In today’s world, the need for effective home defense strategies has never been more crucial. As modern preppers, we know that being prepared means more than just stocking up on supplies—it also means safeguarding our homes from potential threats. One of the most significant threats is a home invasion. A home invasion can happen to anyone, anywhere, but the good news is that there are practical steps you can take to prevent it.
In this guide, we’ll walk through essential home defense tips to keep your home secure and your loved ones safe.
1. Fortify Your Entry Points
The first step to preventing a home invasion is making sure your home’s entry points are as secure as possible. Doors and windows are the most common points of entry for intruders, so it’s crucial to reinforce them.
Solid Doors: Invest in solid-core doors for all exterior entry points. Avoid hollow doors, as they can easily be kicked in.
National Door Company Steel Prehung Door
A solid steel door with weather-stripping for exterior use.
Door Fiberglass Exterior Door
Durable fiberglass door resistant to dents and scratches.
Odl Primed Entry Door with Glass
Stylish yet secure door with insulated glass.
National Door Company Steel Entry Door
galvanized steel door is resistant to rust and corrosion.
High-Quality Deadbolts: Use heavy-duty deadbolts and reinforce your doorframes with metal plates. A good deadbolt can slow down or deter intruders.
Kwikset 980 Single Cylinder Deadbolt
A solid option for reliable security.
Schlage B60N 619 Deadbolt
Heavy-duty deadbolt resistant to bumping and picking.
Defender Security Heavy Duty Lock
Extra thick locking mechanism.
August Smart Lock Pro
Allows remote locking and unlocking from your smartphone.
Smart Locks: Consider installing smart locks that allow for keyless entry, so you don’t have to worry about losing your keys or someone making copies of them.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Keyless entry with remote access and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
Yale Assure Lock SL
Sleek touchscreen design with Z-Wave support for smart home integration.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Built-in Wi-Fi for remote access and control without the need for a hub.
Eufy Security Smart Lock
Fingerprint recognition with built-in Wi-Fi, no hub required.
Window Security Film: Reinforce windows with security film. This makes the glass harder to break and can prevent shattering.
BDF S8MC Security Window Film
Clear 8 Mil film to increase shatter resistance.
Window Film Security and Safety
Strengthens glass against breakage.
VViViD Security Window Film
Transparent, scratch-resistant film for enhanced security.
Hohofilm Clear Safety Film
4 Mil film that helps hold glass together in the event of a break.
2. Invest in a Security System
A modern security system is a must-have in home defense. Not only do they provide peace of mind, but the presence of a security system can also deter potential intruders.
Surveillance Cameras: Place visible cameras around your property to act as a deterrent. Motion-activated cameras that alert you to suspicious activity can give you real-time updates.
Smart Home Security Systems: Many smart home security systems now include doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and alarms that are all connected to your smartphone.
Includes motion sensors, entry sensors, and is Alexa compatible.
Budget-friendly, comprehensive smart system with real-time monitoring.
Monitored Alarm Systems: For added protection, choose a system that is monitored 24/7 by a security company. They can alert authorities in the event of an emergency.
3. Light Up Your Property
Dark areas around your home can provide cover for intruders. Good lighting is a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of a home invasion.
Motion-Activated Lights: Install motion-activated floodlights around your home, particularly near entry points. These will surprise intruders and make them think twice before attempting to break in.
Ring Smart Lighting
Easy to install with customizable motion detection.
Mr. Beams Wireless Motion Sensor Lights
Battery-powered, wireless, and motion-activated.
Heath Zenith Motion-Activated Light
Hardwired option with 180-degree detection.
LED Solar Motion Lights
Solar-powered outdoor lights with wide-angle illumination.
Solar Lights: If you want an eco-friendly option, consider solar-powered lights that charge during the day and illuminate your property at night.
Aootek Solar Lights
Waterproof and motion-sensing.
URPOWER Solar Lights
Energy-efficient with automatic on/off.
