Home defense

Barrier 2

Posted on by Ghost

Barrier 2

So previously I posted about the use of a Barrier and how to implement it. The reason for the first barrier is more of an emotional block to intruders. Then getting up to speed with early warning systems right after that does have a reason for it. When an intruder sees it fit to violate your first barrier, you know he means trouble. Thus you want to be warned of his presence, and that is where the “early” warning system comes into play.

But, what if this early warning system is triggered by nothing, or something ridiculous? Do you want to activate your action plan every second day? Come on, I know practice makes perfect, but that’s just ridiculous. So that’s why the second barrier, to create enough time to establish if there is an actual threat or not. And to give your response service enough time to get to your home, before intruders can gain access. They will need to get through the second barrier first.

What is a second barrier then? Simple, you already have them, or so I hope. Your burglar bars, at your front door and on your windows, for example, is your second barrier. Please pay attention to this, how easy can it be to trigger your alarm system, dash for a spot behind your sensors and wait for you to cool down before I make my entry? It happens, and regularly too.

How should your second barrier be implemented?

  1. Install strong and sturdy door frames at all entries into your home.
  2. Install a heavy, good quality, and strong exterior doors.
  3. Always have a burglar door installed with your exterior door, any slam lock system works best.
  4. Install doorstops or other mechanisms to prevent any exterior doors from being kicked in or opened after the lock mechanism has been disabled.
  5. Install or upgrade your burglar bars on all windows.
  6. Install electrical wiring, barbed wire, or any type of system that can prevent anyone to climb onto the roof.

Tips:

  • Avoid mounting barriers into wooden frames.
  • Rusted mounting bolts and torn welding needs to be replaced and repaired.
  • Gates and doors should operate smoothly and easily.
  • Choose the correct material and durability levels for your situation.
  • Burglar bars don’t have to be expensive or ugly. There are many ways to beautify burglar bars.
  • Check your current barriers for wear and tear (weathering).
  • A sliding barrier in your safe-room is great for escaping.
  • Make sure no-one has access to your front door. Keep all the spare keys safe.

How strong is your second barrier?

See also:

  1. Approaching your home (part 1 and part 2)
  2. Approaching the door
  3. Safe room
  4. Action plan
  5. Reaction unit
  6. Barrier 1
  7. Early warning system
  8. Barrier 2
  9. Secondary warning system
  10. Conclusion
Home defense

Barrier 1

Posted on by Ghost

Barrier 1

By now you should be able to successfully avoid or deter a serious threat to your family. Now you have time to work on a crucial element of security to any home. A barrier can be anything that prevents anyone from trying to enter your yard who does not have access. Examples of your first barrier can be concrete walls, palisades or fencing, etc.

Barriers have proven to be an invaluable system to keep out unwanted intruders and trespassers. The increase in crime has demanded more and more barriers be erected all over the world. After all, prevention is key. Barriers are not just walls marking out the end of your yard anymore. Those walls are now probably the least effective if they don’t have any spikes or electrical fencing installed on top of them! And even that can easily be overcome if an intruder thinks it is worth the risk. The greatest threat to barriers today is the influx and availability of technology, ladders, hammers, wire clippers, and blankets are cheap and cost-effective for criminals today. Some even get them for free from their actual day jobs.

The older designs like flat walls and six-foot slabs are now as much of a challenge to criminals like small hurdles are to professional athletes.  We have been chasing criminals in communities for centuries now and just cannot keep up to those little guys jumping those walls like it’s no issue. While we see police officers having to boost each other over because of the weight of their body armor and gear.

Although this can turn out to be the most expensive element in your security system, it can be the most invaluable one. When installed correctly and with some good planning. The trickiest thing with barriers is choosing one. You don’t want it too small, too high, too bulky or too expensive to maintain.

If you are not sure that your current barrier is suitable for your yard, or you are now considering installing one, follow these basic guidelines:    

  • Your barrier should be heavy and strong enough to resist anyone who tries to push it over or ram it with a light vehicle.
  • It should not be completely closed so to prevent anyone from seeing into your yard, that way no one will ever notice an intruder in your yard when a patrol is conducted. And you will never be able to see any threats in the yard when approaching the gate.
  • It should have some form of spikes or electrical shock wiring with an alarm system for when someone is tampering with the wiring.
  • It should be sloped outwards if possible as to make climbing over it harder.
  • It should be installed on all sides of your yard. Many times I find large gates and high palisades coming in from the front, only to find a small fence at the back or some gap right next to the neighbor’s barrier.
  • Electronic gates are preferable, to reduce time wasted on opening and closing the gate.

Keep in mind that these barriers can be costly, and it in no way guarantees to keep criminals out, but it does indeed require more effort to breach. There is not much more to be said about these barriers as most of it comes down to budget and preference. There are multiple building materials in today's world and great new advances and techniques are developed across the world.

How strong is your first barrier?

See also:

  1. Approaching your home (part 1 and part 2)
  2. Approaching the door
  3. Safe room
  4. Action plan
  5. Reaction unit
  6. Barrier 1
  7. Early warning system
  8. Barrier 2
  9. Secondary warning system
  10. Conclusion