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I am in the planning process to the end of building my new home.
I would like suggestions on what to do to insure the security of my family and myself. I kponw about security systems ect. but is there anything else that I can do in the construction phase?
Build a big wall around your house, capped with razor wire. On the outside of the wall, dig a 12' wide moat. Empty your sewage into the moat, and use a drawbridge to get across it when entering/exiting your property. I guarantee that the Bad Guys(TM) will leave you alone.
Perhaps more seriously... Where are you building? Is there any particular reason to believe that the standard doors and locks won't be enough? Dogs, alarm, cameras and guns. That's all you need. The first and second items are deterrents. If a Bad Guy(TM) is still interested enough, though, they're not going to stop him. The second and third items will deal with him while in the act, and with the investigation after the fact, but they won't do anything to actually protect you and your family once he's made the decision to do you harm. That's where the fourth item comes in.
Criminals follow the path of least resistance. So the more you have taken precautions the worse for your neighbors-sorry to say.
I wonder the same questions as "swagger". Are you normally precautious? Or have you found out something since the beginning of your building process began that has you more concerned now?
2 things I can think of off the top of my head is 1) outdoor lighting. At night shadows are not your friend. Sensors are the best for energy savings though. 2) When doing your landscaping close to the house/doors, if you're planting scrubbery near your doorways, thorns are your friend, and nothing too tall and dense as to be a good hiding place. But scrubs under windows to work at preventing easy access.
Every planting zone will offer good plants for your zone, and consult your architect or nursery.
It seems obvious, but don't have huge, open windows. I marvel at the commercial for a home security company where the young, attractive woman is on her treadmill, at night, with her windows bare for anyone to see in. Her hearing is blocked by earphones, and the criminals bust in her door. Plan your windows to be one way, if you can afford those. At least have good solid blinds/curtains to prevent anyone from seeing all that you do.
The Romans built homes with no outside windows on the ground floor. Light was via a central patio. The Spanish used iron bars over windows and solid massive doors.
I'm not sure I'm a fan of lights. In a city, where cops patrol, yeah, I think it might deter some burglars, but in rural areas, the lights can be used by the burglars to see, rather than their exposing their presence with flashlights.
A high foundation puts windows out of reach and controls points of access. A hidden .38 or shotgun near the front door can be effective security.
Perhaps some of the best security is not allowing anyone into the home unless you are absolutely sure of their integrity. No salesmen, no religious proselytizers, no "friends of friends", no big parties where anyone can bring any guests, etc.. If no one knows the layout of the interior, or what the pickings are, or what the security is, you eliminate a lot of opportunists.
At our place, "castle doctrine" rules. I make sure I have a few used targets around outside to press the point.
http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/OMU/OMU119/20P0093.jpg (broken link) WE DON'T CALL 911
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