How to Defend Your Family against Crime in a Disaster
A lot of theft happens after an emergency or disaster, and those
who have their homes damaged are especially susceptible. One
reason is that the family will probably not be home. Also police
may not be available, because of other priorities such as saving
lives or evacuating the infirm. Phone lines and cell phone
towers may be down as well. Read the following tips to help keep
looters from your destroyed home:
Lock valuables in a Safe. Buy the most durable and most secure
safe you can afford. Inside can be stored family keepsakes, rare
coins and other valuable collectables, wedding rings, gold,
jewelry and spare cash. Emergency supplies like spare clothes,
food, and medicine can be stored there, too. If you want to go
the extra mile, pour a cement floor in your closet or basement
and set your safe into it before it dries. Nobody will walk away
with that safe, not even yourself.
Neighborhood watch team. Join your neighborhood watch program,
or start one if there is none; it's one of the more effective
modes of crime prevention. The more people watching your home,
the better. Members of the neighborhood watch can document
suspicious activity to use as evidence later and more crimes can
be prevented during a disaster.
Rural Areas. "No trespassing" signs are often posted, but are
not too affective. For extra protection consider buying n to
protect your home and for self defense; small rifles or pistols
are advised. These can be used by adults with a gun license to
defend their property from intruders. Violent crime sometimes is
used to force victims to comply during theft or looting after a
disaster. When using a gun for self-protection, please use it
cautiously and wisely. If you do need to shoot someone, be ready
to prove in court that it definitely was self-defense.
For further disaster crime prevention information and tips,
consult with your local law enforcement offices, and emergency
centers. May you and your family be spared the ordeal of a
natural disaster or other emergency