document.doc · web viewthat secure the strike to the wall framing, not just to the doorframe...
TRANSCRIPT
RESOURCE DOCUMENT
LINKED INDEX OF TOPICS
RESEARCH WEB LINKS ARE DIRECTLY BELOW:
NRA GUN SAFETY RULES LINKhttp://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.aspNRA BASIC RIFLE SHOOTING HANDBOOKhttp://materials.nrahq.org/go/product.aspx?productid=EF%2013180NRA INSTRUCTION BOOKShttp://materials.nrahq.org/go/products.aspx?cat=G-Books
WebsitesRifles---Handguns---Ammunition---Equipment
Measurement Conversionshttp://www.metric-conversions.org/cgi-bin/util/convert.cgiBallistics Coefficient, Rifle and Pistolhttp://www.sierrabullets.com/bullets/BallisticCoefficient-rifle.pdfhttp://www.sierrabullets.com/index.cfm?section=reloading&page=coefficientsM.O.A.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minute_of_arcAmmunition and equipmentwww.ammunitontogo.comwww.cheaperthandirt.comwww.midwayusa.comwww.brigadeqm.comwww.uscav.comhttp://www.federalpremium.com/www.hornady.comhttp://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=118Holster for Laser-Equipped Semi-Automaticwww.ams-gms.comFlash Supressorshttp://yhm.net/store/muzzle.htmlFirearms Manufacterershttp://www.glock.com/english/index.htmhttp://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&categoryId=15701&top=http://www.colt.com/http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Gun Cabinet Dehumidifierhttp://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=762730http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=614184Gun Vault Fingerprint Operatedhttp://www.gunvault.com/handgun-safes/multi-vault-biometric.htmlGun Vault Combination Operatedhttp://www.gunvault.com/handgun-safes/nano-vault-300.htmlRifle Breech Lockhttp://www.gunvault.com/gun-locks/breechvault.html
Gun Safe Key Operated Walmarthttp://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Sentry+5-Gun+Safe+with+%2430+Mail-In+Coupon&ic=48_0&Find=Find&search_constraint=0Gun Lock Pistol 3-Pack Keyedhttp://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-90TRISPT-Keyed-Alike-3-Pack/dp/B0009V1WNO/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_0Gun Lawshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_the_United_States_(by_state)#Georgia9mm Debate Resourcehttp://www.informationdelight.info/encyclopedia/entry/9mmFrangible Bulletshttp://www.accutecusa.com/http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/catalog1/index.php?manufacturers_id=31Winchester Shotgun Slughttp://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_5_46/ai_60897666/?tag=rbxcra.2.a.11Bushnell Shotgun Scopes (not for rifles)http://www.scopesnmore.com/shotgun_scopes.htmBushnell Rifle Scopes (not for shotguns)http://www.bushnell-rifle-scopes.com/Bushnell Red Dot Rifle Scopehttp://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-trophy-1x28-red-green-riflescope.htmlShotgun Scope Mount (scroll and look for your shotgun application)http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=62/Product/SHOTGUN_SCOPE_MOUNTBest YouTube M-16 vs. AK-47 Video (Watch out for misleading videos on YouTube)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6BpI3xD6h0&NR=1
HARDENING THE HOME AGAINST INVASION WEBSITES
CRIME SEARCH WEBSITEShttp://www.fbi.gov/publications/ngta2009.pdf2009 FBI GANG SURVEYhttp://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=7522005 BUREAU OF JUSTICE CRIME SURVEYDOORS, LOCKS AND WINDOWS WEBSITESWEATHER KING STEEL ENTRY AND STEEL STORM DOORShttp://www.weatherkingdoors.com/steel-security-storm-door.html SELECTION OF STEEL STORM DOORS (NAVIGATE INTO SITE—CLICK “VISIT THE STORE”)http://www.securitydoorsonline.com/PATIO DOOR PERMANENT BRACEhttp://www.goodbarsecurity.com/patio-door-locks.htmlSLIDING WINDOW/DOOR BARShttp://www.lockking.org/purchase.phpLIFT WINDOW BARhttp://www.shophometrends.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_037055HOME SECURITY TIPShttp://www.goodbarsecurity.com/home-security-tips.htmlWINDOW BAR SWINGABLE AND LOCKABLEhttp://www.glassessential.com/Window-Security-Bars/window-security-bars-expandable.htmlDOOR JAMB ARMOR.COMhttp://www.djarmor.com/SOLID WOOD DOORShttp://www.etodoors.com/shop/family/exterior_mahogany_doors“AFFORDABLE” IRON AND WOOD DOORShttp://www.canaandoors.com/?gclid=COCB9ez-96ACFQ8Uswod-k7Cvg
LUXURY IRON DOORShttp://www.tuscanironentries.com/products.htmlSTEEL ENTRY DOORShttp://www.thermatru.com/products/entry/steel-entry-doors/index.aspxDOORWAREhttp://www.doorware.com/site/department.cfm?id=10105SURESTRIKEhttp://sure-strike.com/install1.phpMEDECO LOCKShttp://www.medeco.com/index.php?option=com_medeco&view=productview&app=Residential&productid=247&Itemid=70MORE STEEL STORM DOORShttp://www.guidadoors.com/pages/Products/SecurityDoors/Features.aspxPATIO DOOR SECURITY ACCESSORIEShttp://www.proviadoor.com/Doors/Patio/Security.aspxSTEEL SECURITY STORM DOORS AND WINDOW GUARDS (SHOWS ONE PATIO GATE/DOOR)http://www.comfortzonesecuritydoors.com/806863.htmlPATIO SECURITY PAGE FOR PATIO GATES/DOORShttp://www.shieldiron.com/Patiogates.htmPATIO STEEL STORM DOOR DESIGNS PAGE (DESIGNS NO. 7 AND 8)http://www.securitydoorsonline.com/store/index.htmlSTEEL ENTRY DOORS WITH AVAILABLE STEEL FRAMES (WEATHER KING)http://www.weatherkingdoors.com/steel-entry-door.htmlPROTEK STEEL SECURITY ENTRY DOORShttp://windsorplywood.com/Steel-Entry-Doors.aspxSTEEL ENTRY DOOR (PELLA) 24 GAUGEhttp://products.construction.com/Manufacturer/Pella-Corp--NST382/products/Residential-Entry-Doors---Wood--Fiberglass--and-Steel-NST1518-PSTEEL VERSUS FIBERGLASS ENTRY DOORS (RECOMMENDS AT LEAST 22 GA. STEEL)http://www.doityourself.com/stry/fiberglass-entry-doors-vs-steel-or-woodSLIDING GLASS DOORS (THERMO SEALED)http://www.thermatru.com/products/patio/sliding-patio doors/index.aspx?gclid=CLD1v5CmuaECFZJg2godV1Cl9QHOW NOT TO SECURE A SLIDING GLASS DOORhttp://www.ehow.com/video_4419699_not-secure-sliding-glass-door.htmlHOW EASY IS IT TO PICK A LOCK?http://www.ehow.com/video_4401294_theft-proof-doors.htmlSLIDING GLASS DOOR PIN (USE TWO TO PREVENT ROTATION DURING LIFT ATTEMPT)http://www.hardwareandtools.com/Sliding-Glass-Door-Lock-Pin-15301-by-Prime-Line-Slide-Co-u629410.htmlGARAGE DOOR LOCK (AUTOMATIC)http://www.elocksys.com/garage-door-lock-products.htmlGARAGE DOOR LOCKS, STANDARDhttp://www.garage-doors-and-parts.com/garage-door-locks.htmlSAFEROOM WEBSITESFEMA FAQS ON SAFE ROOMShttp://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/saferoom/faq.shtmSAFE ROOM DOORShttp://www.rhinovault.com/SAFEROOMDOORS.htmHIDDEN PASSAGEWAYhttp://www.hiddenpassageway.com/?gclid=CKesjeCelKMCFQTXnAodAnEStQBUILDING A SAFEROOMhttp://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/saferoom.htmSTEEL SAFE ROOMShttp://www.rhinovault.com/saferooms.htm
FEMA WEBSITE SAFE ROOMS
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1733SAFE ROOM CONSTRUCTIONhttp://www.gaffco.com/gaffco_saferooms.htmVAULTShttp://www.secureavault.com/vaults/saferoomdoors.htmHIDDEN DOORS VIDEOShttp://www.hiddendoors.net/VAULT PREFABRICATEDhttp://www.klsecurity.com/product_pages/bank_vault_door.htmWIKIPEDIA SAFE ROOMhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_roomSOLID CONCRETE BLOCKShttp://www.consumersconcrete.com/products/concrete_masonry/architectural/solid.htmlSOLID CONCRETE BLOCK WALL CONSTRUCTIONhttp://www.ehow.com/about_6522371_advantages-solid-concrete-block-wall.htmlMORE ON SOLID CONCRETE BLOCK WALLShttp://www.cfawalls.org/news_press/cfa/2005/050829_concrete_v_block.htmBULLET RESISTANT WALL PANELS WEBSITESKEVLAR AND BULLET RESISTANT FIBERGLASS MATERIAL SOURCEShttp://www.gaffco.com/bulletproof.htmlDEMOhttp://www.gaffco.com/safe_room_demo.htmMANY SOURCES WALL PANELS INCLUDING BALLISTIC RESISTANThttp://www.thomasnet.com/products/panels-wall-security-97001121-1.htmlBULLET RESISTANT FIBERGLASShttp://www.armorcore.com/products.htmlWACO COMPOSITES FIBERGLASS WALL PANELShttp://www.armorcore.com/infotech-ul.htmlFIBERGLASS ARMOR PANELShttp://www.bulldogdirect.com/AP-saferoom-fiberglass.aspKEVLAR ARMOR PANELShttp://www.bulldogdirect.com/AP-vehicle-kevlar.aspSTEEL ARMOR PANELShttp://www.bulldogdirect.com/AP-vehicle-steel2.aspCLOSET SAFE ROOMhttp://www.ehow.com/how_4477534_build-safe-room-doubles-closet.htmlLOCK MANUFACTURERS WEBSITESKWIKSET (GOOD)http://www.kwikset.com/HomeSafety.aspxARROW (BETTER)http://www.arrowlock.com/SCHLAGE (BETTER)http://consumer.schlage.com/YALE (BETTER)http://www2.yalelock.com/Yale/Templates/LocalStartPage.aspx?id=1603MEDECO (BEST)http://www.medeco.com/WHOLESALE LOCKS (DOZENS OF MANUFACTURERS)http://www.wholesalelocks.com/lock-manufacturer-directory.htmlDIGITAL KEYLESS LOCKhttp://www.lockeystore.com/servlet/the-Surface-Mount-Locks/CategoriesOUTSIDE LIGHTING WEBSITESSECURITY LIGHTINGhttp://www.homesecuritystore.com/c-3-security-lights.aspx?pagesize=9999
