Homesteader Depot

Tag: security

  • 7 Great Fence Alternatives for Your Yard

    7 Great Fence Alternatives for Your Yard

    Improved landscaping, privacy, and security are common reasons why people install fencing in their yards. You don’t have to necessarily use a traditional fence to produce the same effect with the many different alternatives out there. There are several that are environmentally friendly that also look beautiful. Check out seven different options that you have to choose from when it comes to creating a perimeter around your yard.

    1.    Brushwood

    Brushwood is a natural material that you can make yourself or buy from your local lumberyard. When you’re looking to make a barrier, but you want it to look natural, brushwood is a good option. Due to the texture and color, it blends in with the natural background. The problem with brushwood is that it isn’t water resistant and can quickly become damaged or rot.

    2.    Stone

    Stone walls require no mortar so you can easily install it and change it depending on what you need. They look extremely attractive in most yards. Stone walls don’t keep wind or wild animals from doing what they do naturally. Pressure washing the stones is simple if you want to keep a clean look. You can also let the moss and plants grow for a more natural and stunning look. The rocks can be expensive to purchase and difficult to move around if they’re large is a downside to this option.

    3.    Bamboo

    Bamboo screens can be installed quickly, they are affordable, and they grow fast. They don’t have to be set up permanently in case you’re looking for a temporary fencing solution. There isn’t much maintenance required for bamboo. You can either cut it up and let it dry before installing or let it grow wild for a natural look. It will blend into the existing backdrop if other plants or trees surround your property. It’s recommended for small homes and cottages rather than older bigger homes where bamboo might look out of place.

    Bonus Material: Breakthrough in Electric Car Technology Powers An Entire Home>>>

    4.    Hedges

    Putting in hedging as a fence is probably the most versatile option. You get to decide what kind of plants to install so you can customize the look along with the size. If you want a tall fence, some hedges and trees can grow up to 20 or 30 feet over some time. When something shorter is desired, you can select one that doesn’t reach that height. The combinations of trees, shrubs, and flowers that can be planted to create an effective perimeter around your yard are endless.

    5.    Corrugated Metal Panels

    Corrugated metal is durable and can be decorated with wood accents for a more attractive finish. It’s affordable and can be installed a lot more quickly than traditional fencing. You can give it a modern or vintage look, depending on the size, style, and design you finish it with. The metal can be expensive to purchase if you have a large area to cover. It’s not natural looking and will stick out against the rest of the property making it clear you have put up a barrier.

    6.    Vertical Gardens

    You can construct several different vertical gardens on various platforms and set them next to one another to create a fence. The amount of coverage you’re going to get is going to depend on how dense your gardens are.

    7.    Ivy on Rope

    Running rope around the border where you want to install fencing gives you a good foundation for growing ivy. The plant will grow quickly, and you can train it to wind around your rope and then it will hang off of it creating a radiant barrier. You can also add in different kinds of flowers and plants to create a completely different look.

    As you can see, there are plenty of alternative options when deciding the type of material to use for your fence.  Some of these may not be practical for your purpose, but you should be able to use at least one or two depending on the purpose of your application.

  • Your Guide For Need to Know Bullet Information

    Your Guide For Need to Know Bullet Information

    When it comes to bullets, there is a LOT of information out there.  Basic knowledge can be very useful when determining what type of firearm you may want to try out or eventually purchase.

    Ammunition itself can be extremely intimidating to the novice.  Selecting the right ammo for personal defense or hunting is a very important decision that can affect performance and safety. In this article, we’ll discuss some basic terms and then go into more detail on common ammo types.

    First, let’s take a quick look at the most common types of weapons used by civilians for sport, home or personal defense.

    Revolver – Named for its revolving cylinder that is usually made up of 6 chambers designed to hold one cartridge each.  For the newbie, these are the types used in classic westerns.  Think “6-shooter.”

    Pistol – This is the most common handgun used today by pros and amateurs alike.  It’s a hand-operated weapon like the revolver but distinguishes itself primarily by using “clips” of ammo that can be changed out during use to expedite firing.

    Rifle – The general term for any shoulder firearm that discharges its ammo through a barrel at least 16 inches in length or more.

    Basic Terms You’ve Probably Heard

    Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) – The most common type of bullet.  Made up of a softcore metal encased by a harder metal.

    Hollow Point (HP) – Designed to expand on impact.

    Open Tip (OTM) – Similar appearance to hollow points but the openings are too small to expand in the same manner.

    Ballistic Tip – A hollow point covered with plastic to copy the profile of a Full Metal Jacket.

    Bird Shot and Buck Shot – Shotgun rounds that consist of small pellets within in each shell.

