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Prepper's Home Defense: Security Strategies to Protect Your Family by Any Means Necessary
DETER . DELAY. DEFEND!
Does your disaster preparation plan include security measures? When civilization fails and the desperate masses begin looting, they will come for your food, water and life-sustaining supplies. This book shows you how to implement a complete plan for operational security and physical defense,
- Perimeter Security Systems and Traps
- House Fortifications and Safe Rooms
- Secured and Hidden Storage
- Firearms and Defensive Combat Techniques
- Gathering Intelligence and Forming Alliances
Does your disaster preparation plan include security measures? When civilization fails and the desperate masses begin looting, they will come for your food, water and life-sustaining supplies. This book shows you how to implement a complete plan for operational security and physical defense,
- Perimeter Security Systems and Traps
- House Fortifications and Safe Rooms
- Secured and Hidden Storage
- Firearms and Defensive Combat Techniques
- Gathering Intelligence and Forming Alliances
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2012
About the author
Jim Cobb
11 books68 followersJim Cobb has been a prepper since long before that term ever came into use. He's been studying, practicing, and now teaching survival and preparedness for about 30 years. Jim has written several books on the subject, including Prepper's Home Defense, Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide, and Prepper's Financial Guide. He also regularly contributes to magazines such as American Survival Guide, Survivor's Edge, and OFFGRID.
You can find Jim at his website - Survival Weekly. He also has a consulting business found here - Disaster Prep Consultants.
Jim is also very active on Facebook .
You can find Jim at his website - Survival Weekly. He also has a consulting business found here - Disaster Prep Consultants.
Jim is also very active on Facebook .
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 30, 2023
Sound Advice throughout.
February 28, 2014
I recently had a unique opportunity to review a copy of Prepper's Home Defense: Security Strategies to Protect Your Family by Any Means Necessary, by Jim Cobb. Being an avid reader of homesteading and preparedness topics, I am not always too sure what to expect from any book on the subject. Some authors on these topics are spot on while others are very off. I am happy to say that Jim Cobb was spot on. The basic concepts of Prepper's Home Defense are laid out in a practical, easy to read and digest manner. Additionally, the amount of information that is contained in the book is varied and well rounded.
The book begins with the premise that some of the information that is contained may be against the law in our current society, but continues that if there is a breakdown in the structure of law that one must take whatever measures that are necessary in order to protect your family.
Mr. Cobb's writing style is such that someone who is a beginner at prepping can easy understand. Topics like Operational Security (OpSec), commonly known as "loose lips sink ships" aptly begin the book. The author then covers the basics, moving to physical security, then on to weapons, and finally to other, often overlooked areas such as "Children and Security."
While reading this, I quickly learned that there were numerous areas and topics that I hadn't even considered. I found myself frequently taking notes and highlighting areas for further investigation. Although there are some topics that I wish that the author would've gone into additional detail as the topical areas are not very deep, the framework that was laid by the author gives you a great starting place in areas that are often overlooked in other works. These points should be looked at so as to serve to pique one's curiosity to probe further into the topics, rather than to be an encyclopedic tome on the areas covered.
This book provides a wide range of information and when it comes to prepping, it's not what you have, it's what you know that matters. This book gives you a great places to start you on your way. I highly recommend it!
The book begins with the premise that some of the information that is contained may be against the law in our current society, but continues that if there is a breakdown in the structure of law that one must take whatever measures that are necessary in order to protect your family.
Mr. Cobb's writing style is such that someone who is a beginner at prepping can easy understand. Topics like Operational Security (OpSec), commonly known as "loose lips sink ships" aptly begin the book. The author then covers the basics, moving to physical security, then on to weapons, and finally to other, often overlooked areas such as "Children and Security."
While reading this, I quickly learned that there were numerous areas and topics that I hadn't even considered. I found myself frequently taking notes and highlighting areas for further investigation. Although there are some topics that I wish that the author would've gone into additional detail as the topical areas are not very deep, the framework that was laid by the author gives you a great starting place in areas that are often overlooked in other works. These points should be looked at so as to serve to pique one's curiosity to probe further into the topics, rather than to be an encyclopedic tome on the areas covered.
This book provides a wide range of information and when it comes to prepping, it's not what you have, it's what you know that matters. This book gives you a great places to start you on your way. I highly recommend it!