LOWE’S
http://www.lowes.com/pc_Outdoor+Lighting_4294857035_4294937087_MOUNTING FLOOD LIGHTS ON EVE SOFFIThttp://www.hammerzone.com/archives/elect/outdoor/flood_lights/under_eaves.htmFLORESCENT FLOOD LIGHTShttp://www.1000bulbs.com/Compact-Fluorescents/?gclid=CJ3uoL_SwKECFQ0M2godsn4iAA
WIRELESS OUTDOOR SECURITY LIGHTINGhttp://www.google.com/search?q=Cooper+Lighting+RFM182&hl=en&tbs=shop%3A1&aq=f#sclient=psy&hl=en&tbs=shop:1&q=Wireless+home+security+lighting&aq=&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=ea9400566d3c48e2PHOTOCELL “DUSK TO DAWN” OUTSIDE PORTAL LIGHTShttp://www.nextag.com/outdoor-dusk-to-dawn-lights/stores-htmlALARM SYSTEMS WEBSITES ASK YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT APPROVED ALARM SYSTEMS FOR THEIR INSURED HOMES.HOME SECURITY BUYERS GUIDEhttp://www.buyerzone.com/security/security-home/buyers_guide1.htmlGUARDIANhttp://guardianalarm.com/BRINKS/ BROADVIEWhttp://www.broadviewsecurity-home.com/?code=861926ACKERMANhttp://www.ackermansecurity.com/atlanta/?pmc=ackerman&gclid=CIf8rMLOxaECFQifnAodWmR8jAADThttp://www.adt.com/resi/programs/search2/offer?se=google&keyword=adt%20alarms&match=broad&ecid=resipscid001&scid=159023303#VIDEO DOOR ANSWERING SYSTEM SAMPLE VIDEOhttp://www.dannylipford.com/home-improvement-video/video-door-answering-system/VIDEO DOOR ANSWERING SYSTEM $200-$400http://www.homesecuritystore.com/c-35-video-intercoms.aspxVIDEO DOOR ANSWERING SYSTEM $900http://www.security-cameras-cctv.com/nutone-color-video-door-answering-system-with-dropdown-monitor-p-1162.htmlRADON TESTING LINKhttp://epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.htmlINTERNET MONITORING CONNECTIONhttp://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/08/29/independent-broadband-friendly-home-alarm-systems/CASEMENT WINDOWS CASEMENT WINDOW SHUTTERShttp://www.buyshutters.com/shop-by-material/real-woodSHUTTER SOURCEhttp://www.buyshutters.com/shop-by-manufacturer/americraft-real-woodSHUTTER HINGE, EXTERIORhttp://www.hardwaresource.com/hinges/SHUTTER+and+WINDOW/Shutter+Hinges,+Exterior/CASEMENT WINDOW WITH LOCKhttp://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/208426745/aluminium_casement_window_with_winder_lock.htmlCASEMENT WINDOW SOURCEhttp://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?SearchText=casement+window&CatId=0&IndexArea=product_en&sq=y&fsb=y&tracelog=seo_product_0820CASEMENT WINDOW LOCKShttp://www.doorandwindowparts.com/casement-window-hardware/casement-window-locks.html
GO TO TOP OF DOCUMENT
LINKED INDEXAdvice for New Gun Owners
Anatomical Chart
Ballistics
Burglary Prevention Advice
Cautions
Cavitation
Crime Statistics by the City
Door Hinges and Security
Frangible Ammunition
Jefferson Quotes
MOA Ballistics Coefficients
Projectile Comparisons
Radon Gas
Rifle and Pistol Slow Fire Shooting Sequence
Safe Rooms
Sheet Metal Thickness
Some Ballistics Tables
Some Rules of Thumb
State Farm Insurance Article
Statistics on the Homeless
Statistics on Radical Islam
Zero Your Rifle in Two Shots
The articles in this document are added for informational purposes only.
Choosing the Best Door Lock for Your Home
LINKED INDEX
ADVICE: DISCUSS AND PURCHASE REPLACEMENT LOCKS FROM YOUR LOCKSMITH.
Measure the backset before purchasing!
INFO ON ANSI: American National Standards Institute:
http://www.kwikset.com/HowToChoose/ANSI/default.aspx
State Farm recommends Grade 1 (ANSI designation) deadbolt type locks on:
Exterior doors Doors between attached garages and living spaces
Garage man doors (even if the garage is not attached to the house.)
What kind of door locks do building codes require?Although many people assume their local building codes require a minimum level of quality and security for the door locks installed on their homes, most building codes don't even require a lock on exterior doors, let alone a minimum level of quality.
Most contractors select the locks based on price.
Make a better selection by knowing what to look for.
Door Locks from a Burglar's PerspectiveBurglars prefer to break into a home through a door because it is quick and easy.
A good quality lock is a deterrent. When intruders are interviewed about the selection of a target, many say seeing quality deadbolt locks will cause them to move on to another house.
A burglar can enter the home through a door using several methods:
The door can be left unlocked. Doors can be kicked in.
Door locks can be picked.
Door locks can be hammered until they fall off.
Doors can be pried open.
Door frames can be spread apart with a spreader bar.
Door locks can be "drilled out" using a power drill.
Locks can be pried off with pipe wrenches or pliers.
Panes of glass in or beside doors can be broken so the intruder can reach in and unlock the lock.
Sometimes thieves obtain a copy of the house key from an acquaintance.
Remember, the intruder will select the door that looks easiest to break into and that offers the least chance of being seen.
Doors going into the garage and going from an attached garage into the house many times offer an intruder the opportunity to hide from view while they are breaking in. Extra thought should go into the security at these locations.
According to a study by the California Crime Technological Research Foundation, the most common techniques used by burglars to enter single-family homes are (from most often used to least often used):
32.00% Through unlocked window or door
26.64% Forced entry by impacts
24.02% Prying or jimmying
(That’s 82.66% either walk in or destroy door or lock structure-ed.)
6.79% Use of pass key or picking the lock…(noise?)
5.10% Entry attempted, but failed….(noise?)
5.45% Other or unknown1...(noise?)
Learn more about how to protect your home from intruders.Tips:1.) Install locks with deadbolts.
In residential construction there are basically two types of bolts used on exterior doors: latch bolts and deadbolts. Some locks combine the two bolts into one.2.) Install locks with an ANSI Grade 1 classification.
There is a grading system that measures the security and durability of door locks. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has standards, developed and maintained by The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association Inc. (BHMA), that comparatively measure the security and durability performance of door locks.
Not all Grade 1 locks are equal. Different types of door locks are tested differently under ANSI standards. But the grade designation system is the same.3.) Install locks with key control.
Key control is simply controlling who has copies of keys to your home. Many door keys can be copied at a local hardware or retail store. However, many manufacturers now offer locks using keys that cannot be copied except by certain locksmiths or only by the manufacturer themselves.There are burglaries where the unlawful entry can be traced back to a key that was either knowingly or unwittingly provided to the burglar.
Key control can help protect your home from the following scenarios:
In-home help has been fired or quit, but they made their own copy of your house key. In-home help may have acquaintances who burglarize homes; they might try to acquire a
key through them
Mechanics may try to make copies of your house key while working on your car.
Key control may require extra effort, such as a letter to the lock manufacturer or a trip to the locksmith to get a key made. Also, there is an additional cost due to record keeping by the manufacturer or locksmith (between $10 and $50 per key). The additional cost and inconvenience should be weighed against the security benefits.
