Home Defense for an apartment?

[nuit5]

Hey everyone. I was reading some of the threads about hardening your home, and it made me wonder what people would suggest for an apartment. I'm a woman and I live alone (other than my dog). After having several friends be the victims of breakins, I thought I'd evaluate my apartment for weaknesses. Let me give you an idea of the setup. I'm on the 3rd floor, external facing door. (We don't have the front doors opening into a hallway, they all open to the outside of the building.) I have a sliding glass patio door and there's no way to get to the patio unless you provided your own ladder. My apartment is in the corner of the building. Oh, and I have an 80 lb. Boxer. Any suggestions on things I should look at? Typical weaknesses in apartments that I should check into? Just curious what those of you that are more tactically-minded than I am would think, since I'm relatively new to all this.

Thanks!

 

[facedown]

Here's a place to start: Apartment Security

 

[cavman]

I've always thought that the easiest way in was to kick in the door. So the first thing that I would look at would be to make your door a little more secure.

I googled "door security" and this popped up to give you and idea of one way to strengthen your door.

http://www.djarmor.com/Home-Page

There is also the pole that you can put on the floor and have it lean into your door when you are at home and on the inside, but I don't know the name of that one.

Then of course keeping this firearm related as well, the .357!!

http://www.womenandguns.com/wfn/ladysmith.html


have a great day,
cavman

 

[Zeke Menuar]

First of all take a class. Even the basic Concealed Carry class would be a good start. If there is a decent firearms training school. Go and get training!!!

I live in a duplex. I am limited in the direction that I can fire. My first choice is a pump shotgun with a cylinder choke loaded with buckshot. Handgun is a second choice due to the chance of overpenatration into the next unit. Buckshot can still penetrate into the next unit, but hopefully not as far as a bullet from a handgun.

For women, a good choice is a 20ga pump shotgun with 6-8 shot capacity and a good recoil pad. Almost as much power as a 12ga shotgun and lot less recoil.

This is my opinion. Your opinion may vary

ZM

 

[Manedwolf]

.357 in a thin-walled apartment might not be the most considerate for your neighbors' desire to remain free of extra holes in their bodies...

I've heard that #4 buck won't penetrate too badly. #00 WILL. And always lead, never, ever plated.

 

[wdlsguy]

Get a piece of heavy dowel cut to the right length that you can drop in the track of your sliding patio door when you're away.

 

[cavman]

Quite true MW.

I now change my suggestion to a 12 ga. shotgun.

Probably I offered what I wanted, rather than what she needed!

 

[Geronimo45]

Lock things up, windows and all. You can get a 2x4 to jam into a sliding door that ought to keep it from opening. They'd have to shatter the glass. If you have a TV cabinet with wheels, roll it up to the main door at night. A TV crashing down ought to wake you up. A TV tray with ceramic and/or glass cups ought to be a good alarm, too.
Lock the doors to the bedroom, if they have locks.
Get a phaser. Or a shotgun. Or a pistol. If you get a rifle, get a bayonet mounted. I'm a big fan of bayonets, and they do discourage somebody from grabbing for the barrel.
Get good ammunition for whatever you pick. Learn how to shoot it well... if possible, get a set of Crimson Trace Lasergrips for a handgun - they're great for nighttime and low light shooting.
Shotguns are fine items... but for apartment dwellers, a pistol may be a better choice. A 1911 is my own preference. I can stick it under the pillow and draw it before the perp knows what's going on. A shotgun has a better punch - but pretty unwieldy for the average apartment, IMO.

 

[WolfMansDad]

First, get to know your neighbors. A neighborhood watch is often the best way to deter break-ins.

Second, always, ALWAYS lock your doors and windows. A huge number of breakins are through a window or door left unlocked. Use deadbolts and "Charlie bars," dowels in the trough of a sliding door or window. Regular doorknobs can be defeated with a credit card.

Third, well, I would say "get a dog," but you've got that one covered.

As for guns, I've always found a pistol to be more practical than a shotgun for home defense. You can slip it in your pocket to discretely check things out, or to leave both hands free to dial the phone, control the dog, etc. If you're going to get a shotgun, just go ahead and get a 12, rather than a 20. If you hold it right, there's no need to fear the recoil, even if you weigh 95 pounds.

 

[Manedwolf]

I've been wondering at that new Taurus revolver, myself, the one that takes .410 shotshells and .45 LC. Can start with one, go to another if you need followups.

It seems interesting as an apartment option.

 

[Baba Louie]

http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/

First off, think like a criminal for a moment or three. What do you have that he (or she) would want? Then harden that portion of your life. Know that a professional will defeat whatever you have set up if it's worth his while.

Renter's Insurance for personal property? (I only mention this as some things are NOT worth dying or killing over)

Dog. Good. Early alarm system in place AND it has teeth and loyalty.

Others have covered access points.

Knowing your neighbors has also been discussed.

