Blacking out the windows when dark

Homes and Retreats
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Plymtom
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by Plymtom »

I'm gonna play devil's advocate here... what if robbers looters are attracted to seemingly empty property?
You may be better off projecting shadows of armed men moving about a bit like Kevin McAlister in Home Alone :? funny how there can be more than one way of looking at a problem :lol:
I'm truly unsure as to what way would be the safest policy, I see at least three hypothetical paths to the hypothetical problem ;-
1 as per thread black out hide out hope they pass you by
2 make yourself look like a hard target, or be a hard target
3 the evil option, look like a soft target, trap the raiders and do unto them what they were going to do to you :twisted: :lol:
I have a strategy, it's not written in stone, nor can it be, this scenario has too many variables, everything about it depends on those variables, being specific is not possible.
izzy_mack
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by izzy_mack »

New thought for me, I hadn't considered trying to diguise the fact that we were still there. I remember doing something similar with material when my children were small to block light coming in, should be able to do something again. The hardest windows are skylights, which would need more of a frame to attach the material to and one of ours is very hard to reach, might have to consider leaving it on permenately if need be. Would help keep warmth in too. We live three fields away from a main road, so hiding lights would probably be enough to disguise our presence in the dark though we would still be visible in daylight - that's going to take a lot more thought !
Arzosah
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by Arzosah »

I just answered the question straightforwardly up above, but I think Plymtom has actually hit the nail on the head by stepping back and analysing the situation - what are we trying to achieve? What will we do in various scenarios?
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Plymtom
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by Plymtom »

It's the British way Arzosah ;) looking at it more I thought.


1 as per thread black out hide out hope they pass you by.... depends largely on where you are if you have a home in a good location which looks like an ideal place to set up base if you've bugged out, this really is not a good idea, it would make your home more attractive, similarly looters will turn over the places which look unoccupied first just like a burglar would. I have to say the more I think about it the less places I can imagine blackout and hide being a good bet.


2 make yourself look like a hard target, or be a hard target... really depends what you're facing doesn't it, you'll either scare them off or have to fight, but given option 1 looks like having to fight would be almost inevitable, I'd favour 2 in most cases


3 the evil option, look like a soft target, trap the raiders and do unto them what they were going to do to you.... well we've all got a dark side and if there comes a point where the moral compass is more a liability or a death wish, then treating potential threats this way could look like the only safe way to survive, personally I would like to think I couldn't do it unless I was certain that those heading my way were bad ones intent on doing me and my family harm and taking whatever we had, I really don't like number 3 but it's crossed my mind as quickly as did the potential futility of number 1.


These options I was looking at as an individual family, a small community would probably have a couple of extra choices.
I have a strategy, it's not written in stone, nor can it be, this scenario has too many variables, everything about it depends on those variables, being specific is not possible.
badgersden
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by badgersden »

personally i think there is only so you can do to disguise your property i like plymtoms options 1 and 2 not so sure about 3 be very difficult to do,i also think a bigger problem is noise and smells that will be coming from your property or location that will be most difficult to disguise especially if you have a small children or pets,
most burglars do a op on a property before they break so if they are attempting to break in they will have watched you for a few days to make sure you have something to steal,the burglar will not want to get injured for the sake of it and come away with nothing,
there is another option if there are enough of you get organised show the other people you are a force and not to be messed with, make life hard for them not just waiting for them to come to you and plunder everything you have
dazthechippy
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by dazthechippy »

i am in theory here relying on a very big dose of luck tbh and want to walk the peaceful path but if it comes to it then its option 2 - all bets are off and i've got to protect my family. You know the funny thing here is that everyone on this thread and most on this site seem to just want to crack on if SHTF and live their lives with their family and "just get by by getting it done" and there is nothing wrong with that - you know like not interfering with anyone else...However we all seem to be very aware that others will at some point want to take from us what we've worked to prepare to help us..

What's that maxim? - Speed Aggression and Surprise..you know what I mean anyway - thanks for your views on this topic, it's good to be challenged...
junmist
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by junmist »

option 3 hmmmmm Me thinks I will have to go and dig out that old tiger trap I have hidden in the shed :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Plymtom
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by Plymtom »

Me thinks I will have to go and dig out that old tiger trap I have hidden in the shed :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Box of Frosties? ;)
I have a strategy, it's not written in stone, nor can it be, this scenario has too many variables, everything about it depends on those variables, being specific is not possible.
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bettersafethansorry
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by bettersafethansorry »

junmist wrote:
smoggiebowman wrote:The simplest solution here is what my mother used to do to keep the kids in bed in the summer - just tuck a blanket over the top of the curtain rail.. immediate blackout - no fuss and easily removed.

Providing you have a curtain rail of course

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Does anyone sell blankest anymore ? I was looking for some the other day and could not find any of the good old fashion type that I remember as a kid
check out these. http://www.gisurplus.co.uk/shop/product ... l-blackets
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sappertapper
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Re: Blacking out the windows when dark

Post by sappertapper »

Blacking out windows is an alright option until they get smashed, a solution could be to leave all your window dressings alone and board the windows up on the inside of the house. This will give the appearance of a normal house but the added protection of a Boarded property. You may like to use Bolts sunk deep into the brick work and 2" thick ply. No smashed glass inside is good for the family and also silent movement indoors as well, using bolts means you can take them down and put them up as and when needed. Go for the thickest bolts you can find, and dont space too far apart.

Its probably a good idea to have all your boards made in advance ;) , also try painting them with a flame retardant coating, it will protect up to 200 degrees. However it wont stop someone determined to set your shelter alight but it will give you time to react accordingly.

You can also drill the holes in advance and just put a small plug over the end, Paint over or wallpaper over to keep your wife happy but when its needed, your multitool is all you need to secure your windows.

It also works well when one of your little offspring puts a football through it.