I understand that it is a good idea to have ready cash available in case of a real “bug-out” emergency. How much would you recommend? What would be the safest manner of protecting it?
I am sure you are aware that Homeland Security is alerted by banks when someone withdraws ten-thousand or more so maintaining an amount like that would require several smaller withdrawals in order to not draw attention to myself – if you are recommending such an amount.
-Sal S
Answer: I recommend having at least 6 months’ worth of your living expenses saved in a bank and at least one months of living expenses in cash in your home. I recommend this one month of cash be in $20 bills and that you keep it in a small, fireproof safe. Sentry is one such company that makes inexpensive fireproof safes.
Do you recommend carrying a baton as a self-defense weapon? I received a collapsible one as a gift, but I want to know what the disadvantages are.
-Mark T
Answer: A baton is an effective weapon, but it’s not my number one choice for self-defense. The thing about batons is you have to deploy them, usually by swinging out the collapsible part, which can take time and strength.
In addition, depending on the state you live in, batons can be illegal for citizens to carry. So, make sure you check your state and local laws regarding carrying the baton.
If the Communists or Democrats, take over the country, wouldn’t the FFL in itself make you a ‘first target’ for confiscation?
-Darrell W
Answer: Unfortunately, every time you purchase a firearm from an FFL there is paperwork you have to fill out. This paperwork is eventually submitted to the federal government and must be kept by the FFL dealer for 20 years.
In other words, whether you have an FFL or not the government knows who has purchased guns. (The option you could take is to not have your address on your FFL or what you use on paperwork be your home address.)
Do you have any recommendations for surveillance equipment to find hidden cameras, listening devices in hotel rooms etc?
-Max S
Answer: There are a lot of products on Amazon and other retail websites that market these types of surveillance detection devices. The problem is, many of these devices are cheap and don’t actually detect all the different types of surveillance frequencies.
The best thing to do if you believe you are under surveillance is to hire a professional private investigator that has the quality, expensive detection equipment. My company does this type of thing and our investigators can scan a room to make sure that you are 100% safe and no one is spying on you. But, these types of services are definitely not cheap.
All this talk of home security and most folks will spend lot of money for their electric devices, along with heavy steel bolts to lock the windows and or doors. What they miss is the basement windows. I studied locksmithing and can tell you the easiest entrance to any home is by way of the basement window.
-Kelly P
Answer: You are right that it’s important to never overlook a window or door even if you think it’s too small or not an ideal point of entry. I recommend installing glass break window sensors for your home security system on every single door and window in your home.
In addition, I would install motion sensors in your basement especially if it’s not somewhere you typically spend a lot of time. Finally, I would place a piece of wood in the window track to prevent the window from being opened.
What do you have to say about older ammo? For example: In the late seventies and early eighties a lot of folks bought bricks of 22 caliber rounds and hundreds, sometimes thousands, of higher caliber rounds because of the threat of confiscation during some of those years.
-Ronald L
Answer: Ammunition doesn’t necessarily have an expiration date. However, it can go bad over time depending on the conditions it was stored in. If you have kept your ammo in a damp basement for the last 10 years, it could have gone bad from the moisture.
With that being said, if you live in a dry climate and store your ammo at reasonable temperatures then it could last decades. I store my ammo in cool, dry places and don’t ever worry about it going bad.