Other Door Lock Features to Look For
Security Strike Plate -- A strike plate comes with every door lock. Many times these strike plates are cosmetic and not intended to provide much security.
The strike plate's attachment to the doorframe is usually the weakest point in the entire door/doorframe/lock system.
High security strike plates are available. They sometimes come with a heavy gauge metal reinforcing plate that mounts under the cosmetic strike plate and come with 3" long screws that secure the strike to the wall framing, not just to the doorframe jamb. The screw holes are staggered so the screws don't penetrate into the same grain of wood. The concept of screwing into different wood grains in the doorframe and wall framing is to make it more difficult to split the wood doorframe or wall framing when the door is impacted. This feature should be considered at every exterior door and at those doors coming from attached garages.
1" Minimum Throw on Deadbolt -- The throw of the deadbolt is the length that the deadbolt extends out of the door edge. A minimum throw of 1" is recommended. Longer throws makes it more difficult to gain entry by spreading the doorframe.
Saw-Resistant Bolts -- Some deadbolts come with internal anti-saw pins. The pins spin freely inside the bolt. If someone tries to break in by sawing off the deadbolt, the pin will make this difficult because it spins back and forth with every movement of the saw blade.
Captured Key Deadbolt -- Burglars can gain entry through a locked door by breaking the glass in the door light or sidelight, reaching in, and simply unlocking the door. Many homeowners, in an effort to prevent this, install double cylinder deadbolt locks with keyholes on both sides of the door.
Don't let Double Cylinder Deadbolts create a fire safety danger to your family.
In the case of a fire when the family needs to get out of the house quickly, you don't want to be wasting time looking for the key to unlock the door. Most building codes do not allow this type of lock on doors that are used to exit the house for this very reason.
To solve this conflict between family safety and security, one manufacturer has developed a deadbolt lock with a feature called a captured key.
On the interior side of the door the deadbolt lock has a thumb turn that can be removed from the lock, leaving a keyhole. The idea is when no one is home, there is no need for the thumb-turn. The last person to leave removes the thumb-turn and creates a double cylinder deadbolt condition.
Captured Key Thumb-turn -- The thumb-turn cannot be removed without having a key to the lock. Therefore, small children cannot remove the thumb-turn from the lock. Also, the thumb-turn can actually be used as a house key. It is important that whenever anyone is in the home that the thumb-turn is left in the lock at all times. (ADVICE: DO NOT PURCHASE ANY LOCK WITH A REMOVEABLE THUMB TURN. IT PREVENTS FIRE EGRESS..ed.)
Hardened Cased Steel & Beveled Casings -- On a typical deadbolt lock the outside housing of the lock is called the "casing" or "case." Many lock manufacturers make their casings out of hardened steel and many make the casing beveled. The hardened cased steel makes the casing more resilient against blows from a hammer. Beveling the casing makes it very difficult to get pliers or pipe wrenches to stay on the lock when trying to twist it loose.
Anti-Drill Feature -- Some intruders know how to drill out a lock. Some manufacturers combat this by installing hardened steel chips within the lock housing. When the drill bit hits these steel chips, it tears up the drill bit.
Dropbolts and Rim Locks -- If a dropbolt or rim lock is selected, make sure the lock is mounted on the door with through bolts.
Dropbolt with Through Bolts and Without -- If not, a forced entry can cause the lock to separate from the door. The typical dropbolt and rim lock should not be considered as secure as a deadbolt lock.
Help in assessing the need for better security can be found with your local police department. Many departments have a crime prevention unit that will examine your home. Based on their experience with crime, they can see things that the average homeowner does not. Also, an experienced locksmith can help you select the right products.
Source: 1Appendix X4 of ASTM F476-84 (Reapproved 1991) Standard Test Methods for Security of Swinging Door Assemblies; American Society for Testing and Materials
State Farm® believes the information contained in the Learning Center is reliable and accurate. We cannot, however, guarantee the performance of all items demonstrated or described in all situations. Always consult an experienced contractor or other expert to determine the best application of these ideas or products in your home.
http://www.statefarm.com/learning/be_safe/home/burglary/learning_besafe_athm_burg_hing.aspASK YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT APPROVED ALARM SYSTEMS FOR THEIR INSURED HOMES.
Door Hinges and Home SecurityDoor Hinges on Exterior Swinging Doors
LINKED INDEX
Although most people don't give a second thought to the security options available in door hinges, there are door hinges available that can provide better security.
In some parts of the country, it is common to see doors swing out. When the door swings outward, the hinge pins are typically exposed on the outside of the house.
This could allow an intruder to tap the hinge pins up and out, and lift the door off its hinges, removing the door without unlocking it.
There are several door hinge designs available that make it more difficult to remove the hinge pins.
Non-Removable Pins
On these hinges, the pins are held in place by a setscrew. If the door is in the open position, the setscrew is exposed and can be retracted, and the hinge pins removed. If the door is closed, the setscrew cannot be accessed.
Safety Studs
These hinges come in full mortised type only, meaning the hinge sits in routed-out insets in the door and frame. Studs extend from one hinge leaf and a hole is punched in the corresponding position on the opposite leaf. When the door is closed, the stud sits in the hole. If the hinge pin is removed, the door still cannot be taken off its hinges because the stud holds it in place.
Fast-Riveted (Crimped) Pins
These hinges are designed so the hinge pin cannot be removed. The hinge pin is made longer than the hinge height, inserted into the hinge, and spun on the end to create a rivet-type end on the top and bottom of the pin.
Using hinges that keep an intruder from taking the door off can be a benefit even if the hinge pins are on the inside face of the door.
Combined with a deadbolt lock with a captured key feature, these features can help deter an intruder, who has broken in through a window, from unlocking the door or taking the door off its hinges.
It is important to use these security products on all exterior doors, including any from the garage to the outside, and on any doors from an attached garage to the house.
Security products can also be retrofitted onto existing hinges in older homes.
Learn more about how to keep your home safe from intruders.
An experienced locksmith or your local police crime prevention unit may also assist in revealing various safety options.
State Farm® believes the information contained in the Disaster Survival House is reliable and accurate. We cannot, however, guarantee the performance of all items demonstrated or described in all situations. Always consult an experienced contractor or other expert to determine the best application of these ideas or products in your home.
Burglary Prevention Advice LINKED INDEX
Your home is your castle...or is it? Is your home really safe once you leave for work or school? Your home is considered a sanctuary where you should feel safe. Your home is the only environment where you have control over who can get close to you or your family. Protecting your home and family from criminal intrusion should be high on your list of priorities. See my web site on Family Security Tips for more information on protecting your family from harm.
Home Burglary
By far, the most common threat to our home is burglary. According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15.4 seconds. By definition, the crime of burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when we are not at home. However, becoming a burglary victim can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated. To avoid becoming a burglary victim, it is important to first gain an understanding of who commits them and why.
The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. The summer months of July and August have the most burglaries with February having the fewest
crimes. Burglaries are committed most often by young males under 25 years of age looking for items that are small, expensive, and can easily be converted to cash. Favorite items are cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, VCRs, video players, CDs and other small electronic devices are high on the list. Quick cash is needed for living expenses and drugs. Statistics tell us that 70% of the burglars use some amount force to enter a dwelling, but their preference is to gain easy access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars, and small hammers are most often used by burglars. Burglars continue to flourish because police can only clear about 13% of all reported burglaries and rarely catch the thief in the act.
Although home burglaries may seem random in occurrence, they actually involve a selection process. The burglar's selection process is simple. Choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.
A Good Tip to Help Prevent Burglary (added to article)
If the criminal believes someone is home, he is deterred from burgling the house. If he hears a radio playing he may think someone is at home. If he sees or hears a TV this is more convincing that someone may be at home. What is a good companion to leaving a radio or TV playing is leaving the room lighting on and the drapes or curtains drawn. This way he cannot watch for movement inside the house. Granted, doing these things alone will not provide the safety of a complete home security plan.
Doors and Locks
The first step is to harden the target or make your home more difficult to enter. Remember, the burglar will simply bypass your home if it requires too much effort or requires more skill and tools than they possess. Most burglars enter via the front, back, or garage doors. Experienced burglars know that the garage door is usually the weakest point of entry followed by the back door. The garage and back doors also provide the most cover. Burglars know to look inside your car for keys and other valuables so keep it locked, even when parked inside your garage. Use high quality Grade-1 or Grade-2 locks on exterior doors to resist twisting, prying, and lock-picking attempts. A quality deadbolt lock will have a beveled casing to inhibit the use of channel-lock pliers used to shear off lock cylinder pins. A quality door knob-in-lock set will have a 'dead latch' mechanism to prevent slipping the lock with a shim or credit card.
Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt
Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism
Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame
Use a wide-angle 160° peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches
The most common way used to force entry through a door with a wooden jamb is to simply kick it open. The weakest point is almost always the lock strike plate that holds the latch or lock bolt in place followed by a glass paneled door. The average door strike plate is secured only by the soft-wood doorjamb molding. These lightweight moldings are often tacked on to the door frame and can be torn away with a firm kick. Because of this construction flaw, it makes sense to upgrade to a four-screw, heavy-duty, high security strike plate. They are available in most quality hardware stores and home improvement centers and are definitely worth the extra expense. Install this heavy-duty strike plate using 3-inch wood screws to cut deep into the door frame stud. Use these longer screws in the knob lock strike plate as well and use at least one long screw in each door hinge. This
one step alone will deter or prevent most through-the-door forced entries. You and your family will sleep safer in the future.