Luposwiten Solar Security Lights
100 LED lights with motion detection.
HMCity Solar Lights
High-efficiency solar panel and long-lasting battery.
4. Create the Illusion of Presence
One of the most effective deterrents for home invasions is the appearance that someone is always home. Intruders are less likely to target a home that seems occupied.
Use Smart Plugs: Set your lights, TV, or radio on a timer or use smart plugs to turn them on and off remotely. This gives the illusion that someone is home even when you’re away.
Stop Mail Delivery: If you’re going out of town, stop mail and package deliveries, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them. Piled-up mail is a clear sign that no one is home. Ask your local post office to hold your mail, or consider using USPS Hold Mail Service during vacations.
5. Secure Your Perimeter
A secure perimeter can stop intruders before they even reach your home. Make it difficult for someone to approach unnoticed.
Fencing: Install tall, sturdy fencing around your property. A fence can serve as a physical barrier and reduce visibility into your yard.
Zippity Outdoor Products Vinyl Fence Kit
Attractive and durable vinyl fence.
Amgo Privacy Fence Screen
For added privacy on existing fences.
ALEKO Steel Fence Panel
Decorative steel fence panel with anti-rust coating.
Suncast Resin Wicker Fence
Durable, weather-resistant, and easy to install.
Thorny Plants: Plant thorny bushes near windows and around your fence line. This natural defense can make it uncomfortable for intruders to get close.
Lock Your Gates: Ensure that any side gates or backyard entrances are locked and reinforced.
6. Get a Guard Dog
A well-trained guard dog can be one of the most effective deterrents against home invasions. Not only will a dog alert you to suspicious activity, but its presence alone can scare off potential intruders.
Training: A guard dog should be well-trained, not only to alert you but to act appropriately when facing a threat. There are many reputable trainers who specialize in home protection training.
Breed Consideration: While many breeds can serve as great watchdogs, some of the most popular for home defense include German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers.
7. Build a Safe Room
If an intruder does manage to break into your home, having a safe room can provide you and your family with a secure place to hide while waiting for help.
SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Safe
Protects valuables in case of a break-in or disaster.
Midland 50 Channel Emergency Radio
Stay informed during emergencies.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Ensure access to clean water in a prolonged emergency.
Ready America 2-Person Emergency Kit
Complete with food, water, and first-aid supplies.
Reinforced Door: A safe room should have a solid door with a deadbolt lock, much like your home’s main entrance.
Communication Tools: Make sure the room is equipped with a phone or other communication device, so you can call for help if needed.
Supplies: Keep essential supplies such as water, snacks, and a first aid kit in your safe room in case of an extended emergency.
8. Practice Home Defense Drills
As a modern prepper, you know the importance of being prepared for any situation. Regularly practice home defense drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a home invasion.
- Assign Roles: Make sure everyone in the household knows their role during an emergency. Whether it’s calling 911, locking doors, or heading to the safe room, clear communication is key.
- Escape Plan: In addition to home defense, have an escape plan. Sometimes the best option is to get out of the house and head to a designated safe area.
Escape Plan Tips:
- Identify multiple exit points in your home.
- Create a designated safe area, such as a neighbor’s house or a nearby location.
- Teach your family how to silently exit the house and avoid detection.
- Keep emergency go-bags ready with essential supplies like flashlights, first-aid kits, and water.
- Use window escape ladders for upper floors if needed.
Escape Plan Essentials:
A portable, easy-to-deploy ladder for quick exits from upper-story windows.
Window breaker, seatbelt cutter, and pepper gel in one tool for emergencies.
Keep a fire extinguisher in each room in case you need to clear a safe path out.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Prepared
Preventing a home invasion starts with proactive planning and securing your home. By fortifying entry points, investing in modern security technology, and preparing your household for emergencies, you can significantly reduce the risk of a home invasion. Being a modern prepper means thinking ahead and being ready for any challenge that may come your way.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—the best defense is a solid plan.
