Although it's depressing to think about, I think I need a plan in place to fortify my windows if the time comes. Saw a video where someone installed brackets and 2x4s on his entryways. That's certainly pretty secure but then you gotta have a stash of wood around. Not to mention the visible 2x4s might be a strong indicator to outside observers that someone organized lives here. That could spell the end for you.
So what about nets? Easy to store. And where a sound kick can send a 2x4 flying, kicking nets is just a pain in the ass. If it delays someone for even a matter of seconds then it will have served its purpose. Any thoughts on implementing this, types of nets etc?
A guy on the survival summit had the same thought. Another two guys on the survival summit thought maybe not as good an idea for a door or window. A net is only a deterrent as strong as the bolts/screws/nails used to hold it near the door. I won't say it's totally useless, but we'll say ... maybe limited to just those very few seconds if anything, or maybe good enough for
If your door faces another wall, consider getting a pair of 4x4's and solid pipe or another 4x4. The middle should be just long enough to fit between the door and the facing wall, minus 7-8" (some 4x4's are really 3.5"). Set them in an I on the floor at the base of the door. You can store them in a closet easily enough. You can also go out to the studs nearest the door, instal a heavy-duty loop handle or bracket near the floor, and buy a piece of pipe long enough to go through them. It takes more than one kick for steel or iron pipe, and if you're able to use the 4x4 method, your door and-or the opposing wall is going to break before it flies open.
Windows are more difficult, but security bars are hardly unusual. In the U.S., criminals are far more likely to target houses with no visible deterrents than those that have security bars. While they could be interpretted as saying "something here to protect" if you take your firearm and ammo boxes and your expensive electronics boxes to work or the range to recycle instead of dumping them at your house/apartment, you become not a sure thing and thus not necessarily worth the effort. A net is better than nothing for a breakdown and major catastrophe that makes it every household for itself. I'd add a bunch of noisemakers, though, possibly different types to tell me which window is being broken. I'm also kind of dirty and I have the ability to block off hallways to save the pets, visitors, and DH, and have marbles and tacks that will go under windows nightly if there's ever a reason for me to worry about our safety.
One thing to consider for everyday security is whether or not the fire department can still come rescue you or your pets if there's a fire or some kind of chem leak.
If you're worried about windows, you might also want to consider your options for light discipline and plan to go ahead and either mount or stock an extra layer of light-blocking curtains, ideally enough to overlap the current parts in your curtains. They keep drafts from causing light to escape and will allow you to slide under the first, tuck it around you, then peek through the outer layer without turning yourself into a silhouette target at night.
have you checked into roll shutters? ours are from a company in okotoks
I'd go with roll shutters. They may not keep out determined invaders, but at least you'd have plenty of time to hear them coming.
I think that boarding up also would send the mention that the building is abandoned too. Abandoned buildings always make me wonder what's inside them.
Runs With Scissors