DocT,
To expand on home security a bit, if you have a hallway between outside doors/accessible windows and your bedrooms, consider a metal "garden gate" that extends near the ceiling and can be securely bolted to the wall. These are very popular in the Phils outside their external doors to prevent/dissuade break ins. Placed in a hallway and locked before bedtimes, will keep anyone coming in a bay. The work can be had cheaply in the region you are working in, welders do not get the pay they do here in US.
Pro- separation from attackers, relatively cheap and easily swung open against the wall when not in use- creates a "safe room"
Con- MUST be prepared to unlock quickly in case of fire.
Many OFW's in Middle East invest in a safe room.
Other things you may consider is flood lights and a loud siren connected to a light switch in your bedroom. Again labor in that region is somewhat cheap and you mentioned having a house. If you are woken or retreat to this safe room, a flip of the switch illuminates inside and out and also draws attention with the siren. People may not commit to helping but no thief wants a bunch of witnesses.
An advantage us 'Kanos have over locals is a little deeper pockets, the will to fight and the will to do work that they consider a lower "caste". Attackers have learned that neighbors often will not get involved in helping someone during an attack for fear of later retribution. It shocks them when we fight back.
Pepper spray is illegal to carry into many countries but you could also try to source some there. If not, a strong spray like wasp and hornet killer reaches across a room, soaks a persons face and will temporarily render them unable to see. Look around the house and imagine how innocuous household items might be used for defense. Once you have considered it, you will be better prepared, having already made the decision before the event.
Bill
To expand on home security a bit, if you have a hallway between outside doors/accessible windows and your bedrooms, consider a metal "garden gate" that extends near the ceiling and can be securely bolted to the wall. These are very popular in the Phils outside their external doors to prevent/dissuade break ins. Placed in a hallway and locked before bedtimes, will keep anyone coming in a bay. The work can be had cheaply in the region you are working in, welders do not get the pay they do here in US.
Pro- separation from attackers, relatively cheap and easily swung open against the wall when not in use- creates a "safe room"
Con- MUST be prepared to unlock quickly in case of fire.
Many OFW's in Middle East invest in a safe room.
Other things you may consider is flood lights and a loud siren connected to a light switch in your bedroom. Again labor in that region is somewhat cheap and you mentioned having a house. If you are woken or retreat to this safe room, a flip of the switch illuminates inside and out and also draws attention with the siren. People may not commit to helping but no thief wants a bunch of witnesses.
An advantage us 'Kanos have over locals is a little deeper pockets, the will to fight and the will to do work that they consider a lower "caste". Attackers have learned that neighbors often will not get involved in helping someone during an attack for fear of later retribution. It shocks them when we fight back.
Pepper spray is illegal to carry into many countries but you could also try to source some there. If not, a strong spray like wasp and hornet killer reaches across a room, soaks a persons face and will temporarily render them unable to see. Look around the house and imagine how innocuous household items might be used for defense. Once you have considered it, you will be better prepared, having already made the decision before the event.
Bill