     

    Bullet Size & Caliber

    For firearms, “caliber” refers to the diameter of the inside of the barrel (also the diameter of the bullet used). Some common bullets include:

    .22LR – The most common caliber in terms of units sold.

    .25 ACP – Slightly larger than the .22 and slightly more powerful.

    .380 ACP – One of the more popular caliber, the .380 has a low recoil making it easier to handle if you are just starting out.

    9mm – Probably the most popular, it’s the same size as the bullet used in the .380 and the .38 Special. The difference lies in the amount of gunpowder used in each.

    .38 Special – Most often used in revolvers. More recoil than the .380, especially when used in lighter weight revolvers.

    7.62x39mm – A Soviet rifle round used in the AK-47. Moderate recoil.

    .223 / 5.56x45mm – These 2 (.223 and the 5.56 Remington) are almost equal in dimensions.

    5.56 has higher pressures.  The .223 rounds can be fired in a 5.56 rifle, but the 5.56 rounds cannot be used in a .223 rifle.  Each cartridge has light recoil.

    .308 / 7.62x51mm – these both also have almost the same dimension but are not able to swap rifle use.  Popular for hunting.

    12 Gauge – The most popular shotgun round, recoil varies based on the round.  Shotgun ammunition is the most versatile with birdshot and buckshot.

    Some Final Notes on Selecting Your Ammo

    When you get to the point where you are ready to select ammunition for whatever purpose you’ve obtained a firearm, it’s important to find out:

    • The ballistics of the cartridge you’ve chosen
    • Whether or not it’s appropriate for the job you need it to do (e., hunting, personal defense, target practice)
    • How prone it is to going through objects or living tissue

    That last one especially is crucial for safety and liability reason.

  • 7 Simple Ways to Keep Your Homestead Safe

    7 Simple Ways to Keep Your Homestead Safe

    You love living on your homestead, and you cannot imagine living in anywhere but a rural area. One of the elements of having a homestead that deserves plenty of attention is keeping it safe. Whether it is wild animals that decide to get a little too close for comfort or people who are looking to steal from you or do you and your family harm, you need to have a method of keeping things secure.

    Since you might be far from local law enforcement and help, it is up to you to take measures to secure your property. You do not want to have to wait half an hour – or longer – for help to arrive. Here are some ways that you can improve your home’s security from threats.

    Use Fences, Gates, and Signs

    You should have fences around your property, as well as a gate at the start of your driveway. Keep the gate and the fences in good condition, and be sure that you are posting the appropriate signs warning people not to trespass. This will not keep out the most determined of intruders, but they can work to keep many people away.

    Do Not Leave Equipment Out

    You never want to make your home appear like a buffet for thieves. This means you need to put all the equipment that you have into the garage, shed, barn, or other secure areas. This includes the mowers, tractors, four-wheelers, snowmobiles, bikes, boats, and anything else you have that others might want for themselves.

    Related Article:  Stay Safe on the Homestead

    Make Sure You Have Good Locks

    Go through your house and make sure that you have good locks on all the windows and doors, including the basement, and those on the second floor. If they are shoddy or not working properly, replace them sooner rather than later. Make sure the locks on any other buildings on your property are in good condition, as well.

    Get to Know the Neighbors

    Make it a point to get out and talk with your neighbors. You will find that most people are friendly, and once you get to know them, they will keep an eye on your property and let you know of any suspicious activity, just as you would do for them. It is always a good idea to be neighborly, as you can help each other out in many ways, not just security.

    You Need Proper Lighting

    Good lighting on the outside of the property, including motion sensor lighting, can help to thwart people and animals that get too close. They do not want to be seen, and the lights can help to give you notice that someone or something is on your property. Of course, if you have livestock, cats, and other animals on the property, you will need to think carefully about where you put the motion lighting.

    Dogs

    Having a dog, or multiple dogs can be a great deterrent too. Dogs bark whenever there are intruders, whether they are human or animal, so you can be alerted to presences on your property. Even if you have the sweetest dogs on the planet, intruders would rather not have to deal with them.

    Weapons

    Weapons, whether firearms or bear spray, can be a great option. Most homesteaders are also hunters, so having a firearm and knowing how to use it should not be a problem.

    These quick tips are simple and can help you make your property as secure as possible.

    If you enjoyed this, you might also like….

    Long-Term Survival for Homesteaders…

  • Off-Grid Cabin Security (Video)

    Off-Grid Cabin Security (Video)

    When you live out in the country, it might seem safer than an urban environment, and in many ways, it definitely is. Those low crime rates aren’t misleading; way less people means way less crime.

    That being said, there’s still a risk of your property being vandalized or stolen if you aren’t at home, especially if you live far away from other houses.

    They say locks are to keep honest people out, and if you don’t feel safe simply locking your gate and front door, you probably want to take additional measures to secure your homestead when you’re not there.

