Why Guns Alone Won’t Keep Your Homestead Safe

Most homesteaders believe that owning a gun is the ultimate defense against threats. But what if that belief is putting your safety at greater risk? While a firearm can be a powerful tool, relying solely on it for protection may leave you completely exposed. By the time you pull the trigger, it might already be too late. Intruders, natural disasters and unforeseen dangers can strike when you least expect it—and a gun alone won’t stop them.

And don’t assume a homestead in a remote location is safer than one close to town. Remote can be a very lonely and unsafe place to live. A well-rounded homestead security strategy includes multiple layers of protection. With that in mind, here are some thoughts on how to simply stay safe on your homestead.

Perimeter Security

Perimeter Security involves securing the boundaries of your property to detect and deter potential intruders before they approach your home. Here’s how you can do this:

A Fence

The idea of a fence as a security decision is to simply discourage people from getting close to your home. It’s a tough decision for some, especially if the view from your back porch is breathtaking, but if you’re in an area where security is a concern, a fence can deter people from approaching.

Also, don’t forget to secure your driveway with a locked chain. If someone is driving up to your property, it will prevent them from sneaking in unnoticed in the middle of the night.

But a fence won’t be enough to protect your property and life during a crisis. When the unthinkable happens, your home could be at risk from far more than just intruders. What if you’re caught off guard, unprepared or unable to respond when danger strikes? A locked chain and a sturdy fence are just the beginning.

The truth is, there are other critical measures you must take now to ensure your safety. Uncover the hidden dangers lurking around your property, along with proven strategies to protect yourself, your family and your home. Prepare now before it’s too late.

Perimeter lights

Perimeter lights are a great idea, especially at night. The best options are motion activated and also have solar rechargeable lights.

They’re also fairly inexpensive, so you can think about those outbuildings or even a path leading up to your house. Intruders typically prefer the cover of darkness, and a bright spotlight suddenly flashing into their eyes is an ingenious trap that will deter most of them.

Warning signs

A very simple and inexpensive solution is to display warning signs. A good example is a sign that says: “This property is under video surveillance.” Other examples include “Beware of Dogs,” or even “Proud member of the NRA.”

What you’re trying to do is get people to move on and look for another target. Just make sure you display them so they’re easy to see and put one out at the road at the entrance to your driveway.

Early Warning Systems

Early Warning Systems are designed to detect potential threats or emergencies before they escalate, giving you the time to respond effectively. With the right system in place, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your homestead.

Security cameras

Security cameras also have motion detectors. Some will sound an alarm in your home while displaying what is going on.

The best have an infra-red light and night vision, so you can see what’s out there and actually record the event. Here again you’ll probably end up with a lot of videos of deer, coyotes and raccoons, but you never know.

The general recommendation is that the cameras be mounted high on the house or outbuilding and plainly visible. Anyone casing the neighborhood or your property won’t like seeing cameras.

You can also buy fake cameras with a small, red flashing light on the front to call attention to itself. These are also designed to send a message to anyone approaching or casing the place and should also be proudly displayed so they’re visible to all.

Alarm system

There are motion-activated alarm systems that trigger a loud siren when they detect motion. Walk around your house and try to identify how you would approach in the night with ill intent.

You may determine you need more than one. The best ones have solar rechargeable batteries.

If you have outbuildings like a barn, garage, shed or workshop you should probably think about alarms out there as well. Place them by doors and windows where someone might break in. Here again, how far you go with motion-activated alarms depends on your situation and your level of concern.

And there’s a reality to keep in mind. Any motion will set off those alarms – from a raccoon or possum in the night, to a deer wandering around at the crack of dawn.

Especially in a crisis situation, setting up your alarms is much more complex than it seems—and setting them up wrong may do you more harm than good. The truth is, intruders know exactly how to exploit weak spots, and without the right systems in place, you might not even know they’re there until it’s too late.

You might think your home is safe enough. But even the most well-intentioned security setups can leave you exposed. And there are quite a few really common mistakes that even the most experienced homesteaders usually make. Don’t take chances with your safety.

Joel Lambert, a former Navy SEAL with over 10 years of experience, reveals right here the insider strategies used by elite professionals to turn any home into an impenetrable fortress. Learn from someone who has faced real threats and come out on top. Discover the comprehensive steps that can turn your home into a fortress—secure your outbuildings, prevent unwanted visitors, and stay one step ahead of danger.

A Dog

Dogs are a wonderful and natural alarm system. They seem to have a sixth sense when someone is approaching and if the bark is loud enough, it may not only scare off any trespassers, but it will alert you that something’s not right. This is especially true at 3 A.M. when you’re sound asleep.