Sliding-Glass Patio Doors
Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of these inherently defective latch mechanisms. This can be easily be prevented by inserting a wooden dowel or stick into the track thus preventing or limiting movement. Other blocking devices available are metal fold-down blocking devices called "charley bars" and various track-blockers that can be screwed down.
The blocking devices described above solve half the equation. Older sliding glass doors can be lifted up and off their track and thereby defeat the latch mechanism. To prevent lifting, you need to keep the door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted. You can also install anti-lift devices such as a pin that extends through both the sliding and fixed portion of the door. There are also numerous locking and blocking devices available in any good quality hardware store that will prevent a sliding door from being lifted or forced horizontally. Place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification is in place. Burglars dislike alarm systems and definitely big barking dogs.
Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors Keep the latch mechanism in good condition and properly adjusted
Keep sliding door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted
Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws
Use highly visible alarm decals, beware of dog decals or block watch decal
Considerations for sliding glass doors:
1. Use two door pins to prevent rotation and lift-out.
2. Dual pins work in conjunction with quality lock.
3. If glass is broken, both pins can be removed.
4. Consider multiple layers of sliding door security:
Quality locks
Dual door pins
Expandable door bar
Steel storm doors
Glassbreaker alarm sensor
Door breach alarm sensor
Motion sensor in room in case of lift-out
Windows
Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies. Windows have latches, not locks and therefore should have secondary blocking devices to prevent sliding them open from the outside. Inexpensive wooden dowels and sticks work well for horizontal sliding windows and through-the-frame pins work well for vertical sliding windows. For ventilation, block the window open no more than six inches and make sure you can't reach in from the outside and remove the blocking device or reach through and unlock the door.
In sleeping rooms, these window blocking devices should be capable of being removed easily from the inside to comply with fire codes. Like sliding glass doors, anti-lift devices are necessary for ground level and accessible aluminum windows that slide horizontally. The least expensive and easiest method is to install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position. As a deterrent, place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification system is in place.
Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation
Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window and unlock the door
Make sure someone cannot reach inside the window and remove the blocking device
Use anti-lift devices to prevent window from being lifted out
Use crime prevention or alarm decals on ground accessible windows
Be a Good Neighbor
Good neighbors should look out for each other. Get to know your neighbors on each side of your home and the three directly across the street. Invite them into your home, communicate often, and establish trust. Good neighbors will watch out for your home or apartment when you are away, if you ask them. They can report suspicious activity to the police or to you while you are away. Between them, good neighbors can see to it that normal services continue in your absence by allowing vendors to mow your lawn or remove snow. Good neighbors can pick up your mail, newspapers, handbills, and can inspect the outside or inside of your home periodically to see that all is well. Good neighbors will occasionally park in your driveway to give the appearance of occupancy while you are on vacation.
Allowing a neighbor to have a key solves the problem of hiding a key outside the door. Experienced burglars know to look for hidden keys in planter boxes, under doormats, and above the ledge. Requiring a service vendor to see your neighbor to retrieve and return your house key will send the message that someone is watching. This neighborhood watch technique sets up what is called territoriality which means that your neighbors will take ownership and responsibility for what occurs in your mini-neighborhood. This concept works in both single family homes communities and on apartment properties. This practice helps deter burglaries and other crimes in a big way. Of course for this to work, you must reciprocate and offer the same services.
Get to know all your adjacent neighbors Invite them into your home and establish trust
Agree to watch out for each other's home
Do small tasks for each other to improve territoriality
While on vacation - pick up newspapers, and flyers
Offer to occasionally park your car in their driveway
Return the favor and communicate often
Lighting
Interior lighting is necessary to show signs of life and activity inside a residence at night. A darken home night-after-night sends the message to burglars that you are away on a trip. Light timers are inexpensive and can be found everywhere. They should be used on a daily basis, not just when you’re away. In this way you set up a routine that your neighbors can observe and will allow them to become suspicious when your normally lighted home becomes dark. Typically, you want to use light-timers near the front and back windows with the curtains closed. The pattern of lights turning on and off should simulate actual occupancy. It’s also comforting not to have to enter a dark residence when you return home. The same light timers can be used to turn on radios or television sets to further enhance the illusion of occupancy.
Exterior lighting is also very important. It becomes critical if you must park in a common area parking lot or underground garage and need to walk to your front door. The purpose of good lighting is to allow you to see if a threat or suspicious person is lurking in your path. If you can see a potential threat in advance then you at least have the choice and chance to avoid it. Exterior lighting needs to bright enough for you to see 100-feet and it helps if you can identify colors. Good lighting is definitely a deterrent to criminals because they don't want to be seen or identified.
Another important area to be well-lighted is the perimeter of your home or apartment especially at the entryway. Exterior lighting on the front of a property should always be on a timer to establish a routine and appearance of occupancy at all times. Common area lighting on apartment properties should also be on a timer or photo-cell to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. The practice of leaving the garage or porch lights turned on all day on a single family home is a dead giveaway that you are out of town. Exterior lighting at the rear of a home or apartment are usually on a switch because of the proximity to the sleeping rooms. The resident can choose to leave these lights on or off. Security lights with infra-red motion sensors are relatively inexpensive and can easily replace an exterior porch light or side door light on single family homes. The heat-motion sensor can be adjusted to detect body heat and can be programmed to reset after one minute. These security lights are highly recommended for single family homes.
Use interior light timers to establish a pattern of occupancy
Exterior lighting should allow 100- feet of visibility
Use good lighting along the pathway and at your door
Use light timers or photo-cells to turn on/off lights automatically
Use infra-red motion sensor lights on the rear of single family homes
Alarm Systems
Alarm systems definitely have a place in a home security plan and are effective, if used properly. The reason why alarms systems deter burglaries is because they increase the potential and fear of being caught and arrested by the police. The deterrent value comes from the alarm company lawn sign and from the alarm decals on the windows. Home and apartment burglars will usually bypass a property with visible alarm signs and will go to another property without such a sign. Some people, with alarm systems, feel that these signs and decals are unsightly and will not display them. The risk here is that an uninformed burglar might break a window or door and grab a few quick items before the police can respond. Also, don't write your alarm passcode on or near the alarm keypad.
Alarm systems need to be properly installed and maintained. Alarms systems can monitor for fire as well as burglary for the same price. All systems should have an audible horn or bell to be effective in case someone does break in. However, these audible alarms should be programmed to reset automatically after one or two minutes. The criminal got the message and will be long gone but your neighbors will have to listen to the alarm bell, sometimes for hours, until it is shut off. If you use a central station to monitor your alarm, make sure your response call list is up to date. Home alarms, like car alarms, are generally ignored except for a brief glance. However, if you have established and nurtured your neighborhood watch buddy system, you will experience a genuine concern by your neighbor. It is not unusual to have a neighbor wait for the police, allow them inside for an inspection, and secure the residence. A good neighbor can also call the glass company or locksmith to repair any damage, if pre-authorized by you.
The greatest barrier getting to this level of neighborhood participation is taking the first step. You can get help by calling your local crime prevention unit at the police department. Most police departments in large cities have neighborhood watch coordinators to help you set this up. You should invite your adjacent neighbors over to your home for coffee and begin the information exchange. You'll be amazed how the process runs on automatic from there.
Alarm systems are effective deterrents with visible signage Alarm systems to be properly installed, programmed, and maintained
Alarm systems need to have an audible horn or bell to be effective
Make sure your alarm response call list is up to date
Instruct your neighbor how to respond to an alarm bell
Home Safes
Since the prices of good home safes are falling, having a safe in your home is a wise investment. Home safes are designed to keep the smash and grab burglar, nosey kids, dishonest babysitter or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property. Home safes need to be anchored into the floor or permanent shelving.
Use the safe everyday so it becomes routine Protect the safe code and change it occasionally
Install it away from the master bedroom or closet
Operation Identification
This is a program supported by most police agencies. They recommend that you engrave your drivers’ license, not your social security number, on televisions, stereos, computers, and small electronic appliances. They suggest this so they can identify and locate you if your stolen items are recovered. I suggest that you go way beyond this step
I recommend that you photograph your valuables in their locations around your home and make a list of the make, model, and serial numbers. This is very important for proof when filing insurance claims. You should keep this list in a safety deposit box or with a relative for safe keeping. Keep receipts of the larger items in case you need to prove the value of the items for insurance purposes. Beyond that, I recommend that you photocopy important documents and the contents of your wallet. You will be thankful that you took these steps in case your home is ever destroyed by fire or flood, is ransacked, or if your wallet is lost or stolen.
