Every once in a while, I hear a story on the news about a crime that was committed and wonder “how in the world did that happen?” With all of the technology and security available to us, how does someone get away with a bank robbery? How can a no good thief get away with kicking in the front door of a home, stealing everything of value inside, the drive away and NOT GET CAUGHT? I really want to know the answers to these questions!

The ones that really get to me though, are the ones where someone is injured or killed by an intruder. I just think “I wish they would have had a gun”….. or some other time of means to defend themselves.  The simple fact is, that it could happen to any of us, at any time. It could be the soccer mom who is home alone after dropping kids off at school, or her husband “Mr. Fix It” working on his 67 Mustang with the garage door wide open. But, he should be able to work on his car with the garage door open and not have to worry about some whacked out crack addict looking to steal something for his next fix, right?

To some degree, we are all potential targets. We are not helpless, but we do have a right and responsibility to protect our self, our home and loved ones should something like this happen. Better yet, we should do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening!

Look on line and you will find a plethora of information on home safety. Here are some of the best tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

1. LOCK your doors whether you are home or not. Yes, even you people in Mayberry.
2. Have some sort of sign posted indicating that you have security; an alarm company sign, NRA sign, beware of dog sign… SOMETHING.
3. Have a weapon on or near you at ALL times. Weapon= gun, baseball bat, golf club, stun gun, crow bar.. you get the picture.
4. Make sure EVERYONE in your house has a weapon and knows how to use it.
5. Keep some lights on, ALL of the time. Wicked people HATE light. They do not want to go near it because it exposes them. (and it makes it tough to sneak in a side door if there is a big spot light pointed at it!)
6. Have a plan. Everyone in your house should know what to do if; they hear gun fire, a burglar enters the house, if anyone unexpected comes to the door etc…. (there are literally millions of scenarios)
7. Don’t leave your garage door remote in your car unless your car door is locked AND you hide the remote AND you set your alarm on your house!
8. Don’t leave spare keys in an obvious place (like under the door mat, or flower pot…)

For more information on home safety, click here to learn about our next Home Safety and Survival workshop! Lunch is provided!