Essentials of Home Defense
Creating a comprehensive home-defense plan extends beyond the possession of firearms. Three seasoned professionals provide insights into enhancing home defense tactics. The comfort and safety felt upon returning to one’s home in the United States is unparalleled. This sanctuary should protect an individual from not only ridicule but also from violence.
Firearms are often considered the primary tool for home defense, but they should actually be a last resort. To delve deeper into non-firearm strategies for home safety, three experts in personal protection and self-defense were consulted for their advice on augmenting home security.
Expert Opinions:
Dave Hartman’s Advice
Dave Hartman, the training director at Gunsite Academy, emphasizes the need for preparedness in personal protection. He advises keeping cell phones charged as a backup to landlines, which can be disabled. In an emergency call, provide concise information and maintain the connection since the recordings can be used as evidence. Understanding the difference between cover and concealment is crucial, as few household items offer true protection from bullets.
Hartman suggests nightly checks on doors and windows, setting alarms, and using external lighting and surveillance cameras to deter intruders. He also sees the value in having dogs as an early warning system. In a situation where defense is necessary, Hartman advises to remain in place if possible and act decisively if forced to confront an intruder. He also stresses the importance of emergency medical training to handle potential injuries.
Insights from Bill Wilson
Bill Wilson, the founder of Wilson Combat, lives on a secure ranch and has extensive experience with firearms. He recommends keeping electronic ear protection with home-defense weapons to enhance auditory awareness and protect hearing. A quality flashlight is also essential for identifying threats. Wilson advises familiarizing oneself with the home’s layout to identify safe defensive positions and possibly staging additional defensive tools in those areas.
David “Boon” Benton’s Perspectives
David “Boon” Benton, a Benghazi survivor and an expert in tactical training, echoes the importance of keeping a charged cell phone and having a reliable flashlight. He suggests following the 3L rule for flashlights: use lithium batteries, LED bulbs, and ensure a minimum of 100 lumens for defense. Benton also highlights the necessity of emergency medical preparedness and the development of a clear home defense plan with practice drills for all household members.
Richard Mann’s Home Defense Plan
As an example of a home defense strategy, one might have a fenced yard with dogs and surveillance cameras, along with a plan for centralized sheltering and clear roles assigned to family members in case of an emergency. Training and practice are key components, akin to conducting regular fire drills.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a logical and practical approach to home defense that can be adapted to various situations. Regular reviews and updates to the plan ensure that all household members are prepared to respond effectively to any threat.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the April 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