Identify your valuables by engraving your drivers’ license number Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables
Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other documents
Store the copies in a safe deposit box or with a relative
RADON
LINKED INDEXRADON GAS: This gas is radioactive and is very carcinogenic. It is the second greatest cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. It is a startling fact that many Americans are still unaware of this deadly phenomenon, which seeps out of the earth and contaminates enclosed spaces. There are different types of test kits and each community should have a company that provide a testing service. (Check with the BBB). (Better Business Bureau) The measurement of radon gas is expressed in pico-Curies per liter (piC/L), or units of radiation that are one trillionth of a Curie, a unit of radiation named after Madame Curie, one of the discoverers of radiation measurement. One standard of measurement says that anything over 2 pico-Curies per Liter is cause to have a permanent and continuous ventilation system installed in your house.
CONTINUED BELOW
Sheet Metal Thickness Gauge Chart in Inches
LINKED INDEX
Gauge Mild Steel Aluminum Galvanized
SteelStainless
Steel
3 0.2391 0.2294 0.2500
4 0.2242 0.2043 0.2344
5 0.2092 0.1819 0.2187
6 0.1943 0.1620 0.2031
7 0.1793 0.1443 0.1875
8 0.1644 0.1285 0.1680 0.165
9 0.1495 0.1144 0.1532 0.1562
10 0.1345 0.1019 0.1382 0.1406
11 0.1196 0.0907 0.1233 0.1250
12 0.1046 0.0808 0.1084 0.1094
13 0.0897 0.0720 0.0934 0.0937
14 0.0747 0.0641 0.0785 0.0781
15 0.0673 0.0571 0.0710 0.0703
16 0.0598 0.0508 0.0635 0.0625
17 0.0538 0.0453 0.0575 0.0562
18 commercial
door
strength
0.0478 0.0403 0.0516 0.0500
19 0.0418 0.0359 0.0456 0.0437
20 0.0359 0.0320 0.0396 0.0375
21 0.0329 0.0285 0.0366 0.0344
22 0.0299 0.0253 0.0336 0.0312
23 0.0269 0.0226 0.0306 0.0281
24 0.0239 0.0201 0.0276 0.0250
25 0.0209 0.0179 0.0247 0.0219
26 0.0179 0.0159 0.0217 0.0187
27 0.0164 0.0142 0.0202 0.0172
28 0.0149 0.0126 0.0187 0.0156
29 0.0135 0.0113 0.0172 0.0141
30 0.0120 0.0100 0.0157 0.0125
31 0.0105 0.0089 0.0142 0.0109
32 0.0097 0.0080 0.0134 0.0102
Crime Statistics by City LINKED INDEX
General Information:
CITY: ATLANTA Georgia (GA)
City Population: 431,043
Murder: 149
Forcible Rape: 281
Robbery: 3,701
Aggravated Assault: 4,360
Burglary: 8,065
Larceny or Theft: 22,931
Car Theft: 7,235
Arson: 165
ATLANTA GA: 1.8% CHANCE PER PERSON OF BECOMING A VICTIM OF VIOLENT CRIME. THAT’S ABOUT 1 IN 50 PERSONS. (DIVIDE TOTAL OF RED FIGURES BY CITY POPULATION)
Atlanta Violent Crime Rate per Capita:
Murder Forcible Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault All Violent Crime
National Local National Local National Local National Local National Local
Is 4.52 times the National Average
Is 1.79 times the National Average
Is 3.92 times the National Average
Is 2.79 times the National Average
Is 3.30 times the National Average
Atlanta Property Crime Rate per Capita:
Burglary Larceny or Theft Car Theft Arson All Property Crime
National Local National Local National Local National Local National Local
Is 2.20 times the National Average
Is 1.79 times the National Average
Is 2.80 times the National Average
Is 1.29 times the National Average
Is 2.01 times the National Average
United States Personal Confrontation Crimes Per Month
Violent crimes 41,382Murder 497
Aggravated Assault. 25,127Rape 2,699Robbery 13,062Per Month 165,534
INTERESTING STATISTICS ON THE HOMELESS, GANGS AND FIREARMS(Reference footnotes follow)
LINKED INDEX
U.S. ANNUAL HOMELESS FIGURES
Homeless per year: 3 million1
Homeless children: 1.5 million 2 Homeless adults: 1.5 millionHomeless adult males: 1,095,0006
Homeless adult females: 405,0006
Homeless veterans: 107,0003
Homeless female veterans: 7,000 4 Homeless male veterans: 100,000(Homeless Hispanic or African American veterans: 59,9205)(Homeless Hispanic or African American male veterans: 56,3203,4)(Homeless Hispanic or African American female veterans: 3,6003,4)
ESTIMATES OF MILITARY POTENTIAL COMPRISED OF HOMELESS MALES
Reference:U.S.M.C. estimated unit populations in the 1960s:18,000 men in an infantry division (11,520 riflemen)3200 men in an infantry regiment (2,880 riflemen)800 men in a reinforced infantry battalion (720 riflemen)200 men in a reinforced infantry company (180 riflemen)47 men in a platoon (45 riflemen)14 men in a squad (12 riflemen)4 men in a fire team (4 riflemen)
Potential unit formations comprised of homeless males:
All homeless adult males could form 95 infantry divisions (riflemen)Hispanic or African American male veterans alone could form 4.8 infantry divisions (riflemen)
U.S. GANG MEMBER FIGURES
800,000 gang members (Hispanics 47%, Blacks 34%, Whites 13%, Asians 7%) in the United States7
Military potential estimates comprised of U.S. gang members:
All gang members could form 69 infantry divisions (riflemen).
FIREARMS AVAILABILITYCivilian handguns and long guns, worldwide, number 377 million guns.8 In the United States and Europe, 5,250,000 handguns and long guns are produced annually.8 (Only 1.4% of the world figure) In one U.S. city alone, Los Angeles, ATF agents painstakingly identified the guns and traced them back to a cache of more than 1,200 weapons an illegal immigrant Bought with a forged gun dealer’s license. 9 While the United States is often identified by police and politicians alike as the leading source of black market firearms, some gang task force officers and forensic specialists observe an increasing popularity with our criminal element for firearms manufactured in Brazil, Eastern Europe (Russia) and China.10
CONCLUSIONThe implications of the above figures and calculations should be clear in the minds of thinking adults.
FOOTNOTES1Over the course of a year, between 2.5 and 3.5 million people will live either on the streets or in an emergency shelter. http://www.thechicagoalliance.org/homelessstats.aspx (Homelessness in the United States of America. Prepared by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.)
2More than 1.5 million children are homeless over the course of a year. http://www.familyhomelessness .org/ (The National Center on Family Homelessness America’s Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness)
3On any given night, approximately 750,000 men, women, and children are homeless in the US. 59% are single adults. http://www.thechicagoalliance.org/homelessstats.aspx (Cunningham, Mary and Meghan Henry. 2007. Homelessness Counts. Washington, DC: National Alliance to End Homelessness.)
4VA estimates that 107,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. http://www.nchv.org/background.cfm 3% are female. http://www.thechicagoalliance.org/homelessstats.aspx(See Rosenheck (1996) for an overview of homeless veterans estimates) (National Alliance to End Homelessness. Fact Checker: Veterans and Homelessness. November 2006.)
5Roughly 56 percent of all homeless veterans are African American or Hispanic http://www.nchv. Org/ background .cfm
627% of all adult homeless are women. (Book: Address Unknown, The Homeless in America, James D. Wright ISBN: 978-0202-36257-1)
7There were at least 30,000 gangs and 800,000 gang members active across the USA in 2007 http://en.wikipedia. Org/wiki/Gangs_in_the_United_States By 1999, Hispanics accounted for 47% of all gang members, Blacks 34%, Whites 13%, and Asians 7%.[10]
8http://www.iansa.org/media/wmd.htm Making and selling small arms is a worldwide business. Nearly 7 million commercial handguns and long guns are produced annually. About 75% of these are made in the USA or the European Union. Other important producers include Brazil, China, Canada, Japan and the Russian Federation.• At least 90 countries can or do produce small arms and/or ammunition.• Around 16 billion units of ammunition were produced during 2001.• The value of small arms and ammunition production was at least US$7.4 billion in 2000.• The glob al small arms stockpile is estimated at 639 million guns. Approximately 59% of this arsenal is in the hands of civilians – over 377 million weapons. The remainder are owned by government armed forces (about 39%), police, insurgents and other non-state forces.
9http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ILLEGAL+GUNS%3B+BLACK+MARKET+SALES+TRACED+TO+VALLEY+TRAFFICKER-a083608327 Los Angeles ATF agents painstakingly identified the guns and traced them back to a cache of more than 1,200 weapons an illegal immigrant Bought with a forged gun dealer’s license.
10http://www.mackenzieinstitute.com/2008/point020208.htm While the United States is often identified by police and politicians alike as the leading source of black market firearms, some gang task force officers and forensic specialists observe an increasing popularity with our criminal element for firearms manufactured in Brazil, Eastern Europe (Russia) and China.
