Diagram of my house: Help me with defense tactics etc!

[TripleD]

Well, here's a diagram of my house. I have a feeling of not so good things to come, want to prepare myself in the best way possible.

Let me start off by saying I've recieved a credible threat, certain authorities are involved, and know about it, I've yet to see anything done in the way of MY protection yet though. The threats were recorded by a friend and turned in. Things are under investigation.

I bought a Benelli Nova H2O pump shotgun, 18.5" barrel, SureFire G2 hand-held, and some #0 buckshot. Also have some 00 Buck as well. I tried to find #1 buck based on things I read, didn't find any yet. Gun is 4+1, I'm going to get the +2 magazine extension. I have an elastic cloth on the butt that holds 5 more shells.

I've replaced all the dead-lock strike-plates with #12 3" stainless steel screws, all the hinge screws with #10 3" stainless as well.

Windows locked, blinds made so that you can only see "up" when you look in.

The person in question knows me to not like guns, and would never expect me to have one, nevermind be able to shoot it. We've gone shooting a couple times (my first time with a shotgun) and it was comedy at best.

But, got this shotgun, and range membership, and I'm going to learn to use it.

So, if the person were to send someone out to do his work for him, Don't know if there will be one, 2, or what. Person knows layout of my house (Ex friend).

Where my bedroom is, is the back of the house.

The door at the front and back of the kitchen are the main doors to the house. My garage is electric, so that's not a smart entry point.

I figure my best place to be, on the defensive, is the red X in my closet. They'll have to come around 2 doors, PLUS poke their head in to see me. That's if they even have lights. The fact that I would be sitting there with a shotgun is NOT something anyone would ever expect, and nobody knows I have it. Element of surprise there. But you can see how I'm talking about.

Who knows what window or door they would come in either.

My best option would to just get the hell out of this house all togother, into one where nobody knows the layout, or even where I live. But, that's not an option at this point, due to me going out of town in a couple weeks for a little bit.

Anyways, here's my layout, let's hear your thoughts. :banghead:

 

[TripleD]

As you can see, there is a straight line from the office window TO my bed, so I keep the office door closed enough to block view. However, if I moved my bed to the far end wall of the house, then there's a straight on view from the hallway.

If I moved the bed to the spare room, well that's known to be empty, it could possibly be a good break-in point, since there's no tripping hazzard etc.


View out office door into bedroom:

 

[TripleD]

Here is a view out of my bedroom. You can see the office door across the way, and the window. On the left, you can see the bedroom and closet doors that I spoke of. Hallway proceeds on to the left to the Kitchen.

 

[TripleD]

Forgot to attach image:

 

[TripleD]

Another view of the closet and the doors:

 

[TripleD]

View out my spare bedroom, It was checked last night, I can be standing at the doorway, with the barrel near the entrance, door open a couple inches, have a clear shot at that wall, and not be seen. That's assuming in the situation that I would be brave enough to jump across the hall.

 

[TripleD]

This is the view out my bedroom door. As you can see, the spare bedroom door is about directly across, and the office door at an angle.

 

[mr_dove]

I spent some time examining your diagram and mulling over some ideas. You seem to have done well so far. You identified a few common weak spots and remedied them. That's a good step.

I'd continue to identify weak spots in your home security. You might consider strengthening those front and back doors a bit more. Maybe a deadbolt or another system to keep the door closed. There are a few systems using a steel bar that goes from the door knob to the floor and keep it closed even if the door jamb breaks.

You'll also want to evaluate what part of the house you spend the most time in and try to locate the gun in a place where it will be handy in the event of an unexpected visitor. You might need to move it from the living room to the bedroom when you go to bed. Make sure that the gun is not in a spot where the badguys can get between you and your defense.

Decide what your plan will be and have a backup plan.

Many people choose a room to fortify and use it as a fort. Your hallway looks like a great chokepoint and the bedroom or closet look like good retreats. A room to retreat to could very well be a plan B in case you are forced out of your main living area. Whatever room you choose, the door should be fortified (replaced with solid wood and a deadbolt). It should be as strong as your entry doors. Most interior home doors are hollow and very flimsy. Same goes for the locking mechanisms.

