You can't...it would be suicide
Most homes in North America are not constructed in a way that makes them very defendable. It would take considerable work to harden one so that you could use it as a defensive position. Then you are going to have serious engineering issues to deal with the added weight of all your fortifications.
Once you do that, unless you have access into a storm sewer or other escape route, you're trapped there. You only have so much food, water, ammunition, medical supplies etc. You will probably have to either stockpile those items at each fighting position or have covered routes inside the house from each fighting position to your supplies.
Derek is 100% right, they aren't going to take casualties to come in and get you. Think CS, think cutting off the power and the water, think waiting you out. If all else fails, think of overwheming force.
How big is your family? Big enough to provide 360 degree security 24/7 for an indefinate period of time? Are your kids old enough to stand watch? And be reliable? Do you have a large force that can come in from the outside and break the siege and rescue you?
I am suspending my rule against political comment in S&T to say this:
I'd like to remind everyone here that we still live in the United States of America. Everyone in the affected areas who is dealing with the heavyhanded, unconstitutional approach to disaster relief has the opportunity to change leadership in the next election. They also have the opportunity if they were actually damaged by the response to seek redress through the courts.
I received this from the NRA yesterday:
NRA-ILA COMMENTS ON SITUATION IN NEW ORLEANS
Numerous media sources are reporting on a campaign by New Orleans city authorities to confiscate lawfully-owned firearms from people in the city. Louisiana statute does grant the government, during a state of emergency, broad powers in regulating and controlling firearms.
However, we have seen not just with Hurricane Katrina, but other similar situations, that when police are unable to control the criminal element, people turn to the one freedom that protects all others--the Second Amendment.
While one can certainly understand the dire predicaments of all those affected by Hurricane Katrina, as we have learned throughout history, campaigns to disarm the lawful do nothing to disarm the criminal. And in truth, these restrictions make citizens less safe. Despite the valiant efforts of many law enforcement officers and rescue workers, too many of those left in the wake of Katrina are ultimately responsible for their own security and safety and that of their families and loved ones. This is especially true when communication is virtually non-existent and police can't be quickly summoned to respond to calls for help. At these times, lawful gun ownership is paramount to personal safety.
Of course, the entire situation in New Orleans is constantly in flux. But rest assured NRA is monitoring this situation very closely and will address any activity by the government that unduly infringes upon the rights of lawful gun owners at the appropriate time. As we learn more, we will report to our members accordingly. In the interim, however, we join with all Americans in offering our thoughts, prayers, and assistance to the victims and survivors of this terrible natural disaster.
We live in a continual election cycle now, it never stops. The fallout from Katrina is going to be massive and
then it will be time to fight, at the polls, in the newspapers, the public is starting to recognize that they have to take responsibility for themselves. Good things can come out of this. But we're not doing our cause any favors by talking about defending our homes against the authorites. That is not promoting responsible gun ownership.
Jeff