CONTINUED BELOW
SOME STATISTICS ON RADICAL ISLAM IN AMERICA
LINKED INDEX
General Muslim Population Statistics
http://pewresearch.org/assets/pdf/muslim-americans.pdfThis Pew study projects approximately 1.5 million adult Muslim Americans, 18 years of age and older. Considering modern birth rates, at least one half are age 18 to 30. Therefore 750,000 adult Muslims are between 18 and 30 years of age. One half of these would be male. Therefore 375,000 adult Muslim are males between 18 and 30 years of age. 15% of the age group 18 to 30 “believe that suicide bombing is justified” to promote the values of Islam. Therefore, 56,250 male Muslims between 18 and 30 are radical Muslims; if they believe in suicide bombing of populations.
Estimated U.S.M.C. combat unit populations in the 1960s:18,000 men in an infantry division (11,520 riflemen)3200 men in an infantry regiment (2,880 riflemen)800 men in a reinforced infantry battalion (720 riflemen)200 men in a reinforced infantry company (180 riflemen)47 men in a platoon (45 riflemen)14 men in a squad (12 riflemen)4 men in a fire team (4 riflemen) Based on the above table, there are 3.1 infantry divisions (riflemen) of radical “pro-suicide-bombing” Muslim males living in the United States.
Muslims Grouped in Remote Compounds
http://homelandsecurityus.com/special-investigative-reports/muslim-terrorist-training-camps-in-north-america (Not a U.S. Government website)Sheik Mubarak Gilani, a foreign-born Muslim mullah commands Jamaat al Fuqra, a terrorist organization group that has been linked to over two-dozen murders and fire-bombings inside the U.S. and maintains active training compounds inside the United States. Perhaps the largest – and their operational headquarters, is situated on 70 acres nestled in a remote and heavily secluded area on the western edge of the Catskill Mountains in New York state, about 40 miles southeast of Binghamton, NY. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,494424,00.html“The group, Jamaat al Fuqra, has over 35 compounds right here in our nation.” http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/PDF/BestPart1.pdf (Not a U.S. Government website)Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) owns the complex of buildings located at 485 Best Street, Buffalo, NY, a complex of buildings which was formerly a detention center.
“I’ve been warned by my sources, one of whom was actually a member of the group and he said they were holding paramilitary exercises there and that he fears he is in danger of his very life.” --Buffalo Common Council Member Charley Fisher
It is safe to presume that 35 compounds (city or countryside) would have at least 100 members each as it would be difficult to purchase and maintain either a city or countryside compound with fewer people involved or attracted to the site; assuming that the population consists of migrants from city life, ex-prisoners, etc.
Therefore, there are at least 3500 highly-motivated Muslims of both sexes occupying compounds in the U.S. (Muslim women activists are counted as militarily-active as males.) Local residents of the communities report gunfire and observable activities, not all of which are potentially hostile.
Based on the infantry table above, there are 4.9 infantry battalions (riflemen) of trained potential Islamic terrorists in the United States.
Composite Figure for U.S. Muslim Potential Terrorists
Setting forth composite figures: 56,250 “pro-suicide-bombing” radical Muslims, plus 3500 “compound” Muslims =59,750 potential radical Islamic fundamentalists awaiting consolidation into effective ‘activist units’. That’s equal to a total of 3.3 infantry divisions of “riflemen”.
Ballistics
LINKED INDEX
The study of the forces involved in the travel of objects through the air, employing Calculus (derivative and integral) applied to motion (mass, length and time) affecting a resultant kinetic energy. For the purposes of this seminar, ballistics is about how much energy a bullet has and how its weight, velocity and length of trajectory affect the impact produced in the target.
Ballistics ExpressionsBullet Velocity is expressed in feet per second (f.p.s.) (Effective bullet velocities: 1100 to over 3,000 f.p.s.) Bullet Energy is expressed in foot pounds (ft.lbs.) (Effective bullet energy: 300 to 14,000 ft.lbs.)Bullet Trajectory is expressed in rise/drop in inches (+/- in.)
BULLET ENERGY IS ALWAYS DEPENDENT ON WEIGHT AND VELOCITY.
Exterior Ballistics: Behavior of the Bullet on Its Path to the Target
When the bullet leaves the muzzle (end of the barrel) it has MV: MUZZLE VELOCITY, expressed in feet/second (FPS). As it proceeds in its trajectory, it drops in its pathway due to gravity. This is BULLET DROP and is expressed in minus inches (“-2.5 in.”). If there is a cross wind, it may move left or right. This factor is called DRIFT and is not expressed in ballistics tables. Every bullet has a ballistics table denoting velocity, energy and trajectory that expresses its flight behavior enroute to the target.
Terminal Ballistics: Factors Affecting How a Bullet Impacts the Target.
Velocity and weight produce energy. Velocity keeps a bullet in flight and energy produces penetration. Velocity also produces waveform cavitation. A combination of penetration, energy dissipation and waveform cavitation produces hydrostatic shock.
Hydrostatic shock is a paralyzing impact transmitted to the brain through fluids present in the target. Animal and human tissues are 75-85% fluid. Illustration: If a large firecracker is exploded underwater, the hydrostatic shock could rupture eardrums in those swimming underwater.
The variable factors in terminal ballistics are: velocity, weight, and shape of the bullet. These three affect penetration and energy dissipation, but also affect "projectile velocity shockwave-induced wound cavitation” which is the compartment in which hydrostatic shock is produced and transferred. The larger the resulting velocity waveform cavitation, the greater the hydrostatic shock. Besides increasing energy, the greatest impact of increasing velocity is the degree of waveform cavitation.
Actually, all ballistics factors work together as a dynamic to produce target impact!
LINKED INDEXProjectile Comparisons: Top: grains. Middle: fps. Bottom: ft.lbs.
1 ounce = 437 grains or 28 grams1 pound = 7000 grains or 454 grams
ANATOMICAL CHART OF HUMAN ORGANS
Some Ballistics Tables for Specific Rifle Ammunition(“Reuse” tables by deleting and replacing data)
LINKED INDEX
Ballistics resource/calculator: http://www.hornady.com/
Federal .45 ACP 185gr. +p HP-HST P45HS2G BC .110 10yd zero
M 10 25 50 75 100
V 1130 1097 1063 1010 967 930
E 525 495 465 419 384 355
T -0.8 ۞ 0.7 0.2 -2.4 -7.3
Remington .30-06 150gr. MC-FMJ L30062 BC .400 200yd zero
M 50 100 200 300 400 500
V 2910 2796 2685 2471 2268 2073 1889
E 2820 2604 2402 2034 1713 1432 1189
T -1.5 0.6 1.7 ۞ -7.3 -21.5 -43.7
Remington .30-06 150gr. PSP Core-lokt R30062 BC .380 200yd. zero
M 50 100 200 300 400 500
V 2910 2790 2674 2450 2236 2034 1842
E 2820 2593 2381 1998 1666 1377 1131
T -1.5 0.6 1.7 ۞ -7.5 -21.9 -44.8
Hornady .30-06 165gr. SST Composite 81154 BC .400 200yd. zero
M 50 100 200 300 400 500
V 2800 2689 2581 2372 2173 1983 1804
E 2872 2649 2440 2061 1729 1441 1192
T -1.5 0.8 1.9 ۞ -8.0 -23.5 -47.8
Winchester .223/5.56x45 55gr. M-193 Q3131 BC .330 200yd. zero
250 YARD ZERO: FLATTER TRAJECTORY
M 50 100 200 300 400 500
V 3270 3121 2976 2701 2443 2198 1968
E 1306 1189 1082 891 729 590 473
T -1.5 0.3 1.2 ۞ -6.0 -17.8 -36.8
RANDOM HANDGUN BALLISTICS TABLE
MOA, Ballistics Coefficient for Rifle and Pistol
LINKED INDEX
Ballistics Coefficient
http://www.sierrabullets.com/bullets/BallisticCoefficient-rifle.pdf
M.O.A.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minute_of_arc
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_9_53/ai_n27320038/
B.C. = Ballistics Coefficient...I use 0.18 for handgun hollow point ammunition and 0.30 for .30 cal, 150 gr. FMJ/PSP rifle ammunition at 2800+ fps and 0.25 for .223cal/5.56mm 55 gr. FMJ rifle ammunition at 3000+ fps. Higher number is more aerodynamic.
M.O.A. (Minutes Of Angle or Minutes Of Arc.) MOA, is a unit of angular measurement, equal to one sixtieth (1/60) of one degree. 1 minute of arc (angle) is 1/21,600 of the amount of arc in a closed circle.
1 MOA subtends (translates-ed.) to approximately one inch at 100 yards (but not proportional at longer distances), a traditional distance on target ranges. A shooter can easily re-adjust the rifle scope by measuring the distance in inches the bullet hole is from the desired impact point, and adjusting the scope that many MOA in the same direction. Most target scopes designed for long distances are adjustable in quarter (¼) or eighth (⅛) MOA “clicks”. One eighth MOA is equal to approximately an eighth of an inch at 100 yards or one inch at 800 yards. (Most popular rifle scopes adjust ¼ inch per “click”-ed.)
Some thoughts:
When you zero your rifle, first laser bore sight it or have it done by your local gun shop. This should “put you on the paper” when you take it to the range. When at the range, adjust either windage OR elevation alone; in other words do first one THEN the other. Alternate one with the other until you get your best group.
