You've taken the necessary steps to ensure that you and your family are safe in case of an emergency. But what do you do when your emergency shelter is discovered by others? Here are three categories to focus on: detection, discretion, and preparation.

Detection
Firstly, what do you have in terms of detection equipment? Do you have motion sensors and a camera? I strongly advise as much of the high-tech stuff as your budget will allow. A camera (especially one with IR capability) is worth its weight in gold to actually see Snidely Whiplash as he creeps across your lawn.

Discretion
If you can legally do it…it is advisable to have a weapon ready to go in every room of the house. You also need to monitor what area of the house is broken into and have a family plan to move the family into the opposite and protected area of the house. You need to establish “safe” areas of the house that you can barricade yourself in and make a stand. These safe areas also need to have an exit portal/hole in the event the big bad wolves want to huff and puff and burn your house to the ground.

Be Prepared
Let’s not leave out what I’ve been saying for some time: you must have supplies, food, and other important, life-sustaining items ready just in case you have to surrender the homestead and go running off into the night. Remember: you can replace anything except one another.

To put it simply: prevent, protect, and prepare. People can do unthinkable things in life-threatening situations. To read more on what you should do if your bug out cabin is discovered and more survival tips, visit Ready Nutrition.