Preppers should always look for ways to fortify their properties against human and nonhuman threats. These 10 renovations are perfect places to start and provide peace of mind.
They’ll make your residence more resilient and improve your chances of survival in several big and small emergencies. So, with that in mind, where should you start?
1. Bolster Your Home Security System
A security system is the best means of property protection when it comes to human threats. American homeowners experience more than 1 million break-ins yearly, and property crimes are the most common type of offense. You can bolster your safety with the following devices:
– CCTV cameras
– Motion sensors
– Floodlights
– Door alarms
– Deadbolt door locks
– Tripwires
– Safes for precious belongings
You also need a reliable firearm. If an intruder manages to avoid the above security devices, a pistol or shotgun is a comforting last line of defense. Preppers must be ready to apply lethal force to protect their families and properties. Store your weapon in a concealed but easily accessible place only you know about.
2. Cultivate Defensive Landscaping
Cultivating defensive landscaping is a natural way to make your home more resilient. Use the terrain to your advantage by adding plants with lots of thorns and prickles, such as these pain-inducing species:
– Rose
– Holly
– Firethorn
– Bougainvillea
– Century plant
– Prickly pear
– Tomato porcupine
– Spanish bayonet
Burglars often hide in the bushes around the homes of their victims before breaking in. They take this risk to inspect the interior and locate valuable items. Putting these uncomfortable plants around your house will prevent people from snooping and give your landscaping extra curb appeal.
3. Switch to Solar Panels
The power grid will be the first thing to go in a major SHTF situation. Switching to solar panels is the simplest way to make your home energy-independent and avoid a power shutdown. As long as your panels have year-round access to sunlight, they will provide a source of clean electricity.
Installing solar panels can be expensive, but the federal solar tax credit makes the project much more affordable. Homeowners are eligible for a 30% tax credit on installations if they make the switch before 2033. Plus, you’ll make your money back in the long run by saving on utility bills.
4. Secure the Perimeter With Fencing
Every home needs a secure perimeter, especially if you live on a multiacre homestead and have livestock. You can strengthen your property’s boundary with electrical or barbed wire fencing to ward off trespassers.
These nonlethal deterrents will keep humans and animals from entering your space. Be sure to inspect your barrier regularly to ensure it has not been tampered with, either by humans or animals. Making needed reinforcements following severe weather events is also a good idea.
5. Replace Your Windows
Windows are the most vulnerable spots in your house. They’re the most likely entry points for intruders and are exposed to extreme weather.
For these reasons, you should replace your old windows with hurricane windows that can absorb the impact of flying objects. They can weather wind speeds of over 200 mph and keep you safe from the nastiest storms.
6. Designate a “Safe Room”
Every prepper’s home should have a designated “safe room” on the first floor or basement. It will serve as your shelter and storage space during extreme weather or if someone gets past your security measures and enters your home.
Building an aboveground safe room separate from your house will cost between $8,000 and $17,000, depending on the size, but it is a worthwhile investment.
7. Install a Wood-Burning Stove
A wood-burning stove is a worthwhile addition to your home if you live in an area with harsh winters. It’s a simple, electricity-free way to keep your home warm and cook hot meals. All you need is a consistent supply of firewood, which should be easy to obtain if you live on a multiacre homestead.
8. Invest in a Home Gym
Physical strength is nonnegotiable for preppers. Your local public gym might have all the equipment you need, but it won’t be around forever.
What happens if it goes out of business or another 2020-esque lockdown happens? A home gym is the perfect contingency plan. Start by getting some multipurpose workout equipment and build your gym from there.
9. Build a Greenhouse
A greenhouse is a huge game-changer for preppers who cultivate their own fruits and vegetables. It extends your growing season to 365 days a year, protecting your crops from pests.
You can use your DIY skills to build the ideal home for your plants. This is a great way to ensure a steady food supply if confined to home.
10. Dig Out a Root Cellar
After growing your food in the greenhouse, you can store it in an underground root cellar. People have used root cellars to preserve their foodstuffs for thousands of years. Your food supply will last as long as you keep the environment cool, dry and properly ventilated year-round.
Home Improvement Prepper-Style
If you’re uncertain about your home’s resilience, these prepper-style home improvements will put you at ease. Nothing is more important than your family and property, so you must be willing to make sizable investments in these projects.
There’s no room for being stingy when it comes to emergency preparedness.
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