| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Nickelless
Administrator
USA
5580 Posts |
 Posted - 07/04/2010 : 21:51:51
|
I posted this earlier today on GIM:
You must be logged in to see this link.
My fiancee and I are looking at houses right now, primarily in-town (I live in a small town of about 60,000 people, where we both want to settle down) and the house that we really, really like was built around 1900 and has a LOT of space, including a clandestine hallway and storage area off the main part of the basement--which would be great for storage of our preps. There are large windows throughout the house which we can downsize with larger frames and smaller windows themselves to prevent any kind of smash-and-grab in a SHTF situation. However, as first-time homeowners, and with my fiancee being handicapped (she has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair most of the time that she's not at home--but not necessarily at home), we're wanting to make this place as secure as possible. Moving out into the country isn't an option for us, and we have family nearby in town. Do you guys know of any sort of checklist of considerations for bug-in locations or have any of your own you might offer?
Do any of you have physically handicapped spouses that you might be able to offer tips on things you've done for both safety and accommodation as well in your bug-in spot?
|
Visit my new preparedness site: Preparedness.cc/SurvivalPrep.net
--Latest article: Stocking up on spices to keep food preps lively
---------------
Be prepared...and prepared to help: http://www.survivalblog.com/charity.html
Are you ready spiritually for hard times? http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp |
|
|
Delawhere Jack
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1680 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2010 : 17:40:39
|
Chad, get a GOOD home inspector. Preferably one that is an experienced general contractor. Far too many inspectors have no background and simply studied for a simple test to get their license.
In a house of that age, BEWARE of paneling on the walls, especially if it look relatively new. Lots of old crumbling plaster gets hidden behind paneling in order to sell a house, only to crumble further later causing the paneling to buckle out.
Pay special attention to the wiring and plumbing. Is it original? What size electrical service panel is in the house. The original was probably 30 amp, but modern demand calls for 100 amp minimum.
Public sewer or septic? Any signs that the roof has leaked in the past?
Any house that old is gonna have some charm and some warts.
Hope it works out for you, there is no place like home!
|
"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." Thomas Jefferson
|
 |
|
|
Nickelless
Administrator
USA
5580 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2010 : 18:40:20
|
Thanks for the tips, Jack. I'm also planning to have evergreen shrubs ring the perimeter of the house except for the front porch both to make it difficult for intruders to climb through windows and also to obscure windows to the basement.
What worries me most are the large windows on the front and side of the first floor that could theoretically be smashed in very easily for either burglary or home invasion. I'm researching ways to either reinforce the windows or to downsize them...or both. I'll see if I can post some pictures of the windows in the next few days after I get back from KY. |
Visit my new preparedness site: Preparedness.cc/SurvivalPrep.net
--Latest article: Stocking up on spices to keep food preps lively
---------------
Be prepared...and prepared to help: http://www.survivalblog.com/charity.html
Are you ready spiritually for hard times? http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp |
|
|
|
Delawhere Jack
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1680 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2010 : 17:50:13
|
The average person could fit through an opening 18 inches square or less, so, short of putting in portholes.... I'd be more concerned about their energy efficiency. Having worked as a locksmith, and in building material sales, I've learned that if someone wants in badly enough, they will get in. The hedges are a good idea. How about rose bushes? But they are a lot of work to maintain.
|
"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." Thomas Jefferson
|
|
|
|
natsb88
Administrator
USA
1850 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2010 : 18:02:17
|
quote:
Originally posted by Nickelless
I live in a small town of about 60,000 people
That's a small town?  |
Nate
The Copper Cave
|
|
|
|
Copper Catcher
Administrator
USA
2092 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2010 : 18:22:02
|
| One thing you also need to think about is making sure you could get out in case of a fire. I have heard of folks putting bars on their windows and ended up being trapped when a fire occurred. Be careful! |
|
|
|
Nickelless
Administrator
USA
5580 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2010 : 19:17:52
|
quote:
Originally posted by Copper Catcher
One thing you also need to think about is making sure you could get out in case of a fire. I have heard of folks putting bars on their windows and ended up being trapped when a fire occurred. Be careful!
Bars on the windows were a no-go for me from the beginning. I'm researching ways to reinforce the larger windows to keep them from being smashed in in a break-in, but more importantly I'm continuing my gentle persuasion in trying to convince Laura that she needs to learn how to use a firearm. |
Visit my new preparedness site: Preparedness.cc/SurvivalPrep.net
--Latest article: Stocking up on spices to keep food preps lively
---------------
Be prepared...and prepared to help: http://www.survivalblog.com/charity.html
Are you ready spiritually for hard times? http://www.jesusfreak.com/rapture.asp |
|
|
|
Nickelless
Administrator
USA
5580 Posts |
|
| |
Topic |
|
Bugging-in with a handicapped spouse when TSHTF
Forum Locked