Entry Point Protection and Fortification

By reinforcing your entry points, you can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins and enhance your overall security.

Reinforce doors and windows

Windows are another consideration and you should really think about finding the best window locks. And don’t assume second story windows don’t need the best window locks. Many burglars actually use ladders to get to the second story window because they know they’re often unlocked.

Bulletproof windows

This is mostly about good, sturdy locks with a reinforced door frame to avoid a kick-in. That’s also why you should assess the strength and quality of your door. A thin wooden door on the back porch can have the best locks in the world, but it’s meaningless if the door itself shatters.

This is a drastic step, but if you live in an area known for gunfire violence, it’s worth thinking about. Especially the front windows, because most indiscriminate shootings take place from the street.

Another thing to consider is hunting season. If you live in an area where there is active hunting, an errant shot from a careless hunter can hit your house.

Full-pane bulletproof windows are very expensive, but there is a clear, bulletproof laminate you can apply to your windows. The window will in fact break if hit by a bullet, but it will stop the bullet like safety glass and give you a little time to find that shotgun.

Non-lethal Self-Defense

From tasers to pepper sprays, there are alternatives to firearms that can offer effective protection without the lethal consequences.

What’s challenging is that these encounters often happen at close quarters, where a quick decision needs to be made. However, by choosing non-lethal self-defense options first, you give yourself the chance to assess the situation more clearly, without immediately escalating to deadly force.

This allows you to protect yourself while minimizing the risk of unintended consequences. In moments of heightened stress, having these alternative tools available allows you to make a measured response without compromising safety or facing the trauma of a tragic mistake.

In addition to being prepared for self-defense, it’s essential to be ready to respond in the event of an injury at home. That’s where this guide comes in. It provides you with practical, step-by-step instructions for managing injuries during social unrest, from basic to more advanced techniques you may need when help is nowhere in sight.

It’s not just about knowing how to protect yourself, but how to survive in an environment where every decision counts. Learn how to respond quickly and effectively, so you’re not left helpless when the stakes are high.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How you can identify and manage a shock or a stroke
Life-saving tips for handling wounds when professional help isn’t available
How to stockpile essential medicines and medical supplies for emergencies
What to do when there’s no time to wait for help
Many more critical tips to help you stay safe and healthy in a crisis

Equip yourself with the knowledge to act confidently when it matters most—because being prepared doesn’t just mean protecting yourself, but also caring for those you love when they need it most.

Be Prepared For Any Crisis

Becoming self-sufficient can greatly enhance your ability to protect your property without relying on firearms. Mastering essential homesteading tasks help you build resilience and independence.

This self-reliance increases your awareness of your surroundings. It also prepares you for potential threats, whether from an intruder, a natural disaster or another emergency.

Homesteading fosters a strong connection to your land. This makes it easier to spot unusual activity or weaknesses in your property’s security. Investing in security measures provides extra protection, but self-sufficiency also teaches resourcefulness.

This allows you to address issues before they escalate. Ultimately, living a self-sufficient lifestyle gives you physical security and the confidence that you’re in control of your property and well-being.

➡️ How To Build a Hidden Food Growing Fence in Your Backyard ⬅️

Being self-sufficient also helps you stay protected in a crisis. It ensures you have everything you need without relying on outside resources. When you grow your own food, have your own off-grid water system and generate your own energy, you reduce your dependence on supply chains. These may break down during an emergency. In a crisis, you’ll already have a reliable source of sustenance, warmth and shelter.

Having a stocked pantry, backup power and a sustainable water supply gives you peace of mind. You can continue your daily life and provide for your family without the stress of searching for scarce resources. It ensures you can weather any storm, whether short- or long-term, while maintaining your safety and well-being.

Don’t announce when you’re going on vacation

It’s so easy brag to friends at the restaurant about that great trip you’re taking next week to Florida, or that fishing trip to Canada. But you never know who’s listening and even then, your friends may inadvertently tell the wrong person.

You may have the full video system, motion activated lights and alarms but if your homestead is remote and someone knows you’re not there, they may not are when the lights go on, the sirens wail and the hoodie and face mask does you no good on videotape. The telegram is think twice about what you tell the world.

Is it All Necessary?

It depends on the local situation and your personal level of concern. It also depends on your budget. If you want to take some steps to enhance security around your homestead, figure out how much you want to spend and find the things you can afford. The signs, motion activated lights along with some fake security cameras might be a good place to start. After that you can add what you want over time and be able to keep that shotgun in the closet for when you will really need it.

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