Security is an ongoing and proactive process in which we Detect, Deny, Deter, Delay, Defeat and/or Destroy.   Not all the components are required for every security plan but each of the components should be considered. Those who lack a trust in God will try to take from those who have been blessed through preparedness and production. We have a right and duty to protect ourselves and our livelihood. These locations should be considered in your personal security plan: your body, articles of clothing and items to carry, main residence, backup residence(s), vehicle(s), outbuilding(s), animal shelters, storage facility(s), garden, yard, farmland.

In ordinary times we fall under the rule of law and each state has different rules. In crisis or emergencies of prolonged power outages and the absence of an organized police force, laws may not govern but your well-formed conscience should; what is morally and legally required of me?

Here are some important items to have on-hand

• Heavy duty locks and security bars for all entry points, such as doors and windows
• Reinforced doors and windows to resist entry
• Standalone security systems that operate on battery and cellular networks
• Motion-activated lights to deter potential intruders
• Natural elements such as groomed landscaping to avoid providing cover to intruders as well as thorny bushes or cacti near any perimeters
• Tools that can be used for self-defense including means for communicating distress calls and weapons that match the degree of training each person is experienced with and comfortable deploying
  • What actions have I practiced and am willing to take?
  • Who will I call for help?
• Emergency supplies including first aid, flashlights, extra food and water

As people of good will, we know that safety and security are important for ourselves and others. With the uncertainty of future events, we have compiled some helpful tips to secure your location during tough times:

• Practice situational awareness and avoid dangerous situations whenever possible
  • How can I modify my behavior to avoid a threatening situation?
• Develop an emergency plan and practice it with your family or roommates
  • Practice, refine, and practice, refine again; train to standard
• Keep a low profile and do not draw attention to your home or resources
  • What visual, auditory, or olfactory signals can I use to avoid physical contact?
• Connect with your community and build relationships with your neighbors

Strength comes in numbers (CONNECTEDNESS) and having just one other person makes keeping a 360° a lot easier, each person has 180° responsibility. The fireteam (four people) is the basic building block of all military units. Four people establish a 360° by each taking 90° like the headings on a compass. It’s scriptural too. Jesus had a fireteam when Peter, James and John accompanied him on different occasions. A squad is three fireteams and a leader – 13 people. Jesus had his fireteam with the 12 Apostles. Who is your fireteam and squad? They should be within walking or bike distance so that in an extended crisis you can support each other.

Other security considerations and tips

• Describe the threats in your area of operation and understand active (criminal/enemy) versus passive (vulnerabilities/risks)
  • Know your temporal threat level: low, medium high?
• What means do you have to protect yourself and where are they?
• What are your escape routes and have you practiced them?
• When on foot, your critical danger zone is the 21 feet around you.
• What are the trends of event? To include time of day, day of week or month, weather, etc.
• Test all processes/equipment in all situations (day, night, rain, cold, heat).
• Refine your plan and replace bad gear and revise processes as needed.
• How will you deter/protect when you are not physically present?

Additional resources:

CORAC website: https://corac.co/

4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety

1. Always Keep Firearm Pointed in a Safe direction. Never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. …
2. Treat All Guns as Though They are Loaded. …
3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger until You are Ready to Shoot. …
4. Always Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond It.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, (2) will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” (3) For he will deliver you from the snares of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; (4) he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (5) You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, (6) nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. (7) A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. (8) You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.   (9) Because you have made the Lord your refuge. The Most High your habitation, (10) no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. (11) For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. (12) On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. (13) You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. (14) Because he clings to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him. Because he knows my name. (15) When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. (16) With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation. Psalm 91