December 31, 2012
After years of being Zombie Review Editor at Monsterlibrarian prepping/survival is not something I’m unfamiliar with. But I can’t say it’s been something I’m educating myself on. Prepper’s Home Defense is just about the perfect place to start. The narrative is informative and light without becoming dry or overly paranoid. It’s a crash course in not just apocalypse survival but ordinary safety and disaster preparedness. Cobb writes in a conversational tone that assumes nothing of his audience’s expertise. He doesn’t talk down to the reader, seeks to include something new (even if it’s only a resource or idea) and maintains a level of easy readability. This isn’t the only survival manual you’ll ever need, but it is a great introductory volume with tons of ideas on where to go next. Highly recommended for collections and as a first go-to volume for beginners (whether just writers doing research or true budding survivalists).
July 30, 2020
A plethora of good information presented in a no bullshit manner. With today’s society acting more like wild deranged animals than civilized beings, this book looks at the need to protect yourself from the anarchist Communist mob and offers practical ideas and solutions. I for one don’t plan on the police to be able to protect me. You shouldn’t either
February 5, 2014
Excellent primer for those new to prepping and some new ideas for the more experienced. Easy conversational style makes reading a pleasure without being overwhelmed by the subject. Highly recommended.
October 7, 2020
Helpful advice on a variety of survival topics, for before and during a disaster. The author clearly knows a lot about the subject.
Notes
Structure Hardening
Sandbags provide excellent protection against bullets.
Sandbags can be filled with dirt, kitty litter, clay.
Plastic or cloth sandbags are fine.
Bags of dirt from home and garden stores can serve as sandbags.
Secure and Hidden Storage
Items for get-home bag: fire-starting kit, first aid supplies, water purification tablets.
Firearms
12-gauge 00 (aught) buckshot is good for defense.
Avoid using slugs in home defense.
Remington 870 is world's most popular shotgun, used by military and police forces around the world because it's reliable.
Mossberg 500 is another good shotgun, slightly cheaper than Remington 870.
Good handguns aren't cheap, so shop around. Consider renting from a gun shop to test.
If you're new to handguns, start with a revolver because they're simpler and don't jam. Main benefit of semiautomatic is ability to carry more rounds.
Practice with moving targets, as that will be better practice for real life.
Practice shooting from a variety of stances, including crouches, lying down, and using non-dominant hand.
Most common calibers for semiautomatic handguns: .45, .40, 9 mm. .380 is another good choice.
Ruger makes great guns that use .380.
Taurus Judge is another great gun.
Double-action is better than single-action.
.357 is good for a revolver.
For your first gun, consider buying used, especially from a private individual (if legal). Consider meeting seller at gun range to test gun before buying.
For each gun, get a full cleaning kit and spare parts. Learn to field-strip, fully clean and oil, and reassemble. Clean gun each time you fire it and every time it's sat for a while.
Other Weapons
Throwing knives are a bad choice, because they require a lot of practice to use well. Even if you throw well, it's hard to kill someone by throwing a knife. If you hit someone but don't kill them, they can use the knife on you.
To take someone down with a knife, stab (preferably vital organ), don't slash.
Don't resort to fighting with a knife unless you've exhausted all options, including running.
Folding knives are too short to inflict serious damage.
Pepper spray is very effective.
tbotech.com sells personal and home protection items. survival-gear.com sells survival kits.
Stun gun must be held against attacker; Taser shoots electrodes. Either one will stop an attacker and put them on the ground long enough for you to act.
Hand-to-Hand Combat
Never kick above your waist unless your opponent is on the ground; it's too easy for them to grab your foot.
Interrupting blood flow in carotid arteries for several seconds will render opponent unconscious.
Striking kidneys can cause extreme pain. Aim for lower back, on either side of spine.
Bugging Out
Categories to include in bug-out bag
• Water, water filtration
• Food
• Shelter
• Fire-making
• First aid, hygiene
• Security
Water purification
• Go Berkey Kit with Black Berkey filter element
• Water purification tablets
• Boiling (best)
Food
• Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods
• Things you can eat without prep
• Bagged tuna or chicken
• Crackers
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Granola bars
• Protein bars
• Utensils
• Ceramic or metal cups (if you want hot liquids)
• Avoid MREs (heavy, bulky)
Notes
Structure Hardening
Sandbags provide excellent protection against bullets.
