We all have a mental picture of how a home defense scenario might unfold. There are only three environments where defense situations occur: home, transit, and other locations. At home, we expect to sleep peacefully, feeling safe and secure with our families. Ideally, we have a defense strategy tailored to our environment and needs. However, many crucial details are often overlooked.
Are You Really Prepared?
In a recent class of ten people, I asked how many kept a pair of shoes next to their bed. Only one did.
Now imagine this: You wake up to a crash downstairs. You grab your firearm and move to investigate. But then—
- You step on a Lego or a dog toy at the top of the stairs. You lose your balance and tumble down with a loaded weapon in hand. If you’re carrying a long gun or using a handheld light, this risk increases.
- You step on broken glass. The intruder knocked over a drinking glass while breaking in. Now, tiny shards slice into your bare feet, slowing you down when you need to move quickly.
- Have you trained for bare-skin contact with your weapon? If you sleep shirtless, have you ever fired your home defense firearm without protective clothing? The heat, recoil, and potential burns could affect your reaction.
Using Tell-Tales for Early Warning
Tell-tales—small, simple indicators—can be invaluable for detecting unwanted entry. They fall into three categories:
1. Security Seals
Used when leaving home for extended periods, security seals can silently alert you to tampering:
- Thread or tape on entry points: A thin strand of thread across a backyard entrance or small pieces of tape on exterior door corners will break if disturbed. If they’re out of place upon your return, something may be wrong.
- Vehicle security: A small strip of tape on your car’s doors, hood, or trunk while parked in an airport lot can help confirm if it’s been accessed.
2. Placement Awareness
Before bed, I “button up” my house by closing doors, pushing in chairs, and ensuring everything is in its place. If anything is out of order in the morning, it immediately raises my awareness. You can do this with furniture, objects on a desk, or any small details that an intruder might disturb.
3. Strategic Lighting
Darkness can be your ally. I leave my exterior lights on, but my house remains completely dark inside. Since I know my home better than an intruder, I can navigate in the dark while they struggle. If you leave an interior light on while away, consider how it might backlight movement inside.
Beyond Tools and Tactics
Effective home defense isn’t just about weapons and training—it’s about strategy, preparation, and awareness. Small adjustments can make a big difference in your safety and response time. Have you truly considered all aspects of your home defense plan?
