The Secure Home by Joel M. Skousen 680 pages (2006)

The Secure Home by Joel M. Skousen 680 pages (2006)

Third Edition 2006

This is the long awaited update of Mr. Skousen's original and popular work, The Survival Home Manual, last printed in 1982. It has a new title and is a near total rewrite--expanded from 300 pages to 700 pages. This book is intended to give you all the information you need to implement a high security and self-sufficient residence or retreat, from initial design strategy to shelter construction details. Mr. Skousen's design specialty is building high security, totally self-sufficient homes that are completely off-the grid. This massive volume shows you how to accomplish the complex process of integrating all of the security and self-sufficiency systems into a conventional structure. His unique multi-purpose, high security shelter designs allow a person to install a concealed safe room within a conventional home that offers complete live-in protection from tornadoes, hurricanes, fire, intrusion and nuclear fallout. These are self-contained with independent electrical power, water, food storage and communications and compact living facilities--all with convenient access from inside your own home. His voluminous lists of specific product and equipment recommendations, along with sources, will save you months of research. These lists are updated regularly on his website so that your copy of The Secure Home will never be out of date.

Joel Skousen's books are highly sought after due to the great amount of hands-on experience he has in this field. His original Survival Home Manual was the pioneering work in the high security residential field, over 25 years ago. This completely new work, with an updated title (The Secure Home) is destined to replace his original work as THE definitive work in the field of self-sufficient and high security architecture.

This book contains all of the design concepts and implementation details I use in my work. I have placed these valuable illustrations and descriptions in The Secure Home to help readers do all or part of their own design work. My work load has increased so much over the years that I only have time to consult on design now and must leave the detail design work to other designers or architects. This book provides the necessary details to help others do the implementation. This allows me to better serve hundreds of clients each year instead of a handful. I encourage a lot of do-it-yourself design and construction and thus have tried to develop many simply and inexpensive ways to provide security. With the online update of recommended equipment and products it saves me from having to revise the entire print edition to keep the book current.

"Have you ever felt...vulnerable? Me too. Well, the sad fact is that 'The Secure Home' will undoubtedly make you feel much more so. As an example: the author explains that where the population density exceeds 100 people per square mile - the population is inherently at risk even in minor shipping crises (caused by strike or natural disaster). The book will have a different effect on each who reads it. However, everyone who reads this text must agree that the author "knows what he is talking about." There are 20 well-detailed chapters on such topics as ("Lifestyle changes under self-sufficiency", "Strategy and Training For Quick Reaction To A Crisis", "Preparedness Planning and Threat Assessment", "Security", "Choosing the Right Household Appliances(awesome chapter!)", "Building a High Security Shelter" ). As I read these chapters I kept finding myself wishing that Mr. Skousen was my father! Why? Because REAL fathers prepare their children for the harsh realities of life. Too many parents want to shelter children from reality. It boggles my mind to think that parents refuse to discuss potential threats with their children because they are afraid it may cause them too much undue stress! Americans are simply not prepared to cope with crises today. My parents sure didn't help prepare me! I strongly suggest that you purchase this text and read it. When you find that you feel utterly vulnerable...ACT...make steps towards preparedness. (1) plan to relocate - try your best to move to a more rural location. Finally, this book is a must have if you are building your own house - TRUST ME - if you follow the author's sage advice (especially about which appliances are preparedness friendly, such as dual-fuel appliances!) your home will be able to handle crises WHEN one strikes.

The author also publishes a book Strategic Relocation: North American Guide to Safe Places. In Strategic Relocation the author lists the criteria that doesn't occur to the normal American when attempting to relocate one's residence or preparedness retreat. There is a great deal of text devoted to the author's notion that Russia poses a real (first strike)nuclear threat. I believe that he is dead on. However, those of you that believe that Russia poses no threat to America will undoubtedly be confused (at best) or annoyed (at worst). Joel Skousen opened my eyes to my vulnerability and empowered me with the steps that I can take to assuage that risk."

files:

1) Analysis of Strategic Threats in the Current Decade - Joel M. Skousen.pdf - 18 pages

2) The Secure Home by Joel M. Skousen (2006).pdf - 680 pages

comment: Please bear in mind that you'll need a hard copy of this book. During a temporary or permanent power outage your computer won't run. During a nuclear war EMP-pulse-weapons will fry all of your electronics for good.