Sandbags can be filled with dirt, kitty litter, clay.
Plastic or cloth sandbags are fine.
Bags of dirt from home and garden stores can serve as sandbags.
Secure and Hidden Storage
Items for get-home bag: fire-starting kit, first aid supplies, water purification tablets.
Firearms
12-gauge 00 (aught) buckshot is good for defense.
Avoid using slugs in home defense.
Remington 870 is world's most popular shotgun, used by military and police forces around the world because it's reliable.
Mossberg 500 is another good shotgun, slightly cheaper than Remington 870.
Good handguns aren't cheap, so shop around. Consider renting from a gun shop to test.
If you're new to handguns, start with a revolver because they're simpler and don't jam. Main benefit of semiautomatic is ability to carry more rounds.
Practice with moving targets, as that will be better practice for real life.
Practice shooting from a variety of stances, including crouches, lying down, and using non-dominant hand.
Most common calibers for semiautomatic handguns: .45, .40, 9 mm. .380 is another good choice.
Ruger makes great guns that use .380.
Taurus Judge is another great gun.
Double-action is better than single-action.
.357 is good for a revolver.
For your first gun, consider buying used, especially from a private individual (if legal). Consider meeting seller at gun range to test gun before buying.
For each gun, get a full cleaning kit and spare parts. Learn to field-strip, fully clean and oil, and reassemble. Clean gun each time you fire it and every time it's sat for a while.
Other Weapons
Throwing knives are a bad choice, because they require a lot of practice to use well. Even if you throw well, it's hard to kill someone by throwing a knife. If you hit someone but don't kill them, they can use the knife on you.
To take someone down with a knife, stab (preferably vital organ), don't slash.
Don't resort to fighting with a knife unless you've exhausted all options, including running.
Folding knives are too short to inflict serious damage.
Pepper spray is very effective.
tbotech.com sells personal and home protection items. survival-gear.com sells survival kits.
Stun gun must be held against attacker; Taser shoots electrodes. Either one will stop an attacker and put them on the ground long enough for you to act.
Hand-to-Hand Combat
Never kick above your waist unless your opponent is on the ground; it's too easy for them to grab your foot.
Interrupting blood flow in carotid arteries for several seconds will render opponent unconscious.
Striking kidneys can cause extreme pain. Aim for lower back, on either side of spine.
Bugging Out
Categories to include in bug-out bag
• Water, water filtration
• Food
• Shelter
• Fire-making
• First aid, hygiene
• Security
Water purification
• Go Berkey Kit with Black Berkey filter element
• Water purification tablets
• Boiling (best)
Food
• Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods
• Things you can eat without prep
• Bagged tuna or chicken
• Crackers
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Granola bars
• Protein bars
• Utensils
• Ceramic or metal cups (if you want hot liquids)
• Avoid MREs (heavy, bulky)
January 16, 2016
This book is certainly aimed at defending your home if you are American, with emphasis on guns and setting traps which UK readers would get arrested for using but it was fun to read about! Besides if a global disaster comes it might be useful to deploy some of these tactics to save yourself as there would be no police to stop you!
There are chapters that are relevant to all homeowners though. The book covers ways to make it more difficult to get onto your property unseen and preventing intruders in your home. Constructing safe rooms, guard dogs and personal defence were all interesting to read about. This is the ideal book for prepper groups to use to protect their area.
There are chapters that are relevant to all homeowners though. The book covers ways to make it more difficult to get onto your property unseen and preventing intruders in your home. Constructing safe rooms, guard dogs and personal defence were all interesting to read about. This is the ideal book for prepper groups to use to protect their area.
November 10, 2013
If you already have knowledge of home defense or if you're a newbie, this book is for you. With points to consider if you're a pro and whole new ideas if you're just starting. This is a reference guide which is easy to understand in language that will instantly make sense. You'd be doing a disservice to yourself and loved ones if you don't get this book now.
October 7, 2023
Relevant and important
In this book Mr. Cobb gives a plethora of ways to prepare your home and yourself for a period of lawlessness. His advice is timely and timeless. He busts myths and doesn't venture into fantasy. He makes you consider things that may not have not have even crossed your mind. This one goes to the reference collection without a doubt. I'm impressed. If you are responsible for the safety of anyone, including yourself, it would behoove you to read this.