As mentioned before, the hallway looks like a great chokepoint. You could probably get a few shots off as the badguys pursue you down the hallway before you lock yourself in the bedroom.

I've seen a few secure plans where people have installed steel fence gates (the kinds with lots of holes in them) in a hallway or at the beginning of a hallway. The bad guys will get stuck behind this barrier but you can still shoot through it if necessary.

You should also consider another thing. It is quite possible that a bad guy would break into your home while you are gone and just wait for you to come home. If you gun is in your bedroom, you're now unarmed and helpless. To reduce this possibility you should consider a handgun and/or make sure to do a 360 degree check around your house every time you come home to make sure nobody has broken in while you are gone. Checking the house every single time you come home is likely to get boring and therefore be skipped. This could lead to a disaster. Its also possible that a bad guy could get inside without leaving any obvious signs.

Is it possible that the bad guy has keys to your house? You might consider rekeying your locks.

That's what I have for now. I have to go. I'll keep thinking and see if I come up with any other ideas.

 

[Highland Ranger]

If that house isnt brick they can shoot right thru the walls or set it on fire . . . . . .

 

[pax]

TripleD,

I second the recommendation to reinforce your bedroom and closet doors if at all possible. At the very least, get a good lock for it and get in the habit of using it every single night no matter what without fail. It could buy you a vital extra thirty seconds.

Also, along those same lines, I would recommend getting an intercom of some sort so that you can hear the living room from your bedroom. If money is tight, one of those baby monitors would do. Crank it up when you go to bed at night so that you may hear if someone tries to break in quietly, before they get too far.

Mr_Dove also had a good point about having a handgun on your person during the day or when you come home after work. The shotgun is a better weapon overall, but it won't do you much good if it is somewhere you're not.

Mostly the goal of all this stuff, of course, is to avoid having to shoot someone. If you've reinforced your exterior doors, have a landline and a cell phone, and have done everything in your power to give yourself extra time in hopes the police will get there before you have no other viable choices, you're doing well.

pax

 

[TripleD]

The house is brick. :banghead:

I appreciate the suggestions so far. I can't really carry a handgun on me, I work on a military base, as far as I know, I can't carry on base, even just in the vehicle. I would like to get a handgun and my CCW though. I've also got to figure a place to store the shotgun while I am not at home. Any ideas on that are appreciated as well.

The house is a rental, I could talk to my landlord about the door, or just get one myself. How much does a strong heavy door go for? The way it stands with the situation, and who knows where I live and the layout of my house, I don't want to stay here any longer than I have to, which unfortunately is going to be for the next 3 weeks, plus the 3 months that I am gone. When I get back, I'll have a new place.

Thanks for the ideas so far, I'm going to reread and think about them before coming up with a thoughtful reply.

 

[Nightfa11]

TripleD is a friend of mine and I sent him this way because I think this is the best place to get these sorts of questions answered. Thanks for everyone's help.

I gave him some suggestions myself, but you guys have come up with a LOT more than I did.

 

[Blackhawk 6]

Although you were not very specific with regard to the exact nature of the threat, the tone of your post suggest you expect a high degree of violence should an incident occur. I took a look at your diagrams as well and echo the many good ideas already put forth. I have a few additional suggestions. I am operating under the assumption that you own the house or that moderate structural changes are not an issue.

First, I would avoid using the closet. It limits your mobility too much and deprives you of a fair amount of situational awareness. If it comes to exchanging gunfire, you will want to be aware of want is going on around you and to avoid being stuck in one location.

I would make my stand from the bedroom. The bedroom door should be hardened as Mr. Dove suggested. In addition to the solid wood door, I would recommend three hinges vs. two, and two deadbolts installed half-way between the hinges. I would also consider moving the bed to the 7 o'clock position in the room. Placing it under the window is asking for trouble. I would also use a sheet of plywood masked with fabric to harded the window from the inside, but give the appearance of curtains from the outside. Attach the plywood in such a fashion so as to allow a fairly easy removal from the inside. I am not "Mr Fix-it" but I am sure someone else could offer a suggestion on the best way do this. That way nothing nasty gets thrown through the window, but you retain the window as a means of escape. Depending on the size of the window in the bathroom it may require a similar modification.

On the subject of firearms, the 12 guage is a good choice. You should supplement your buckshot with some slugs in the event you need to shoot through cover. Consider some electronic hearing protection, again to help maintain situational awareness, but protect you from the blast of the shotgun being fired indoors. Also, invest in some practice 12-guage rounds. Become highly proficient at reloading. Continuity of fire will be critical if gunfire is exchange for any length of time. Consider taking the shotgun with you when you leave the house to avoid coming home to uninvited guests and having your firearms across the house. At a minimum it should be heavily secured if you leave it at home when you leave.

A handgun to augment your shotgun a fufill your "away from home gun" role would be a good option to consider, as previously mentioned. Also augment your "safe room" a cell phone, fire extinguisher and a good first aid kit.

Consider replacing the locks on the office a spare room doors with the type that require keys to open from both sides. Leave the doors locked when you the rooms are not in use. It will not deny them entry but will slow them down somewhat.

Consider changing the layout of your furniture. Negate some of the adavantage your former friend has in being familiar with the house. A dog would also be a good option. All it needs to do is bark.

I concur with Mr Dove's assessment that the hallway is the natural chock point. Position an infra-red motion detector connected to a buzzer to look down the long axis of the hallway. You should be able to get both items at Radio Shack for little cost.

Motion detecting lights should be installed on the exterior. Depending on the relationship you have with your neighbors, you may want to inform them of the situation, or at least enough of the details so they can help keep an eye out.

You did not really mention any financial constraints. If you are like most of us you do not have money to burn. I believe most of my suggestions can be accomplished fairly economically.

I hope you find the information of use and at the same time have no need to put it to use. Good luck.

 

[IRONFIST]

Its good that you are thinking about interior defense, but you need to do somethings outside also.

First item on the list(and cheapest) is cutting back all shrubbery or trees near the house that will provide cover for goblins. You want to deny them the ability to get up to your windows or door unnoticied.

Second is nice, bright motion lights. The utility of these lights is two-fold... To light up the chosen area at night because the fear of being discovered just might deter a goblin AND that seeing that nice bright light coming on at 2AM lets you know that SOMETHING is out there. These lights can be found at any home improvement center and are cheap and easy to install. Make sure to put them up high where they can't be unplugged and don't scrimp... If four light are good, then six or eight is even better.

Third is a heavy-duty metal cover to protect your phone junction box and line. This might take some improvisation but is worth it if they attempt to cut off your communications. Take some pictures and design measurements to a local metal fabricator and have them weld or bend up a light steel, lockable cover for you. Make sure that any mounting flanges are to the inside so that it can't be easily unbolted by a goblin. Paint it with rust-resistant paint and you are good to go for years. It wouldn't hurt to pile some stuff around it to make it harder to get to, just in case.

Fourth is to get two or three cheap web cams, mount them up high and under cover and train the lenses on your front door, back door and garage door. Tie them into you computer and have them switch back and forth. You can aslo get those little cameras that will beam images to your TV. One way or another, you need to be able to see who is at your front door BEFORE going to your front door.

Five is to find and buy a product called "Shattergard" film. Its clear, thin window film that that increases the overall tensile strength of the glass so that it will resist a forced attack. The glass will break and spider-web, but it makes it very hard for a goblin to get thru. I would put this stuff on the inside of any window panes that are accessable by a goblin for entry. Long lengths of dowels in the window tracks are a must as well, to stop the windows from sliding open.

Six is simply lots of working smoke/heat detectors and Fire extinguishers in key areas. Setting fire to your house is an effective way to take you out and doesn't require weapons or physical conflict. Spend 30 bucks and invest in one of those emergency hoods that filter out fire gasses. The hood encloses your head completly and can give some protection from heat as well.

Seven is that when you need a weapon, you have to HAVE a weapon. If you don't have small chilren in your home, make a sure that you have some weapons placed in hidden areas, just in case. If an attacker makes it into your home it will probably going to be a comlpete surprise and as such it will probably happen when you are furthest from your firearms. It souns strange but that is how this sort of thing usually happens. I would look around for an inexpensive handgun or two. One would be on the kitchen counter, loaded and ready to go and covered with a a pan lid. The other would be in the Bathroom. Put this gun, loaded and ready to fire, in a heavy-duty "ZipLock" plastic bag and I would secure it to the wall above the shower head. Get into the practice of shutting and locking the Bathroom door while you are showering to give a goblin another barrier to get thru before he gets to you. This will also give you time to ready your emergency gun. Its a good idea to leave your cell phone in the Bathroom when showering also. If you have a gun and a phone, you are good to go. I personally don't EVER answer the front door without a pistol in hand, but thats just me. Maybe your kitchen gun should become your front-door gun. Another thing to do is have something sharp within reach of where you usually sit. I have a very sharp antique icepick placed under the back of a couch cushion where I can grab it in a couple of seconds. Remember, all of these weapon ideas are just so that you can make it to your shotgun.

Eight is much more controversial but can be VERY effective. I cannot recommend this idea unless you believe you are under serious threat of attack and that you are not near neighbors who have young kids or dogs. You take 3-ft. pieces of 1x4 or 2x4 and pound in big sharp nails down the length so that they all come out on one side. Attach a longer piece onto one end to keep the board upright when layed on the ground, and paint the finished item so that it mathes the color of your yard. Put these in your yard in the path you think a goblin would take to approach your home. I made some of these once and properly painted these nail boards are literally invisible in just low-light conditions, let alone nighttime. If a goblin comes stalking thru your yard some evening to do you harm and he puts his foot down on one of these surprises, folks will hear his screams 20 miles away. If you make and use this item, you are letting yourself in for a lot of legal issues if an innocent person like a child comes on your property and gets hurt. If you ARE attacked by a goblin, and you successfully defend yourself, the Police will be called. If one of them steps on one of your items you will be going to Jail. You must wiegh the risks versus the advantages of using such an idea. I personally wouldn't risk it because I am confident that the other home defense measures I have in place will slow someone down without endangering others, but then again I don't have someone wanting to hurt me either. I almost didn't add this nail board item to my list of suggestions for you because of the dangers involved, but if you think that your life is truly in jeopardy... then it is better to be judged by some, than buried by others. Good luck to you and please keep us posted.

 

[hso]

While the suggestions given are good there might be a couple of things you could do.

Tell the landlord what the problem is and ask for permission to make some simple changes that can be puttied over if they need to be removed.

Move out of your bedroom into the spare. If the threat knows the layout of your house and where you sleep - don't sleep there.

Put up blackout curtains on the windows in both rooms so that light changes are not a factor in telling which of the two rooms you are using.

Put up chicken wire secured by screws over the windows by screwing 2X4s to the window frames with screws and then screw and staple the wire to the boards. Make enough space for the blackout curtains to hang naturally. Won't stop someone breaking through the window but it will slow them down. If I were coming in I'd go through the window with the best conceilment from the outside. Make certain that windows that fit that description are "wired" as well and that you drill and pin the window halves.

Put portable motion alarms like this http://www.safehomeproducts.com/SHP/SM/Intruder_alarm.asp in the hallway and the primary entry ways like the garage kitchen and entry. Make sure they are not placed at eye level (preferably above head level, but looking downward) and that they are not directly in line of sight as one comes in the door.

Install a remote light control for the hall lights so that you may turn them on from where you are sleeping without having to enter the hallway.

Put a cheap card table in the hallway that is big enough to get past easily unless pulled across the hallway. A real table or chair might support somone's weight, but the cheap folding card tables can tangle an intruder up.

Never hole up in a closet. You can not move, they do not provide cover, and the dry wall can easily be shot through. A horizontal file cabinet filled with stacks of phone books can provide some cover against handgun/shotgun. You can dump the books and take the file cabinet with you when you move.

Borrow a dog if you don't have one.

 

[sm]

Good points and suggestions made.

The diagram is that of a newer construction, popular and one I’m familiar with.
Built on a slab; (hence concrete under pad and carpet). 2X4 walls, hot water heater in garage, fiberglass tub and showers. Hollow doors, for bed, bath and closets. Metal doors for front, and kitchen – kitchen with window pane – correct? Appliances are newer as well. Thermal double pane glass, with two “locks: per window. Hollow door leads out to garage . Remote control for garage door with a exterior keypad – correct?

If in a newer platt , built with “one way /one way out†or cul-de-sac. This idea was to make neighborhoods safe. Side streets not accessible. Remember this can work against you if trying to leave – boxed in.

Now I have test fired weapons in a such a construction , walls , doors and such will offer Zero to very little protection. One will have to rely on heavy furniture for cover. Heavier rounds can skip off that slap – depending on caliber.

Weak links – entering leaving premise. Sidearm and Bug 24/7 . Might be best to have shotgun in truck of vehicle, if not in home cannot be used against you. That home is easy to break into. Might be best to have Shotgun, upon entering from garage.

Keep remote to garage locked in truck, or on person. Break into car and access to home. [ why do folks leave remote on visor? Heck your addy is in glovebox on vehicle registration. No big deal to use to perps advantage.]

Disable the exterior garage keypad. Actually the codes used for neighbor garage remotes ( newer construction ) is only about 6 codes, easy to see make and model and buy one…drive down street and see what opens up. I’d disable until I could afford to buy an aftermarket transceiver and receiver. See a good locksmith, with a custom code – but allows you to change it.

Drill two holes each into each side of window sash. Heavy l-o-n-g nails inserted prevents window from being raised. Drill such that one position is Closed, the other no more than 6†if in the event you actually raise window to ventilate.

Take a pc of 1X4 and cut a “vee†these fit under door knobs and the length is deterime to wedge against floor. Door cannot be open…not easy anyway, the more they push the tighter the wedge. If they figure out to close and open and try to dislodge buys time.

Anything from bottles filled with marbles, to motion alarms to fit on door knobs will signal. Timers, to turn on and off lights, TV, radio.

I would NOT have a routine. Vary route to work, to where shop for grocery and gas, to time you get up and retire. I would get anything to make dummy. I mean newspapers in clothes work, Anything to represent a person watching TV, sitting in a room…

ME, I’d use timers on lights to simulate my nighttime bedroom routine.

I’d be sleeping in the Dining Room.

I’d get a cot, inflatable mattress… Hey if you gotta tinkle in the middle of the night – use the sink.

I wouldn’t be where expected. Kitchen appliances provide cover. ( fridge, stove, cabinets with pots pans…etc.)

This would allow escape through Kitchen, Front door or Garage. Zones of fire for you would be “downrangeâ€, perps would be bottlenecked with no escape, allowing you to escape.

Easy to record a phone conversation, play it where you are not. I f need record the 911 call, hit redial and run, hide…don’t be on phone. Toss a small disposable flashlight where not.

That kitchen door, if it has panes and the fire code says one must have a turnbolt on the inside of deadbolt…change it now. Make it require a key from both sides. NO big deal to have keys on person 24/7 to get out. In normal everyday life, use a dedicated key with glow in the dark key ring. During daylight hours keep key in door or handy on cabinet. Remove from door when leaving, for the night whatever. Easy to bust / glasscut a pane and turn the turbolt.

Keep ASP Sapphire , Solitare by Maglight or similar on key ring.

Mark all doors including garage with thread – thread not there don’t enter. Using a vaccum , or mechanical broom , leave carpets with no footprints. If see footprints…you have/had company. BTW…one small tiny ball the size of BB of Silly Putty placed where one steps…well if it is gone, someone entered. Just ask the LEO to check perps shoe for the Silly Putty on shoe in the color used. [Don’t ask – yes it works] .

Think like a Thief or BG.
Plan accordingly.

Good Luck!

 

[Horsesense]

Leave the SG in the garage, when you go to work. Have it propped up against the wall where you can see it when you open the garage door. If it has been moved BUG OUT someone is in the house! If it is still their check to see if it is loaded, before entering the house. In the AM open the door and with the gun at the ready, incase you are rushed.

If they force their way in at night, make your stand at the hallway and immediately fall back to the bathroom and make your second stand at the door. If that has not dissuaded them OR the house is on fire go out the window and have a position in mind when you get out in the yard.

Keep your bead against the window wall but turn it, anywhere else in the room only decreases the angle of fire needed to hit the bead from outside, and try to sleep with your body against the wall.

Consider placing some obstacles, such as lightweight chairs etc, in the hallway and under windows, while you sleep to buy you some time if you are rushed.

Let the answering machine answer all your calls and keep the lights on in the living room all the time, this will make it herder to verify that your are home and the light will backlight your target if you need it.

PS:! Pattern that SG at the distance from your bedroom door to the door going into the garage! You can read about patterning in the ShotGun forum, (on THR) I think the name of the post is "Patterning 101".

 

[buy guns]

im usually not one to pry into other peoples business but the urgency of your posts is making me incredibly curious as to why this person is angry at you.

now for some suggestions

- its a little extreme but i would pull out all carpet and put down some cheap hard flooring so that it would be easier to hear footsteps.

-put a bottle upsdie down on your door knobs so if they are turned or jiggled the bottle falls on breaks (yes i got this from conspiracy theory )

-put bars over the windows

-install door locks that can only be locked/unlocked from the inside. lock these whenver you are in the house because most door locks are very easy to pick.

-i would also install bright motion sensing lights on the inside as well as on the outside

-get a nice bulletproof vest and sleep in it

-if you can, arrange the furniture to allow cover for yourself but not the bad guy

-always back your car into the garage. always make sure you have enough gas for a getaway. keep money in it along with nonperishable food and a change of clothes. a cell phone would be good too. have your car key ready. always have it on you keep it separate from your other keys so you dont fumble around if you need quickly.

-GET A DOG. i am sure there are places that sell guard dogs. you can secure your house all you want but nothing beats a 4 legged killer.

 

[TripleD]

Damn guys, I'm AMAZED at the amount of great suggestions you guys have given me! Things I NEVER would have thought of. I really appreciate it!

Here's some more information that might help out.

I've got a dog, but he's REALLY people friendly. Plus he's friendly with the guy in question. Obviously, he wouldn't know a stranger, but I don't know how he would react. He just loves people. Some say dogs have a sense that can tell fear and danger, I don't know for sure. he's a terrier mix, looks like a jack russel on steroids, weighs approx 45 lbs. Loud bark though when he wants to.

All my windows slide horizontally, not vertically. I will go to the Tractor supply and get some metal rod to put in the tracks to keep the windows from being able to be slid open.

The two bathroom windows are up at the ROOFLINE. the master bedroom bathroom window is about 7 feet off the ground, and only about a foot top-bottom. Maybe 3' wide, divided in half, sliding.

The right side bathroom off the hallway is the same way, except maybe it's about a foot and a half top-bottom, starting up by the roof.

The only 2 rooms in the house I use are the master bedroom, and the office, where the computer is at. I don't use the living room at all, since all I really do in that room is watch movies. I'm usually either in the garage or office on the computer.

As for funds, I'm so broke right now it's not even funny heh. My main hobby is cars, so Im building up a couple cars at the moment, and running up my credit cards already pretty high. I leave this place in about 2-3 weeks, to be gone for about 3 months, then I come back. I rent the house. I don't really want to spend all kinds of money on fortifying it only to leave it behind, however, it's a lot cheaper than dying, tough call.

I like the idea of the curtains with mesh or plywood behind it. That would surely be a nice stopper. So does it go, from the outside in: Window glass -> my mini blinds in place already -> light opaque curtains -> chicken wire -> some kind of plywood setup? Or is it one or the other with chicken wire and plywood... I should attach 2x4's to around the window frame correct? I don't know if I'd like not being able to see out...

If I turn my bed, should I turn it with the head towards the bathroom? Or towards the end of the house?

I've already been putting some lawnchairs in the hallway as of late. I'm going to see *** I did with my garage door openers, and start taking those with me. You suggest entering from the garage from now on? Electric door openers I have. The outside code box doesn't even work.

I'll check out that patterning information as well, thanks for that suggestion!

I think I'm going to start sleeping dressed. I'd hate to get into a battle with no shoes on.

Iv'e got a couple places in the garage I could put the shotgun, heck I could make some kind of thing to mount it under my bench, so it's not visible unless you crouch, but pulling up to the house I should be able to see it from the truck...that is a great idea!!! I'll check around the garage tomorrow. I can't take the shotgun on base with me, so keeping it in the truck is a no-no.

sm: You're pretty dead on with the description of my house. Hot water heater & closet is in my hallway though. It's basically between the master bedrooms closet, and the other bathroom. Washer/dryer in garage.

As stupid as this sounds, I don't have furniture. Only thing I have is a couch in the kitchen, in the corner by the big window. I don't even use it.

My appliances are pretty much set where they are, they are kind of in place, flush with the counters.

Mark all doors including garage with thread – thread not there don’t enter. Using a vaccum , or mechanical broom , leave carpets with no footprints. If see footprints…you have/had company. BTW…one small tiny ball the size of BB of Silly Putty placed where one steps…well if it is gone, someone entered. Just ask the LEO to check perps shoe for the Silly Putty on shoe in the color used. [Don’t ask – yes it works] .

Not sure what you mean by thread...you mean just a thin piece around knee high? scotch taped to the frame? I like that silly putty idea... It will be hard to leave the carpets foot-print free, but I could do that to a couple rooms I guess...

K that's about all the additional info I have for now...I'm going to reread and digest some more of this, I'm a bit overwhelmed...and probably more nervous too now that you've pointed out all these weak spots lol

Oh, I've got a twin flood light in the front and back. I've got them in a V shape to shine on both sides of the yard, I leave them on all night.

 

[TripleD]

Short background = former friend jealous of friendship I have with a female. Supposedly since he was vocal about how he liked her, and I just kept to myself and worked my 'game', he's got dibs? Typical "he wants her but can't have her and she doesn't want him" type of thing. She has him on recording saying he might have me injured. The info has been brought to the proper authorities, but I have yet to see a damn thing done about it in my protection.

 

[buy guns]

Not sure what you mean by thread...you mean just a thin piece around knee high? scotch taped to the frame? I like that silly putty idea... It will be hard to leave the carpets foot-print free, but I could do that to a couple rooms I guess...

just anything on the outside of the doors that could fall off if they are opened. that way you know if anyone entered the house while you were away.

another suggestion but i dont know if its a good idea or not: remove any interior doors except for any rooms you would fortify yourself in. that way you dont have anything for the bg to hide behind.

Short background = former friend jealous of friendship I have with a female. Supposedly since he was vocal about how he liked her, and I just kept to myself and worked my 'game', he's got dibs? Typical "he wants her but can't have her and she doesn't want him" type of thing. She has him on recording saying he might have me injured. The info has been brought to the proper authorities, but I have yet to see a damn thing done about it in my protection.

its his fault, he should have made his move when he had the time. do you really think he would hurt you? my guess is he is just saying that so she breaks up with you. hey why cant you just stay at this girls house?

 

[insidious_calm]

About 00Buck....

I'm sure someone on here has already expressed this concern before so I'll apologize up front for the redundancy, but I would avoid using 00Buck for home defense UNLESS you live in a rural area AND don't have kids. Same goes for slugs. No matter how bad it gets you still have to account for whatever you send downrange. 00Buck will go through multiple walls, like 6 or more. Slugs are worse yet. If you kill the BG and your neighbor you're still screwed. God forbid you hurt your kids. Get some hot loads in #8 or #9 shot. They will usually only go through 1 wall completely and are still very effective at the ranges you're talking about.

Understand the difference between cover and concealment and explore how they will be used in you're home both by you and your family and also by a potential threat. Plan exit strategies from anywhere in your home. Staying in your home to have a gunfight with some scumbag should be your last option. Unless you have to stay to protect your family and can't get them out, leaving would be my first option. The only goal of any encounter is to survive.



IC


edit: spelling

 

[sm]

Lets just say I've BTDT .