Safe Room. Cell phone, flashlight, firearm. LOCKED DOOR. Is there an escape route? (probably not from a 3rd floor apt) Nothing wrong in running away with Pup in tow (if you can get him/her off the BG's face). Cover? (something to hide behind which should shield you from incoming, yet allow you to peer around/over and return fire if need be)

Mindset. Are you ready to release the animal inside you? Have you trained that animal? Re-read MacYoung's cover page and ALL of his links (in red). What's he say... "Personal safety is not about your ability to fight"?

But let's say, for argument sake, you find you gotta fight...
I don't know how "weapon-available" you are. Or even IF you are willing to go there. Kitchen knives (ick up close) you've probably got. Got a hammer? (also ick, also up close) Baseball bat? (ick with more distance) O.C. Pepper Spray (point it the right way please and watch out for friendly fire coming back atcha)? (not quite so ick, not quite so reliable either)

Finally... a firearm. Any firearm is better than no firearm but some are better than others for what you (hope you never) need. Training req'd. (ick, but at a distance... loud, too) The sight of you with a firearm pointed at an intruder might make him rethink his desire to intrude on your life/personal space. Maybe. Hopefully. Even if you can't tell he's armed, he's violated your abode and deserves something for his efforts, because if you don't stop him now, he'll do it again to some other poor victim, over and over. Til he's caught.

You feared for your life. He got past your dog.

sigh.

Know your local laws. Texas is one thing. NYC another. (I add that cause other's lurking might not live in TX like you)

After you get done doing whatever you do, call the police if you haven't already.

Read Pax's Cornered Cat. http://www.corneredcat.com/

 

[Heavy Metal Hero]

Rock Salt.

 

[dragongoddess]

Have a Taurus in .45LC/.410 by the bed. It is loades with .410 shell,.45Colt and .410 slug followed by a .410 shell and another .45colt. IF that fails there is the shotgun, the 44, the 357 or the 45.

 

[pax]

Book recommendation: The Truth About Self-Protection by Massad Ayoob. The book covers all sorts of protective actions you might consider using both inside and outside your home, and talks about everything from dogs to doorbells to defensive perimeters and dealing with violence.

pax

 

[nuit5]

Ops...I forgot to mention that yes, I have a Springfield Armory XD-40 Subcompact, and I've taken the concealed carry class (just waiting on the state now). I was just looking for advice other than the normal "lock the doors" stuff that some of you might have. I don't have an escape route other than jumping onto a car roof from the patio or through the bg through the door. Good thing everyone here at the complex knows about my dog and sees us out on our walks. They're terrified of her when they just see us out, and I don't tell them otherwise.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Panthera Tigris]

I think a shotgun is the best firearm for an apartment. True it might be bigger, but it's just about the only firearm that will not overpenetrate walls if proper ammo is used. Almost every handgun caliber can fire into adjacent apartments, or out into halls into other open doors if a neighbor has come out to see what's going on. In fact, I think for just about any situation other than being out on the streets or car, etc, a shotgun is better than a handgun.

 

[plexreticle]

Don't bother getting a gun unless you're going to learn how to use it and practice with it.

If you decide to get one, look into buying glaser safety ammo or something designed to not over penetrate walls.

Your dog and a cell phone is your best friend for security.

 

[nuit5]

Plex, I think you missed the post that I already have a gun, and I have taken the concealed carry class (got my license in the mail last week WOHOO!) I also go to the range a couple times a week. I was just looking for ideas on things to check out at my apartment.

Thanks for all the responses everyone. They've been helpful!

 

[45Guy]

I would like to give an honorable mention to the fire extinguisher. It's heavy so it would hurt to be hit with, but the best part is the chemical. Regular ABC extinguisher chemical is a good irritant, plus blnding and confusing, possibly enough to get them out of your apartment. I wouldn't trust my life primarily to that, but it wouldn't hurt.

This is full of good ideas, and products to help harden your apartment.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=206848

 

[FTF]

I liked this link... thanks!

Here's a place to start: Apartment Security

For the record, I live in an apartment. I only worry about my bedroom.. I have the usual deadbolts and patio door locks in place for the apartment itself. I have two entrances into my bedroom.. one I lock, deadbolt and block with furniture (patio)... the other I have a door lock and chain lock (from living room)... when I'm sleeping.

I have a .357 Magnum by my bed. I guess overpenetration is a concern, but I know how to hit what I'm aiming at.. and I'll mash 911 on the cell probably right as I grab my piece.

 

[RNB65]

The easiest way to open a sliding glass door is to jam a crowbar under it and simply lift it out of it's frame. Install something in the top of the door frame to block the door from being lifted upward.

Wood entry doors should be replaced with steel or aluminum doors w/ deadbolt lock.

Replace all the screws on the door hinges and locks with screws that are 3-4 inches long. May have to do a little drilling, but kicking the door in is a lot more difficult with long screws.

Any windows that are even remotely accessible from the outside need to be secured so they can't be easily pryed open with a crowbar.

Utility closets should be locked at all times.

 

[Guntalk]

"And always lead, never, ever plated."

Why? Why the distinction between lead buckshot pellets and lead pellets with plating?