In this book Mr. Cobb gives a plethora of ways to prepare your home and yourself for a period of lawlessness. His advice is timely and timeless. He busts myths and doesn't venture into fantasy. He makes you consider things that may not have not have even crossed your mind. This one goes to the reference collection without a doubt. I'm impressed. If you are responsible for the safety of anyone, including yourself, it would behoove you to read this.
June 5, 2026
Loved the tactical & practical security mechanisms taught throughout this book. The historical warfare strategies, survivalist principles, & surveillance techniques were quite insightful and interesting to learn about! Thought the: “7 Ps in military- ‘Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance’” were awesome!
May 27, 2024
As a beginner, I found this very helpful. Only criticism
was the omission of the aid of family and friends or social goups, such as church or Sierra Club. Tribes are the original source of aid, and the best.
March 12, 2019
Well written. Lots of helpful pointers. Worth reading.
March 13, 2017
I'm not a prepped ... but ....
The ebook was well wrote for someone not ready for survival and a good refresher for one who's been in the military. I found the firearms section worth its weight in gold (again, the mention of a refresher) but I noticed there was no mention of bows or even crossbows. Just a thought on that matter, like the .22's, they're good for meat on the table. There is a need for skill for using them in a "fight".
The ebook was well wrote for someone not ready for survival and a good refresher for one who's been in the military. I found the firearms section worth its weight in gold (again, the mention of a refresher) but I noticed there was no mention of bows or even crossbows. Just a thought on that matter, like the .22's, they're good for meat on the table. There is a need for skill for using them in a "fight".
October 1, 2016
Why am i reading this?
Well there are many reasons, first and foremost it is one of a few fields i am studying some for something i want to write. And then theres Roleplay. If your going to play various roles, it is good to have at least a basic idea of the concept.
As for the concepts of Survivalist and Prepper, they themselves are fascinating to study, while it is something primarily found in USA, it has gotten a slowly growing community here in Europe as well in recent years.
Jim Cobb is a serious voice in a field where i have seen a lot of what seem more like mental issues than someone wanting to be prepared. And so this book is well worth a read if issues like this is even of remote interest to you, and he even referances several other well respected and serious voices in these fields that are worth a read, even if you yourself are not a Prepper or Survivalist, at least it contains good information incase you want to rough it a bit, or like me... just want to know more about things you want to use in a fiction book.
Well there are many reasons, first and foremost it is one of a few fields i am studying some for something i want to write. And then theres Roleplay. If your going to play various roles, it is good to have at least a basic idea of the concept.
As for the concepts of Survivalist and Prepper, they themselves are fascinating to study, while it is something primarily found in USA, it has gotten a slowly growing community here in Europe as well in recent years.
Jim Cobb is a serious voice in a field where i have seen a lot of what seem more like mental issues than someone wanting to be prepared. And so this book is well worth a read if issues like this is even of remote interest to you, and he even referances several other well respected and serious voices in these fields that are worth a read, even if you yourself are not a Prepper or Survivalist, at least it contains good information incase you want to rough it a bit, or like me... just want to know more about things you want to use in a fiction book.
May 7, 2014
Very detailed practical information to prepare for any weather or man-made emergency. Many folks have in the back of their minds that local authorities will provide for their needs...but of course that can't be true. About ten years ago, my family went without power for eight days due to a tropical storm. It was a challenge. This book has some good ideas what to have on hand, what to have ready if you have to evacuate and what to do to prepare for prolonged events if you have to live off the grid for an extended period of time.
May 20, 2025
Solid book! Didn't blow my socks off, but covered a lot of great material and deepened my understanding of the topic. Definitely worth reading if you're fascinated by prepper topics like I am.
Related books worth reading:
The Gift of Violence by Matt Thornton
When Violence Is The Answer by Tim Larkin
Concrete Jungle by Clay Martin
Related books worth reading:
The Gift of Violence by Matt Thornton
When Violence Is The Answer by Tim Larkin
Concrete Jungle by Clay Martin
September 21, 2016
Recommended reading
I've read this book a few times now. It has good info on a wide variety of topics. Pick up your copy soon.
I've read this book a few times now. It has good info on a wide variety of topics. Pick up your copy soon.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews