In a SHTF moment, you home will likely be your only refuge.

There are strategies and tactics you can take to make sure that refuge is as safe as possible; we show you some below.

Deterrent #1: Hang a foreboding sign.

Avert danger altogether with a sign. Right is a “Nothing Inside Worth Dying For” sign which sends a clear message. Other preppers have suggested hanging a bio-hazard sign to deter intrusion. And since solicitors often make their way into your home, you can deter also them with a “no solicitor” sign.
• A home security sign is a wonderful deterrent even if you don't actually have a home alarm system or you've quit your service. Keep thieves guessing.

Deterrent #2: Leave “evidence” of a dog on premises”.

Place a BEWARE OF DOG sign at the entrance to your home. Even if you don't own a
dog this could be a scare tactic, particularly if you place a large bowl of water and
huge bone at the entrance of the back yard. This “evidence” may be enough to
thwart looters to an easier target home. However, in times of famine, a dog might
be considered pray and you'd not employ this tactic.

• NOTE: If you own a dog, don't put up the sign in peaceful times, because it
will be a legal nightmare for you in the event your dog bites someone. It
means that you know you have a vicious dog and that you did nothing to
prevent your dog from biting! Use it only for a world without rule of law.

Prioritize your defenses on the right-hand side of your property. Human instinct is to head in the direction of their dominant hand and since 90% of the population is right-handed, you know where intruders will attempt first to strike. Secure the right hand entrances first!

Deterrent #3: Bullet proof glass, tempered glass or window film.

Extremely committed preppers install bullet proof glass; however this an expensive option. Fortifying windows with window film or tempered is a less expensive option. Be sure to install window film on the inside the window frame, or caulk the edges to the frame.

Deterrent #4: Door jams.

Installing a door jam or simple stick in a sliding glass door could provide just the amount of delay necessary. A good option is a Buddybar Door Jammer, pictured right. By placing a 2′ x 4′ between front door and inside steps or wall could deter a forced entry. Or try a 3″ screw into the studs to fortify. Door jam armour is extremely effective and will provide peace of mind.

• Security Striker Plates for door jams (installation required): To combat 34% wood jam (security strike plates). A regular deadbolt won't do the trick, you'll need a commercial grade deadbolt to deter the intruders. Security Striker plates is an inexpensive fix to enhance the door strength and security, which is peace of mind in itself, but it won't work for door jams that have been damaged by a break-in. Fix the door-jam first, then install your strike box. (You'll need to drill and shape the jam to fit the box). The process will make your door jam much stronger.

• Door Jammer (no installation required). The DoorJammer is a unique, new and innovative portable door security device for anyone needing privacy and security. It prevents unwanted intrusions into any room and provide peace of mind. It's portable, discreet yet highly effective. It fits most doors in seconds to ‘jam' the door shut.

Deterrent #5: Anti-climb spikes.

Having a professional install anti-climb spikes if legal. Anti-climb spikes could provide you with extra peace of mind that intruders won't easily gain entry to your home. Check with local laws as these are extremely dangerous and may be highly regulated in your locale.

How to deter entry post SHTF (unconventional ideas):

How you defend your home in the event of a civil disturbance is radically different from how you'd would on an every day basis. It's your job to create a defensible space with barriers and booby traps to impede intruders. The more obstacles you have, the more chance you have at attrition (wearing down the enemy). For starters, try: barbed wire, chicken wire, nail beds, sand bags, and hour creativity.

Here's how to fortify your castle and deter intruders in uncertain times:

Apocalyptic deterrent #1: Guns and rifles (and the constitution).

In a world without rule of law, your gun is your best peace of mind for security. You may also like to carry the constitution with you so that you may defend your 2nd Amendment rights should the so-called “authorities” try to gain entry.

Apocalyptic deterrent #2: Leave Gang “evidence” with Spray paint.

In the early stages of uncertain times, you might thwart an gang attack or individual intrusion by using spray paint to mark a “territory” with gang-like symbols. Practice on cardboard. Our readers have also suggested scattering about debris on the property to make it look as though the property already has been ransacked.

Apocalyptic deterrent #3: Display a “Guard dog on Duty” sign (even if you don't have a dog).

Place also a big dog dish of water and a big chew toy to imply you have a huge dog. Intruders may not want to battle a large and hungry apocalypse dog! I may be just the incentive they need to go to another home. However, a small dog may be considered prey.

Apocalyptic deterrent #4: Place a Bed of Nails or tire spikes.

Set out the welcome mat (a bed of nails)! Plywood with a bed of nails is a surprise element that someone could step into inside of a fenced gate entrance. Create a bed of nails by driving them into a piece of plywood. Place the “bed of nails” on the An additional benefit, of you have nails and plywood around, you'll be able to board up the windows or fix windows that break. Do everything you can to impede zombies: set up booby traps to wear them down. Hungry looters will go for easier prey.

• Make a bed of nails with thumbtacks.

Implore clever use of thumb tacks by creating an instant “bed of nails.” Have a few boxes handy, so you can throw the thumb tacks at key entryways to your home when SHTF. Unsuspecting zombies may sustain injuries to their feet. It won't kill them, but it will deter them just enough enabling you a chance to round up some more ammo.

Apocalyptic deterrent# 5: Employ Barbed Wire or Chicken Wire.

• Barbed wire or razor wire. Barbed wire can provide a good measure of security though traditionally barbed wire serves to protect grass boundary, railway or highway. For the surprise element, place barbed wire on the top inside fences! Hiding barbed wire will provide cause an intruder to get a severe cut and leave. The idea is to make intruders know that you are prepared. They will go for an easier target because you are prepared with a fortress.

• Chicken wire. Use a staple-gun to secure chicken wire around the windows
of your home to make it defensible as an obstacle against intruders who would might throw bottles and rocks to gain access to your building. This technique is a way to fortify for a bug-in.

Apocalyptic deterrent #6: Simulate a blackout with black plastic bags.

Make it look as though you have no luxury of power and fortify your personal
security in this way by hiding. Create a blackout effect by sealing windows with a
heavy duty black trash bags and duct tape to ensure the light around windows and
doors doesn't leak through. If the zombies can't see you have light, then they won't
know you have resources.

Apocalyptic deterrent #7: Get Sandbags now, fill them later.

Sandbags don't take much space and you can fill them with gravel or dirt when you need it. Sandbags can secure gates and doors from opening easily helping to stall the intrusion. Sandbags also provide a layer of protection: the more mass the better to shield against radiation or bullets.

Apocalyptic deterrent#8: Get some geese.

Yes, this is an unusual idea, however, if you have a large property where it's feasible to have some geese, then have them on your property. They'll make an excellent warning system!

Securing your home is critical, before a SHTF moment hits, because if it is not secure, you and all who are in it are not safe.

By following these tactics you can greatly reduce the possibility your home will be a target during times of upheaval.

For other tips on how to keep your home safe, visit Happy Preppers.