Evaluate home security

Secure your house

• Evaluate window & door security.
• Add curtains or shades.
• Add metal grates to unsecured windows.
• Limit entries to your house.
• Replace doors with single pane glass.
• Have important phone numbers handy.
• Have a safety deposit box or safe or both.
• Put important things where they normally would not be found.
• Prepare a hiding place in your home for small items.
• Get a bigger dog.

 Improve your computer security

• Update software.
• Use spam & email filters.
• Use power surge protection.
• Backup important files.
• Backup online.

Keep emergency equipment on hand

• This is a big subject, from generators to biohazard gear.    
• For starters: flashlights, batteries, a radio, food, and water.
• Buy kits to suit the emergency you expect.
• Weapons, tools, more food, and more water.
• Flares, signaling devices, water filters, more food, and more water.
• Rain gear, camping gear, cold weather clothing.
• First aid, cell phones, extra gas, local maps.
• Finally, more food, and more water.
• There are many other items to add to this category. Add most specifics for  particular types of emergencies.

Keep the car prepared

• Have a traveling kit in the car.
• Keep a first aid kit in the car.
• Have extra clothes and an extra radio.
• Be sure to have extra maps.
• Extra water and snacks.

Keep cars in good repair

• Have it well repaired and know where to go to get some extra gas.
• Keep oil and filters on hand.
• Have spark plugs and an extra distributor if needed.

Protect yourself

• Have a powerful flashlight to use as protection.
• Learn self defense skills.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay home and watch your neighborhood.
• Have a plan for the family to stay at another location.

Protect your mail

• Shred papers.
• Buy a strong mailbox or get a P.O. box.
• Keep paper with personal information out of recycling.
• Burn old mail.

Secure your yard

• A dog provides considerable security.
• Install outdoor lighting.
• Fence your yard(s)?
• Make doorways easily visible.
• Gate your driveway?

Improve your health

• Stop smoking.
• Give up fast food.
• Become more active: walk, bike, garden.
• Evaluate your health care plan.
• Take care of current health needs now.
• Do needed dental work now.
• Develop strong personal relationships.
• Find ways to be creative.
• Develop your spiritual and emotional life.
• Learn first aid.
• Learn medical self-care.
• Talk a workshop on herbal remedies.
• Learn local edible plants.
• Learn butchering animals.
• Improve cooking skills.
• Learn to eat less.

Act in concert with neighbors

• Get to know your neighbors.
• Trade off vacation watch with an immediate neighbor.
• Learn about local threats.
• Start a neighborhood watch.