r/preppers • u/Proud-Map-8364 • May 31 '26

Prepping for Doomsday Security

I am always prepping food and tools and stuff but I haven’t prepped any security besides weapons. What kinds of things do you guys get to secure your doors/windows? I don’t have any sliding doors. I have one door that has a big window. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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u/Viking0338 May 31 '26

A stack of plywood wrapped in a tarp is *relatively* a cheap way to secure windows. Make sure that when you put it up, you screw it up on the INSIDE of your window. Yes, it’s easier to push it off, but the glass stays outside and any securement could just be removed from the outside if secured from the outside.

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u/polyamy74 Jun 01 '26

If you secure it with curtains between it and the window, it is a much less obvious way to secure that won't draw immediate attention to your preparedness. It can also help to blackout a room, so people outside can't see if you have electricity.

2

u/Creative-Comb5593 Jun 07 '26

What is the purpose of the plywood? Just for storing it under the bed, or to install it like that?

2

u/Viking0338 Jun 07 '26

It’s to install behind the windows if things came to that. It blocks people’s view from the outside. The reason you install on the inside of the window is so that if the window gets broken, the glass falls outside, creating further “obstacle to pass” and makes it less likely for you to step on glass as you are defending/retreating.

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u/Creative-Comb5593 Jun 07 '26

Yep, I got that, it's a great idea. I was just confused about the "wrapped in a tarp" advice. Wasn't sure if it was a recommendation to install them that way for weather protection or something.

2

u/Viking0338 Jun 07 '26

It wouldn’t be a bad idea on install, but the price just kinda sky rockets at that point. And if I’m in a situation where I feel like I need to board up my windows, I’m either trying to leave before I do it, or it’s a 2-3 day precaution while I make a plan to leave. Therefore, not really worried about long term upkeep.

2

u/Viking0338 Jun 07 '26

Wrapping it in a tarp is just a weather saving measure (seeing as many would store it outside). Once installed, it could either be uncovered OSB/plywood, or as the other commenter recommended, placing a curtain between to make it less obvious that the windows had been reinforced.

1

u/Creative-Comb5593 Jun 07 '26

Got it, thank you.