Five self-protection tips for homesteaders
August 31st, 2010 at 4:59 pm by Jerri
Some people don’t like guns. It’s not that they want to make it illegal to own a gun or abolish the Second Amendment; they are just uncomfortable with things that go bang and kill people. However, if you live alone in the city or in the country, you really should have some sort of self-protection plan. How would you fight off an armed intruder if you absolutely had to? Let’s face it, the reports of home invasions, even in rural areas, are increasing, and if you live alone or are a woman with children, you are perceived as an “easy” target. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself and your property:
- Keep a can of wasp spray handy. This product is designed to spray a stream of harsh chemicals up to 15ft. It’s less expensive than pepper spray, and just as effective if aimed at the intruder’s face.
- Buy a cattle prod. Stun guns are illegal in some states. Cattle prods aren’t. Granted, you have to get closer to use it than with a stun gun, but if you have to use it, I promise it will incapacitate the intruder.
- Buy a cordless staple gun. You don’t need a license. Keep it charged and keep it loaded. If you start shooting nails or staples at an intruder, they’ll get the message in a hurry.
- Get an air horn. When used in a closed environment, this device can disorient an intruder, giving you time to wallop him/her with your cast-iron frying pan.
- Keep a loaded paintball gun handy. It won’t kill anyone, but those little balls of paint fired at close range can put a real hurting on an unsuspecting intruder.
Regardless of how you choose to protect yourself, your family, and your property, have a plan. Run through the worst-case scenario in your head a couple of times so you know where your “weapon” is. If you have children, and they are old enough to participate in a safety drill without becoming terrified, practice with them so they know what they can use as a weapon and how to properly use it. Be safe out there people.
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I’m particularly struck by the plight of the Hess family, who according to the BBC, had a ten-acre piece of land and a home and a $320,000 mortgage. I wonder if they had read just one issue of Countryside if they would have decided that maybe they could live well for less. What if they had built a yurt