The trajectory of the bullet is pre-calculated ( find a ballistics calculator..one is at www.hornady.com ) and the thing to remember is to calculate the ballistics for a 200 yards zero. If you do this, it will be easier to predict your trajectory from muzzle out to 300 yards. Serious hunters should learn to shoot out to 400 yards. Also remember that at a 200 yard zero you will shoot 1 to 2 inches high at 100 yards at 2800 to 3100 fps. If you are shooting 2-3 inches high at 100 yards, don’t worry about it. In other words, if your scope is zeroed-in and if you match the ballistics chart for your bullet at 100 yards, you have nothing to worry about. The only other practical factor of consideration is cross-wind. If your group is 2-3 inches left or right unexpectedly, and there is a significant cross-wind; THAT IS THE REASON IN MOST CASES. For this reason, it is better to zero your firearm with no crosswind.
If you can shoot 2-3 inch (even 4-inch groups for beginners) groups (this means shooting 5 to 7 shots and getting (3) three of those shots within the smallest circle) that correspond to your ballistics chart you are finished zeroing-in your rifle. After zeroing, you will find that if you aim at the verticle mid-point of your life sized silhoutte, it is quite easy to make a solid hit on a life-sized silhoutte from 75 to 150 yards; your probable distance from most of your potential targets. Continue to visit the range, improve your shooting skills and get closer groups. If you can get 3 placements within a 1-inch circle at 100 yards with a five to seven shot attempt you can be sure that your scope, rifle and ammunition are working together and are in great shape. This, of course, is using sandbags as rifle rests and learning how to pull the trigger correctly. Most shooters let out half a breath and squeeze the trigger. Research this.
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE DISCUSSES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INCHES AND MOA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minute_of_arc
The arcminute is commonly found in the firearms industry and literature, particularly concerning the accuracy of rifles, though the industry tends to refer to it as minute of angle. It is especially popular with shooters familiar with the Imperial measurement system because 1 MOA subtends approximately one inch at 100 yards, a traditional distance on target ranges. Since most modern rifle scopes are adjustable in half (1⁄2), quarter (1⁄4), or eighth (1⁄8) MOA increments, also known as clicks, this makes zeroing and adjustments much easier. For example, if the point of impact is 3" high and 1.5" left of the point of aim at 100 yards, the scope needs to be adjusted 3 MOA down, and 1.5 MOA right. Such adjustments are trivial when the scope's adjustment dials have an MOA scale printed on them, and even figuring the right number of clicks is relatively easy on scopes that click in fractions of MOA.
One thing to be aware of is that some scopes, including some higher-end models, are calibrated such that an adjustment of 1 MOA corresponds to exactly 1 inch, rather than 1.047". This is commonly known as the Shooter's MOA (SMOA) or Inches Per Hundred Yards (IPHY). While the difference between one true MOA and one SMOA is less than half of an inch even at 1000 yards,[4] this error compounds significantly on longer range shots that may require adjustment upwards of 20-30 MOA to compensate for the bullet drop. If a shot requires an adjustment of 20 MOA or more, the difference between true MOA and SMOA will add up to 10 inches or more. In varmint hunting or competitive target shooting, this can easily mean the difference between a hit and a miss.
(1 MOA = 1.047 inches, obviously an insignificant amount for shooting under 1000 yards. Ed.)
Calculating the physical equivalent group size equal to one minute of arc can be done using the equation: equivalent group size = tan(MOA⁄60) × distance. In the example previously given and substituting 3,600 inches for 100 yards, 3,600 tan(1 MOA⁄60) inches = 1.047 inches.
In metric units 1 MOA at 100 meters = 2.908 centimeters.
Sometimes, a precision firearm's accuracy will be measured in MOA. This simply means that under ideal conditions i.e. no wind, match-grade ammo, clean barrel, and a vise or a benchrest used to eliminate shooter error, the gun is capable of producing a group of shots whose center points (center-to-center) fit into a circle, the average diameter of circles in several groups can be subtended by that amount of arc. For example, a 1 MOA rifle should be capable, under ideal conditions, of shooting an average 1-inch groups at 100 yards.
CONTINUED BELOW
MOA vs. INCHES EXPLAINED
Unless you desire to become a professional sniper, there is no need to learn MOA (Minutes Of Angle) adjustments in bullet trajectory for the following mathematical reasons:
FACT: 1 MOA = 1 INCH X 1.047. A Shooter’s MOA (SMOA) equals 1 INCH. Some scopes are calculated in inches. FACT: 1 MOA is convertible (subtends) to 1 INCH up to 1000 yards at which there is ONLY a 0.5 INCH difference in trajectory when comparing MOA to INCHES of bullet drop. If you exceed 1000 yards in targeting, you need to learn about and apply MOA adjustments. FACT: INCHES X 100 = Come-up in MOA 1.047 X YARDS FACT: To adjust UP for a 12-INCH bullet drop, if your ZEROED rifle scope is calculated for 1/4 INCH OR 1/4 MOA RISE PER CLICK, turn your turret 48 CLICKS UP. You should know how many clicks there are in one revolution of your elevation turret.
SOME “RULES OF THUMB”LINKED INDEX
1. Ideally, a bullet must have sufficient velocity, penetration, weight and expansion to effect bleeding and hydrostatic shock. Also remember: A Pistol is a Pistol and a Rifle is a Rifle.2. Hollow point pistol ammunition should have 1100 FPS muzzle velocity to expand the hollow point.3. Some .223 cal. Rifles will not shoot Mil Spec 5.56mm powder loads due to component design. 4. M1, M2 .30-06 Mil Spec ammo may jam in civilian .30-06 rifles.
“Sub MOA Groups”
To get rifle bullet groupings of 3-shots-in-one-inch (1 MOA = “1 Inch”) or less at 100 yards, an expensive rifle and scope are necessary, along with DEVELOPED SHOOTING SKILLS. Economy rifles and scopes, (AS A RULE), coupled with INEXPERIENCE, are not capable of 1 MOA groups ON A REGULAR BASIS.
As an estimate, to achieve 1 MOA repeatability, a semi-automatic rifle should cost about $1200 minimum---somewhat less for bolt actions. The rifle scope should cost about $600. AS A RULE, the lower-end rifles and scopes are basically 2-3 MOA (2-3 inch) group-capable, USUALLY ON A REGULAR BASIS. There are exceptions to each category.
Not every day is a good day at the range. Expect that. Shooting skills are USUALLY acquired by TRIAL and ERROR, with MUCH, MUCH PRACTICE. At the end of a disappointing day at the range, regroup and think things through again and again. Look for weak points which are usually SOLID THEORIES PUT INTO QUESTIONABLE PRACTICE.
Do not become discouraged for this reason: Shooting skills are acquired at the cost of a constant process of education, practice and equipment improvement; ad infinitum.
ZERO YOUR RIFLE IN TWO SHOTSLINKED INDEX
FRANGIBLE BULLETS
.357 SIG Sauer 357SA FMJ/FP 124 grain (Frangible)
LINKED INDEX
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/frangible.htm
“Frangible bullets are not made from a lead projectile covered with a copper jacket, but are composites of hybrid materials either pressed together at high pressure or glued together with adhesives. Frangible bullets are designed to break up into smaller pieces upon contact with harder objects or surfaces. The polymer-compound round produces no splash-back and vastly decreased ricochets. Frangible rounds are available in a wide array of pistol calibers, but due to the inherently high velocities of rifle rounds, frangible ammunition is much less effective in rifles and its performance in actual combat is dubious.
CAVITATIONLINKED INDEX
The effect of a bullet entering a target is the phenomenon called cavitation. After the bullet enters the ordinance gelatin or the living target, it sheds its brass or copper jacket and disperses its frangible material within the target, or, in the case of a lead bullet, the hollowpoint tip mushrooms. These events mean that a cavity is instantaneously produced within the target. The instant formation of the cavity, or cavitation, produces hydrostatic shock that is transmitted in any liquid medium within the target, and directly related to the energy dispersed, produces a correspondingly paralyzing effect when the shock reaches the brain of a living target. The cavity produced by a lead hollowpoint is longer but not as quite as wide as one produced by frangible material. This is because the frangible material stops quicker than the lead mushroomed bullet. Producing hydrostatic shock requires: 1. Adequate bullet weight, 2. Adequate velocity, 3. Adequate mushrooming of the bullet tip or dispersion of frangible material (or attitude of bullet).
ADVICE FOR NEW OR PROSPECTIVE GUN OWNERSLINKED INDEX
“Know the best practice and application cartridge for your firearm: fire nothing else.”
Some Things to Know Before Purchasing a FirearmBefore you purchase a firearm:
Understand that you have great responsibilities if you own a gun.You are responsible for keeping your firearm out of others’ hands.Know gun laws in your city and state; it’s a law to know the law.Be legally-prepared; know lethal force laws and gun-carry laws.Choose the right firearm and cartridge for your situation.
After you purchase a firearm:
The firearm is used for sport and defense---are you ready?Do not attempt to use a firearm unless you are trained. Take NRA firearms courses: Basic and Home Defense.Always follow the gun manufacturer’s directions and cautions.Always wire-brush and swab the firing chamber before the FIRST firing and after EVERY firing. Learn rifle range etiquette before going to the range. Practice shooting at a licensed range; it improves your accuracy and safety. Use sandbags.If defense is your reason for owning a gun, it must be fired as a last resort.If forced to use a gun as a last resort to save your life; shoot to kill.
