Thoughts on Perimeter Security

As I was going over my final checklist for both my “Shelter-in-Place” and “Bug-Out” Plans, I came across something I have been meaning to work on for some time but never got around to it: improving my perimeter security. Now being I am in a very rural area, my perimeter security is a bit unorthodox than most. And while I am a fan of fences, security cameras and motion lights, I am a bigger fan of REAL TIME notification of the threat, such as outdoor wireless motion sensors.

These detectors can be painted to match the surrounding area very easily, (such as a tree) and with the 1/2 mile range, you have a lot of options on placement. In experimenting with these, I have found out a few things by trial and error that may help you out:

• Place them HIGH ENOUGH to avoid any wild animals; around 4 to 5 feet is good. I have an abundance of whitetail deer in my AO, and since a whitetail deer is around Four foot tall, I typically get alerted when they run through, which is fine by me, as I am an avid “admirer” of wildlife…:)
• Place them in obvious AVENUES OF APPROACH: driveway, sidewalks, stone walkways, etc. but also place them in places where somebody might approach if they did not want to be seen. If you study your property layout, it won’t take you long to figure it out.
• Choose a model with multiple notify stations and phone app. Also choose one with a VERY LOUD notification sound; something you will notice above the din of every day household noises (kids, TV, music, etc.) keep one in each room you spend most time in, such as bedroom, living room, reloading room, etc.

Now I know the subject of “Booby Trap” and “Mantraps”  are a slippery legal slope, and it is not my intention to mislead anyone with the following information. Everything I am referring to henceforth is referring to TEXAS LAW, so please check with your Local and State Laws before proceeding.

In the Texas Penal Code, Section 9.44 entitled “Use of Device to Protect Property”, it states devices that are known to cause DEATH or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY are prohibited from being used. What this is talking about is devices such as spring loaded shotguns and homemade landmines. What the essence of that statute basically means is that as long as the device is not  DESIGNED or INTENDED to cause fatal injury or death, it is acceptable to use. This would include devices used to alert the property owner of an intruder.

I have experimented with two such devices so far, one being purely visual and the other visual plus sound for all of my rural locations.

The first, is the purely visual Cyalume Surface Trip Flare. Now it should be stated from the outset that this device is not really designed to NOTIFY the property owner of an INTRUDER but designed to SCARE away an INTRUDER or WILD ANIMAL, like in a camping situation.  Therefore, this device is not really practical for REAL-TIME NOTIFICATION unless you can VISUALLY MONITOR AND OR PATROL the property 24/7.

The second, is the visual plus sound 12 Gauge Perimeter Alarm System. Now I had much more luck with this system only because it gives the end-user more options as far as types of rounds you can use (which are all non-lethal flare or noise). The first round I tried was the Super Flare (there are other 12 ga flare rounds, just shop around) in Red and Green. The flare shoots about 300 feet or 100 yards into the air and can be seen from over a mile away. Once again, the only drawback to this system is you will have to have someone on patrol or watch 24/7 to see it. The second type of round I tried was the Dragons Breath, which basically shoots 100 feet of white sparks in the sky. Not a lot of noise, but pretty damn scary when it goes off. Gives off a fair amount of illumination to the immediate area also. The third and final type was the Power Blanks. Basically a 12 gauge blank with a 120 decibel report and large muzzle flash. I like this one when you need an audible alarm; as long as you are reasonably close, it works.

Now I want to include a warning and disclaimer with this 12 Gauge System. Although the rounds being used are considered “non-lethal”, all of them do fire some sort of material, either flares or sparks. When you set the system up, ENSURE it is aimed up at the sky and not parallel with the ground where it could inadvertently hurt somebody. My reason for telling you this, is that criminals have a way of finding some reason to sue you, and if this system inadvertently hurt a trespasser, even though they would be in the wrong, by trespassing, so would you by setting up a device that even though was only meant to warn, hurt them. I know it’s strange, but the law can be weird that way.

Lastly, always remember to post multiple and plainly visible “NO TRESPASSING” signs on your property. In Texas, there are specific guidelines to follow for rural property, so be sure to check your particular states laws.

So there it is..a few ideals for improved perimeter security. Something tot think about in this day and age when “Shelter in Place” is a VERY REAL PROBABILITY.

Stay Alert, Stay Armed and Stay Dangerous!