IntroductionThe purpose of this book is to provide instruction, ideas and concepts for protecting your family in the event of a break down in society or services. This book uses scientific facts, historical examples and good old common sense as the basis for the content.
Most people who start “preparing” for bad times quickly realize that it is practically impossible to address every scenario. There are too many options, too much expense and too many unknowns. I have met home owners who have made an extensive investment in solar power systems, only to become frustrated when they read that an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) event would probably disable the entire system.
While it is not productive to dwell on all the possible “What if?” scenarios, it may be prudent to consider what simple elementary and intermediate steps each of us can take to be in a position to protect our loved ones.
Preparing the Defensive of a Location is not expensive. Most of the concepts and ideas in this book can be implemented with little or no expense. While the book will cover some very sophisticated equipment as an option, these items are really the exception and not the rule.
The questions generated by preparation activities are typically answered with more questions and a cycle of analysis paralysis quickly ensues. This book attempts to provide a methodology and scientific processes to assist the reader with preparation activities in the area of Security, or defense of their location. Unfortunately, Security has to overlap with other primary needs, such as shelter, water and food. This book will not provide you with plans for the construction of an underground bunker, but will provide instruction on how to defend it.
An argument can be made that no other preparations are complete without security plans being in place. If the scenario involves looting or theft, no matter how much food you have stored, it won’t do you any good if someone comes in and takes it all.
Preparing, or being a “Prepper” as we sometimes refer to ourselves, is not a socially acceptable activity in many circles. Most people don’t want their friends or neighbors knowing their beliefs or activities. Most of us consider ourselves “model” citizens and productive members of a society, so the concept of preparing for the decline of said society is not a natural act. Defensive Planning and Preparation can be performed in the privacy of your own home and with other individuals with whom you share similar beliefs. There is nothing in this book about deploying barbwire barriers across your front yard, or digging siege trenches around your garden, so you don’t have to worry about the neighbors thinking you are crazy or radical. The folks down the street are still going to knock on your door in hopes you will support their high school band fundraiser. I can think of no defense against that.
History, both recent and ancient, is rife with examples of society breaking down for short periods of time. The lessons learned from the study of these examples are critical in any preparation activities. There are certain commonalities in human behavior whether you study the Dark Ages or New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
The concept of Security is not focused on firearms but they have to be part of the discussion. There are hundreds of resources concerning firearms and other defensive equipment and skills. How do you decide on what type of weapon is best and how much to invest if you don’t understand their place in a total defensive plan? If you are an accomplished shooter or ex-military, you probably already know more about firearms and their capabilities than is covered in this book. What will be covered in detail are the lessons learned and information available from recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other sources where violence has become common in a population or region.
The process of planning for Security is not focused on Shelter – but has to address it. A farm requires a significantly different plan and equipment than a location in an urban area. Defending a mobile home is different from defending an underground location.
The level of Security required depends on Water and Food sources, so they have to be included as well. If your plans involve a backyard garden as a food source, then you had better be prepared to defend that area as you harvest your corn.
For some time, the situation along the southern U.S. border with Mexico has been rift with tension. State and local governments are struggling with the influx of illegal immigrants and drug runners and are attempting to reduce their risk thru legislation. As a result, it is not unusual for local ranchers to be concerned about reprisals. Many feel that cooperation with the Border Patrol could result in pay-back by the bad guys. A siege mentality is not uncommon. I hope something in this book helps those good people. It makes my red, white and blue blood boil that an American has to feel that threat in this country.