Some things that can kill you or save you when you are using guns!
1. Poor gun safety. a. Always assume the following:
The “empty gun” is usually involved in gun accidents.
• Guns and children do not mix.
• Unless your guns are really secure, your children will find a way to get to
them; it’s human nature to be driven by curiosity.
• The uninspected firing chamber always has a live cartridge in it.• A misfire (fail to discharge) will always fire automatically in 30 seconds.
• The uninspected barrel always has an obstruction in it.
• Untrained shooters and careless behavior can kill people.
• When someone has used or just shot your gun and returns it to you, it is uninspected, loaded and ready to shoot.
• Unattended or loose firearms are always loaded and get into untrained hands.
• When gun does not discharge, wait for 30 seconds with gun pointed in a safe direction for possible late discharge.
2. Some causes and fatal dangers of an obstructed barrel.
You are out in the woods; it’s raining; there is a round in the firing chamber sealing the barrel; water is accumulating in the barrel; your next shot blows up your rifle or pistol.
You are out in the woods; your rifle slips-you drop it; dirt has plugged the tip of the barrel; your next shot blows up your rifle or pistol.
You are bore-sighting your rifle at the range; you forget to remove the bore-sighter; your next shot blows up your rifle or pistol.
You are target shooting; you hear only a muffled shot or almost no sound; you eject an empty shell; a bullet has lodged in the barrel; your next shot blows up your rifle or your pistol.
3. When you have the slightest doubt about the safety of any condition:
• If NO DISCHARGE, point the gun in a safe direction and wait for 30 seconds
for late discharge.
• Keep your finger OFF the trigger. • Engage the safety, if any.
• Unload the rifle or pistol in THIS ORDER:
1. Point the rifle or pistol in a safe direction with finger off the trigger. 2. Remove the inserted magazine or bottom-dump the internal magazine; and 3. THEN work the bolt back several times to eject any and all live ammunition. The reverse order CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTAL FIRING. You should know why.
CAUTIONSLINKED INDEX
Caution: Magnum or high power pistol ammunition has the danger of over-penetration through walls when fired inside a house.Caution: Garand M1, M2 Mil Spec ammo may jamb in civilian .30-06 rifles.Caution: Some .223 rifles will not shoot 5.56 Mil Spec powder loads due to component design.Caution: .38 Special pistols (revolver or semi-autos) must be designated +p or +p+ to fire +p or +p+ ammunition.Caution: Never attempt to fire .357 ammunition in a .38 special revolver.Caution: Never put a bigger bullet into a smaller gun or firing chamber
Two warnings about buying a rifle or a handgun: 1. It is important to know that what you need to know about a rifle or handgun includes all the specifics about the ammunition that it fires, as 50% of the knowledge about a rifle or handgun is how it works and what it can do and the other 50% is about the ammunition that it fires. It is not possible to make a wise choice about buying a handgun unless the ammunition it fires has been thoroughly researched.2. If you will be purchasing your first firearm, be sure to take a gun safety class before you fire it and keep the ammunition separate from the firearm and keep both locked securely until you are trained. Warning: children will disobey out of curiosity and place themselves and others in danger.
~TO PRESERVE MAGAZINE SPRINGS, ROTATE MAGAZINES WEEKLY AND LOAD TWO OR THREE ROUNDS LESS THAN CAPACITY~
Continue below
LINKED INDEXRIFLE AND PISTOL SLOW FIRE
DRY / LIVE SHOOTING SEQUENCE1. IDENTIFY DOMINANT EYE
(REPEAT TEST 3X FOR ACCURACY)
2. STANCE (RIFLE = STANDING BENCH)
(PISTOL = STANDING ISOSELES)
3. GRIP (RIFLE = DOMINANT EYE SHOULDER) (PISTOL = TWO-HANDED, LAYERED
THUMBS, ARMS LOCKED) (AMBIDEXTROUS SHOOT WITH HIGH-SCORE HAND)
•REPEAT #4-11 AFTER EVERY SHOT•
4. TARGET ACQUISION (SIGHT ALIGNMENT / AIM--SELECT ONE)
5. ACQUIRE SIGHT PICTURE (AIM + TARGET = SIGHT PICTURE)
6. TRIGGER CONTROL (LAST DIGIT PAD)
(TRIGGER FINGER GAP)
7. 1/2 BREATH
8. HOLD CONTROL (BREATH + BODY)
9. HOLD SIGHT PICTURE
10. SQUEEZE TRIGGER (HOLD SIGHT PICTURE)
11. DISCHARGE (SURPRISE)
SAFE ROOMS
The Strongest Practical Cement WallLINKED INDEX
Hollow staggered cinderblock with lengths of rebar (concrete reinforcement bar) inserted into the hollow spaces and then concrete poured into the hollow spaces results in a very strong single layer concrete block wall.
Our Opinion on Safe Rooms“Safe rooms should be independent from house support systems.”
The logic of safe rooms is to provide an impregnable family room in the faceof weather events or home invasion. The door should remain open and then locked from the inside. Your research must determine if the safe room can withstand any physical attempt to reach the family, including gunfire. The intent is for the family to secure themselves and notify authorities and then be rescued. Basement safe rooms should not collapse if the house is leveled in a weather event. The problem with basement safe rooms and weather events is that the safe room can be covered with debris that blocks the door if the house does collapse. A separate ventilation system, tested communications, lighting, water, food, sewer a large pry bar in case of door blockage and a firearm integrated into the safe room is to allow survival until help arrives. Cell phones must be tested and probably will not work in steel safe rooms.
First or second floor safe rooms converted from the most strategically-located bedroom are intended to protect the family at night in case of home invasion. These feature a lighter version bullet-resistant door. The walls are reinforced by adding KEVLAR® laminated sheathing, fiberglass bullet-resistant paneling or other material. The same support items used in basement safe rooms should be installed in an upstairs safe room.
An escape hatch up into the attic and out on to the roof top might be considered in case of fire. An aluminum ladder could be left out on the roof for egress to the ground. Once away from the house all should proceed to and remain at a pre-designated meeting place.
If a firearm is chosen for self defense, decide the location where the gun is to be employed; with the designated shooter IMMEDIATELY assuming the chosen firing location and position.
NOTE: RESEARCH MUST BE DONE TO DETERMINE IF CRIMINALS CAN BREAK THROUGH THE WALLS OF A BEDROOM SAFE ROOM.
Our comments on the movie PANIC ROOM:
There were certain glitches in the construction of the safe room in the movie PANIC ROOM, starring Jodie Foster:
First of all, an armor plate safe room being on an upper floor, we assume that the mansion was constructed of concrete blocks and steel beams to support two to four tons of armor plate.
Items that we did not see incorporated into the movie safe room in PANIC ROOM were:
1. A ventilation system separate from the house system.2. A lockable trapdoor enabling a person to emerge into the floor space or wall space far enough to acquire a cell phone signal. This is another reason for an escape hatch out onto the roof to be installed.3. An appropriate firearm with ammunition plus training classes for certain family members.4. Nutritious survival food and water.
JEFFERSON QUOTEShttp://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_jefferson.html
LINKED INDEX
LIBERTY
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. (Beginning of the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence)
Nothing is unchangeable but the inherent and unalienable rights of man.
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.
We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants alike. The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave.
LOSS OF LIBERTY
The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
DIVINE PROVIDENCE
The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.
Power is not alluring to pure minds.
I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.
It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.
The earth belongs to the living, not to the dead.
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
BEARING OF ARMS
No free man shall be debarred the use of arms.
The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.
Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every Free State.
For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security. (Militia meaning an army of just citizens)ph
None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is therefore at all times important. (“Standing army” meaning the official army of the people’s government. “Ours” meaning our nation.)ph
One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.
TYRANNY
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. (Inscribed around the inside ceiling of the Jefferson Memorial)
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
Force is the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism.
To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it.
LAW
Law is often but the tyrant's will; and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.
GOVERNMENT
A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference.The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.
The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.
My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is.
That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part.
When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself a public property.
TRUTH AND MORALITY
Truth can stand by itself. It is error alone which needs the support of government.
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.
Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society.
I never will, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance or admit a right of inquiry into the religious opinions of others.
It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing, than to believe what is wrong.
EDUCATION
To penetrate and dissipate these clouds of darkness, the general mind must be strengthened by education.
Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.
It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good.
Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.
WAR
Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.
As our enemies have found we can reason like men, so now let us show them we can fight like men also.
POLITICS
An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.
Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct.
Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto.
Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.
CAPITALISM(The history of capitalism can be traced to forms of merchant capitalism during the Middle Ages)Wikipedia
Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains.
SOCIALISM(The history of socialism finds its origins in the French Revolution of 1789) Wikipedia
Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
Never spend your money before you have earned it.
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it.
He who knows best knows how little he knows.
Be polite to all, but intimate with few.
Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.
We never repent of having eaten too little.
When angry, count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.
Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.
Don't talk about what you have done or what you are going to do.
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