 

[tegemu]

When I was an apartment dweller, being very concerned with overpenetration killing or injuring my neighbors, I used a Remington 870 12 Ga. (A pump shotgun), fully loaded with #6 birdshot. #6 birdshot will not penetrate 2 layers of wallboard (next apartment), yet it will inflict a NASTY!!!!!!!!, almost always fatal, wound on a bad guy. While not producing a very wide pattern at close range, a shotgun will still deliver a pattern much larger than a bullet, so accuracy is not as critical.

 

[Run&Shoot]

Assess your threats, then make a plana nd implement

The Apartment Security link in the second post is a good start. If your apartment is the typical small one with an external facing door it probably also has a large double sliding window facing the walkway as well.

Assess your threats
--------------------
In your situation I would first be concerned about personal safety which would primarily be threatened by a forced entry. Burglar at night, stranger(s) anytime. the good thing is that you only have 3-4 main points of entry: main door, loiving room window, back patio door, bedroom window.

Burgalry is also a threat, but I would first secure against any forced entry, then after that is complete think about what to do about someone sneaking in when you are gone.

Main door
----------
See Aprtment Security for ideas on hardening the door and locks. Main point is that this is your most likely point of defense. Try to work improvements with your landlord, but implement security measures even if it violates your agreement. your safety is more important than a deposit.

- Never open the door to someone you cannot identify or you have any doubts about their intentions. You have no obligation to open your door to anybody except the police. Even then you could call 911 to verify police were sent to your apartment.

- Install a peephole if there isn't one, or the one there is too small or damaged.

- Make sure there is a working light overhead. outside so you can see through the peephole. Again, you may have to get creative. Ideal is to have a strong outdoor light mounted above the doorway. If that is not possible then maybe a strong light that can be shined through the window toward the doorway. Or maybe a battery powered light that you mount yourself outside above the doorway. You need light out there!

- Stregthen the locks. get a locksmith to come out and beef up the striking plate and screws, have 1-2 deadbolts with at least 1" throws, and you can even have a brass plate wrap around the door to protect the entire door knob and deadbolt area.

- Strengthen the door. Get the door replaced with a solid core wood door if it is hollow core. I would also consider some "whole door" stops besides just the deadbolts. As mentioned above at least one company sells a device that props a bar into a slot in the floor and against the door knob area. Or you could figure some wahy to allow placing a 2x4 across the width of door. Or at the minimum, prop a chair underneath the door knob. Anything that provides more resistance to the whole door being kicked in, beyond just the locks.

Living room window
------------------
- Prevent observation of you from outside. Install light proof shades or blinds so that no one can observe who is or is not in the apartment, especially at night, and what you are doing.

- Strengthen the locks. See the Apartment Security link again. Also put a stick between the windows to prevent opening.

- Strengthen the window. The biggest threat is someone bashing the window in to violently gain entry. I believe there is some film that can be applied to window glass that greatly enhances its resistance to being broken through. It might even be able to be in a sunshade tone to cut down the visibility from outside and keep your place cooler at the same time.

- Don't put your back to the window. Some people seem to like to put their sofa right below such a window, but this puts the back of your head in one of the most vulnerable areas of your apartment and blinds you as to what is going on outside. Likewise, having the sofa directly across from the window means anything projected through it will hit you square in the face. it is better to arrange your seating so that you are off to the side of the window. Still can enjoy the view, but not directly in its path.

Patio door and Bedroom window
------------------------------
- Much less of a threat to violent entry on the third floor. Pretty much do the same as you did for the living room window.

Interior security
----------------
- Your dog is a great start, especially to alert you while sleeping. Consider installing simple wireless alarms on each of the entry doors and main windows for additional warning.

- Harden your bedroom door. Replace the hollow core door with a solid one. Install a deadbolt lock with a handle on the inside (keyed on one side only). This makes it very difficult for anyone to surprise you while sleeping.

Arm yourself
-------------
- Phones! With the entry doors and main windows hardened and simple alarms installed you should have some warning if someone tries to break in. Make sure you have a phone in your bedroom and living room at least. Also have a cell phone, even if it is only the pay as you go type. You may need your security systems the most when there is no electrical power.

- Have a strong flashlight in at least the living room as well as the bedroom. The Maglite 3-cell D lights are pretty standard, but Streamlight, Pelican and others make some really powerful, blinding lights.

- Nice to have a pistol or revolver you can have handy and a shotgun or carbine in the closet. Get safety and shooting training if you don't already and practice at leats a few times a year to be confident.

The main idea is to take advantage of the smallness of your apartment by hardening the few entry points. This prevents most casual threats, and determined threats (mad ex-boyfriend, mistaken drug robbery, wacko neighbor) will be delayed long enough for you to call the police and arm yourself. Anyone that busts in through your hardened entries gets shot immediately, no questions or debating. No drunk will accidently stuble into your place. no ex of the neighbors will accidently bust your door down.

 

[Manedwolf]

"And always lead, never, ever plated."

Why? Why the distinction between lead buckshot pellets and lead pellets with plating?

Sorry, I'd meant lead, never, ever STEEL shot.

Lead is soft and will go splat as it hits hard surfaces, slowing down. Steel will go happily right on through walls and neighbors.