    Off Grid Nation is a great YouTube channel that has all things survival homestead related, and he gets asked a lot about the security of his off-grid cabin on an isolated property.

    In this video, he shares his many clever security systems he’s put in place to keep people out of his stuff when he’s gone. It will definitely give you some good ideas on how to fortify your own homestead from even the most determined criminal. Check it out:

    If you enjoyed this, you might also like….

    Can You Defend Your Family When SHTF?

    Natural Healing Secrets You Need to Know…

    Effective Primal Diet Hacks…

  • Top Five Reasons to Homestead (Wherever You Are)

    Top Five Reasons to Homestead (Wherever You Are)

    “Homesteading” typically means living on a homestead, raising animals and growing your own food, and being independent and self-sufficient. As the global economy seems to teter on the brink of total collapse, modern life becomes more and more reliant on large-scale grids subject to fail, and urban environments are becoming increasingly dangerous, more and more people are becoming drawn to the idea of homesteading.

    Now, as we’ve often discussed, you don’t need to own your own land to homestead. There are many ways you can homestead right where you are. And here are the top five reasons why you should be doing it:

    1. Stability 

    The more you learn to do yourself, the more you can rely on. You never know when our grid might be shut down by a terrorist attack or natural disaster, so as you learn to find ways to be more independent and self-reliant, you’ll have more factors in your life that you can control.

    2. Health

    Buying local, growing your own, avoiding pesticides and GMO, are all ways you can be  more energy independent and move away from reliance on large agribusiness corporations, but they’re also all way healthier for you.

    3. Spirituality 

    Whatever your belief system, learning to do things yourself is incredibly rewarding spiritually and philosophically. Taking the time to slow down, take inventory of everything material in your life, and radically change your relationship with it, is great for mental peace and clarity.

    4. Security 

    A big way in which you can secure your homestead lifestyle is to be more secure as well. Owning your own weapons and learning to use them, both to hunt and to defend your loved ones, is, in essence, a prime example of self-sufficient. Why outsource the protection of your loved ones to the police?

    5. Freedom

    With great power comes great responsibility, but taking responsibility for yourself and your resources also comes with great power. The more independent and self-reliant you are able to become, the more free you will become. Freedom is what makes our country great, and as long as we have the power to live in peace and make our own way in the world, we should make a point to work hard towards independence and self-reliance.

     

    Homesteading is not just a lifestyle, it is a statement you make in a changing world to stick to what works, to rely on yourself more than anyone else, and to make your own rules for how you will live your life.

    If you liked this, you might also enjoy…

    Holistic Medicine Basics…

    Ever Considered Taking Yoga? Read this…

    The Ultimate Woodworking Course..

  • Why Your Homestead Needs A Dog

    Why Your Homestead Needs A Dog

    One of the reasons many people want to homestead is to find a safe place to get away from it all, and wait it out if civilization happens to crumble.

    Of course, even before the proverbial feces hits the fan, there are many reasons to keep a homestead safe. For one, there will always be natural predators who may be very interested in what you have growing in your garden or sleeping in your hen house.

    We can’t all afford to make mini-compounds out of our land, and of course, there are many options when it comes to fencing and homestead security. But there is one amazing animal you can get who will take the security of  your homestead as seriously as you do:

    A Guard Dog

    What is a homestead or farm without a trusty dog? Or three? Dogs are not only wonderful companions, they’ll happily and loyally guard your homestead from human and animal predators alike.  Dogs are pack animals which means when you’re they’re owner, you’re part of their pack. They will see you as the pack leader and be eager to keep you and the rest of the pack, your family and other animals, safe and aware of any threat. All that barking dogs do is for a reason! And if you train them to “bark with a purpose” so to speak, they won’t just bark incessantly for no reason-they’ll do it to warn you.

    What kind to get?

    Some breeds are better suited for guarding or fighting off attackers or prey, respectively, but of course for a homestead the classic breeds are sheepdogs or laboradors. Pit bulls get such a bad rap but raised right, they are insanely loyal, territorial, and fierce, so they can protect your homestead, will ruthlessly fend off any furry attackers and will also be gentle and sweet to your children.

    Puppy or adult?

    It’s probably best to pick the breed you think would be best suited for your homestead (adopting is always cheaper and more humane than buying purebreds though) as a puppy and train them to guard as well as leave your other animals alone. If you adopt an older dog, make sure it’s one who has already spent time around other animals and is well-trained to guard and hunt themselves.

    There’s nothing as reliable as another creature that is as committed to the security as your homestead as you are, and they will probably do more to keep your homestead safe than any fence or weapon.

    Click Here To Get The Best Survival Medical Course…

    Check Out These Mind Blowing Survival Skills…

    See what is happening in this country and what you can do to protect yourself…