Asked to do "Walk Through"- a model home and review floor plan before actual home built..the person's walls were 'modified", with steel plates and 'stuff" in certain rooms 3' up from the floor. Some other "modifications" as well.

Before you close a door a pc of thread is b/t door and jam, door opens, thread falls. Use a different color each day. Only you know where placed and use a small pc...not noticeable to anyone but you.

I'd still sleep in dining room if it were me. Shotgun blasts/ random fire through known /expected rooms " things do not react to bullets very well in here" ...like humans...comes to mind.

My thinking is one is expected to be down the hall in a bedroom. No cover down that hallway and rooms. If in dining room I have 3 possible exits for me to leave. BGs are trapped down the hallway with no cover. I'd have kitchen appliances, cabinets with pots and pans for cover If I had to make a stand...or fight my way to exit.

I have advantage of layout, so actually I'm going to think offensive. I'm thinking "I am going to survive". I'm going to cheat, do the unexpected, and offensivley be thinking how to get away. Now if "company" decides to act ...well they will be defending with little cover. I want more odds and options on my side.

Yeah been accused of looking at things in a different manner.

You really want to hear something scary? This is true because I went to new construction "neighborhood". Brick with vinyl siding. Now one would think there is a layer of insulation b/t siding and interior of 'all" homes. [ that foil looking 4x8 nailed to studs...WRONG.

Some do not ( I watched this neighborhood being built) PPSF ( price per sq ft was less and hit the first time owner/ newly wed bunch)To save money, corners were cut...like leaving out this insualted layer

One can actually take a sharp knife, cut through siding, pull the pink or yellow fiberglass roll of insulation away, squeeze through 2x4 studs and be inside. That sheetrock is easy to cut. So BG wants in, accesses a corner of yard not seen due to privacy fence...

Tis reason a couple did not buy these...I showed them this and my builder confirmed ( by demonstration to boot) So instead of worrying about new bride coming home while he was out of town for a meeting...they built a little smaller house, safer with better construction for the money. Neighorhood better and the utilities were a bunch cheaper.

Not everything is as appears from outside.

 

[Q-ball]

Here's some suggestions FWIW=
1. You mentioned that you live in a rental. If you're single (or not) ditch the house since you'll be gone for 3 months. You're only gonna be there for the next three weeks, you said. Put you stuff in storage, and go live in a motel for the next 3 weeks. Or live on base. I guess it also depends on your financial situation. If you really think your life is in danger, get out of the kill zone.
2. Buy a Threat Level III vest, wear it.
3. Buy two handguns; same model, caliber etc. The two can be interchangeable in case you need spare mags etc.
4. Does the base you work at search your vehicle? If not, store your handguns in the glove box and the shotgun in the trunk. This is your life at stake, be armed!
5. If you must stay at your house, make sure all windows are covered so no one can look in and see where your are located.
6. Get low watt nightlights that turn off and on with a timer and install them in your hallway and by entry points.
7. Get a dog that will bark at anything in your yard/house.
8. Contact:
Gabe Suarez
Suarez International USA, Inc.
303 East Gurley Street, Suite 461
Prescott, Arizona 86301 USA
Office 928-776-4492
Fax 928-776-8218
Mobile 928-308-1512
[email protected]
Give him your sitrep and house plans. I would trust Gabe's judgement.
One last thing-Be more selective with who your friends are. Looks like you'll be looking over your back for a while. Good Luck

 

[TripleD]

More info: Exterior of my house is brick. Just me, single. No kids. Neighbors house is brick too. I don't want 00, but I can't find any #1 buck anywhere, I'm going to keep looking though.

Man that is some crazy stuff you mentioned there!

The base doesn't check normally, but they do random inspections sometimes...not something I would want to get caught with lol.

I would like to move everything into storage right now, but it's not very feasible, as I've got 4 motor vehicles and a trailer, and I'm trying to get this car on the road before I head on my trip...

I don't plan on being here when I get back. I might even have a friend move into a new place while I'm gone, and move all my stuff into it.

Reason I can't go to her house is there is a "process" in the works and nothing is totally finalized yet.