Pandemic Preparedness: Is Your Home-Defense Plan Ready?

Dealing with something like this current virus pandemic causes a lot of changes and frustrations for all of us. Rumors abound and we don’t know what to believe or when it will end. Situations like this will bring out the best in people and it will bring out the worst in people. And it is an important time for people to consider their safety precautions.

A lot of folks are riding this mess out by staying at home, trying to get some work done, and looking after the kids since many schools are canceled. This is an excellent time to go over and re-evaluate the personal and home defense plan.

To begin with, all external doors should be locked. If someone is attempting a home invasion, you don’t want them to be able to just walk in. Now, those doors and locks can be overcome but not without some noise and time-consuming effort. That gives you time and notice in which to prepare to deal with the invader.

And, speaking of doors, just because someone knocks at your door doesn’t mean that you have to open it to them. Before you open a door, you should know who is at the door. If you don’t know them, don’t open up. In doing some personal-defense research, I have been amazed at the number of incidents in which a home invasion was implemented by a citizen simply opening their door to a stranger.

If the family is all at home, this is a good time to have a family meeting to discuss the home-defense plan. Each person needs to know what steps are being taken to protect the home. Each person needs to know what their duties are. Don’t forget to include the kids in this planning and giving them jobs suitable to their age and maturity.

When you have to go out and about, observation and awareness are critically important. Be alert for people and situations that just don’t fit. This is obviously not the time to go window-shopping at the mall. Decide what you need to get, go get it, and get back home.

This is the time to consider your own preparedness and take whatever steps are necessary to make you and your family a harder target. Remember, it’s not what you have, but what the criminals think you have that makes you a target. Ideally, they should look at you and decide that it’s not worth the risk.

In the middle of all of this, don’t forget that good Americans take care of each other. Check in with your neighbors, friends and relatives to see if you can help them in any way. When we look out for each other, we are reminded that there is strength in numbers. Together, we've gotten through this.

Give close attention to your defensive preparedness. Help others when you can. Don’t forget your sense of humor and, for goodness' sake, wash your hands!