Pragmatic home security
Harden your home before you have to.
Layered defense, defensive landscaping, and honest reviews of the gear that actually works — written for the homeowner who wants to be a harder target than the next house on the block, not a survivalist.
What we cover
Eight pillars, all approached the same way: what works, what doesn't, what it actually costs.
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Home Hardening
Strike plates, deadbolts, the five layers of defense.
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Tactical Foliage
Defensive landscaping by USDA zone — the differentiator.
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Cameras
Wired vs. wireless vs. battery. Real-world tradeoffs.
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Locks & Doors
ANSI grades, smart locks, what the marketing won't tell you.
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Windows
Security film, glass-break detectors, sliding-door fixes.
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Garage
The #2 entry point — and what to do about it.
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Smart Home
HomeKit, Matter, local-first. Privacy-aware integrations.
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Vacation Prep
Pre-departure checklists, presence simulation, package management.
Latest articles
All articles →-
Emergency Preparedness
30-Day Emergency Preparedness Plan: Build It in Four Weeks
How to go from a 72-hour kit to a 30-day supply of water, food, power and sanitation, one week at a time, with gear picks and a free printable plan.
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Emergency Preparedness
72-Hour Emergency Kit: What Supplies to Get for Staying Home
The supplies to have for a three-day power, water or supply disruption: water, food, light, first aid and sanitation, with quantities, gear picks and a free PDF.
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Emergency Preparedness
How to Build a Go Bag: A Practical 72-Hour Guide
What to pack in a go bag, how heavy it should be, and how to keep it ready. A step-by-step 72-hour guide with gear picks and a free printable checklist.