Communication is another often overlooked but vital aspect of home protection. A two-way intercom system at your entry points allows you to assess visitors without exposing yourself. Paired with remote-controlled locks, it’s a modern-day drawbridge, granting or denying access at the touch of a button. And don’t underestimate the value of a simple, loud alarm system. When triggered, it’s not just a call for help; it’s a declaration that your home is prepared for any incursion.

Layered security is the name of the game. Each measure reinforces the other, creating a web of defenses that make your home as unappealing a target as possible. Civil unrest is a test of resilience and readiness, a reminder that safety isn’t a guarantee—it’s something you build, brick by brick, board by board, camera by camera. In a world that can erupt into chaos with little warning, your home should stand as your castle, fortified and ready to withstand whatever comes its way.

1. Reinforcing Windows with Pre-Cut Plywood and Self-Drilling Wood Screws

Windows, especially on the first floor, are often the most vulnerable points of entry. One effective strategy for protecting them is by covering them with pre-cut plywood. This approach allows you to quickly reinforce your windows if tensions rise in your area. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Pre-cut plywood: Measure each window and cut pieces of ¾-inch plywood to fit each frame. Pre-drill holes in each board to make installation faster and more efficient during an emergency.
Self-drilling wood screws: These screws are designed to drive into wood without the need for a pilot hole, which speeds up the boarding process. Keep the screws and a power drill readily accessible so you can install the plywood quickly if needed.

Pre-cut plywood offers a strong barrier, shielding windows from rocks, thrown objects, or attempts at forced entry. It can also help prevent glass from shattering if impacted, which could reduce cleanup and repair costs later.

2. Ballistic Protection with Concrete-Filled Buckets or Planters

Placing barriers in front of entry points can deter trespassers and absorb impacts. Using concrete-filled buckets or large planters in front of doors offers an extra layer of ballistic protection and slows down potential intruders.

Concrete-filled buckets: These can be easily made by filling five-gallon buckets with concrete and letting them harden. Once hardened, place them strategically in front of doors to act as a heavy barricade.
Planters: For a more aesthetically pleasing solution, you can fill large planters with concrete, then cover the top with soil and add plants. These planters serve as both decorative elements and robust barriers that can absorb impacts and withstand forced entry attempts.

These concrete barriers can make entry points more secure and limit the damage from attempts at forced access. However, remember to position them so they don’t obstruct your own safe exit paths.

3. Installing Security Cameras Out of Reach

Security cameras are essential for monitoring your property and deterring potential trespassers. To ensure they’re effective during civil unrest, place them in locations that are difficult to reach or tamper with.

Elevated placement: Install cameras on the second floor, high up on walls, or on sturdy poles to keep them out of reach. Ideally, they should be placed at least 10 feet above ground level.
Coverage of vulnerable areas: Focus on covering entry points like doors, windows, and garage areas. Consider cameras that allow for a wide-angle view so that you can monitor more ground with fewer units.
Remote monitoring: Choose cameras that can be connected to your phone or a cloud storage service, allowing you to monitor activity in real-time, even if you’re not home.

Securing your cameras out of reach ensures they continue recording without interference, providing you with valuable information about any intruders on your property.

4. Placing Low Barbed or Metal Wire to Trip Up Trespassers

Another strategy to discourage intruders is to create subtle obstacles, such as low barbed or metal wire, that can impede movement and cause discomfort if someone tries to trespass.

Strategic placement: Place wire in areas where intruders are likely to pass but where family members or neighbors are unlikely to walk. Common spots include along fence lines, under windows, and near gates.
Low enough for concealment: Keeping the wire low to the ground reduces its visibility, making it an unexpected obstacle for potential trespassers. Make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand pressure without easily breaking.
Visibility markers: To ensure your own safety, place discreet markers around the wire so you and your family can avoid it during normal activities.

Using wire obstacles as deterrents can be effective, but ensure these measures are safe and compliant with local regulations.

5. Installing Quality Solar Motion Sensor Lights Out of Reach

Lighting is a powerful deterrent against unauthorized entry, especially when it’s motion-activated. Solar-powered, motion-sensor lights are an ideal option as they don’t rely on your home’s electrical grid, which could be compromised in extreme situations.

Positioning: Install these lights on trees, poles, or walls where they’re difficult to reach or tamper with. Focus on areas around your property’s perimeter, such as driveways, paths, and corners of your home.
Brightness and sensor range: Choose lights with high lumens (brightness) and a wide sensor range to ensure they activate quickly when movement is detected. This sudden illumination can startle intruders and make them think twice about proceeding.
Maintenance: Since they’re solar-powered, position them where they can receive ample sunlight. Check them periodically to ensure they’re functioning correctly and replace any batteries as needed.

By installing these lights out of reach, you’re making it harder for intruders to disable them and increasing the effectiveness of this passive security measure.

6. Reinforcing Doors with Heavy-Duty Deadbolts and Door Barricades

Doors are primary entry points, so reinforcing them is essential to prevent forced entry.

Heavy-duty deadbolts: Replace standard door locks with high-quality, commercial-grade deadbolts. Look for Grade 1 deadbolts, as they’re the most resistant to impact and tampering.
Door barricades: Install door reinforcement kits or barricades that prevent doors from being kicked in. You can also use portable door jammers or bars that brace against the floor, offering additional security during volatile situations.

By reinforcing your doors, you make it more challenging for intruders to break through, buying valuable time in case of an attempted entry.

7. Creating a Bulletproof Safe Room Within the Home

Designating a secure, reinforced area within your home can provide a final line of defense and a safe place to retreat to in an emergency.

Choosing a location: Select a room without exterior windows (such as a bathroom or closet) if possible. Reinforce it with a solid-core door and a heavy-duty lock.
Stocking the room: Include essential supplies like bottled water, a first-aid kit, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a spare phone. Additionally, consider a battery-powered radio for updates on outside events.

A safe room can provide temporary shelter until it’s safe to leave or until help arrives, especially if you encounter intruders in your home.

8. Using Evergreen Landscaping as a Barrier with Thorny Plants and Dense Shrubbery

Strategic landscaping can serve as a natural barrier that discourages intruders from approaching your home’s perimeter.

Thorny plants: Plant thorny or prickly shrubs, like holly, roses, or barberry, along fence lines, below windows, or near entryways. These plants are challenging to navigate through and make unwanted approaches uncomfortable.
Dense shrubs or hedges: Tall, dense hedges can serve as privacy screens and provide an extra layer of security. Hedges limit visibility, which can deter potential intruders from scouting your property.