In Episode 8 guest Steven File of Strategic Home Defense sheds light on the need to protect one’s home with a plan, which he says is an act of greater freedom and security.   Steven brings 19 years combined experience in law enforcement and as an infantry squad leader with the National Guard to his business helping homeowners feel safer. “Rather than rely on some government agency to protect my family, that’s my responsibility. And if I’m not prepared to do that in a justified way, and in an effective way, am I really taking care of my family?” he asks. With increased food shortages and other supply chain issues expected–and crime rates escalating and less police and resources available to respond–it’s becoming even more important to protect one’s home base and become more self-sufficient, he and co-hosts Jim Gale and Matthew Britt share. Topics covered in this interview:Getting prepared with a strategic plan to build home defense security: The mindset of having everything covered. Does everybody in the family know their role? Do you have food, water, and back up power?  Emergency planning by building relationships with like-minded people, who can help share resources and have different skill sets. Matthew:  “It’s going to be a strength in numbers, survival-of-the-fittest moment…to work in collaboration if the system collapses (and all signs point to a collapse of some sort).” –Key components of a plan, from layers to review such as locations on a premise in which to build more security, to practice sessions for tactical preparation. Building privacy with trees and shrubs is important for “the less people see, the less people know.” –Ways to strengthen security both in the suburbs as well as for city dwellers are discussed. –Security tips for physical safety such as: Do not share photos on social media while on vacation so you don’t alert anyone that you are away.  (Post vacation photos AFTER you return home if you want to share.)  Dogs are scarier than alarms to a potential intruder (and it’s rare a house with a dog will get broken into, Steven claims). –The Great Awakening and seeing people becoming more empowered and self-sustaining. –Which “hard” does one choose?  On self-sufficiency: Matthew Britt: “It’s hard to be rich and it’s hard to be poor.  LIfe isn’t easy.  It’s simple, though. And if you do simple things repeatedly it will produce a predictable result….and being able to take care of yourself is when you get a new level of confidence ….getting into the strength position that I have everything I need right here.  If you can yourself set up where you have your food, you have your water, you have your family protected, you’re standing on a strong foundation that can put you in a position to care for others.” –With home defense security, the goal is to empower people to successfully provide for and protect their homes, their families and their livelihood. Jim Gale:  “Defend your property before anything starts…that’s the best way to defend it, where nobody wants to mess with you in the first place.”  About Steven File Co-founder of Strategic Home Defense Steven has worked in Law Enforcement for seven years and has 12 years of military experience. He has worked as a Tactical Operations Officer and an Intelligence Detective. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in 2017. He co-founded Strategic Home Defense with his wife, Kelsey, who also has seven years experience in law enforcement.  Additionally, Kelsey is a nationally certified canine handler through the North American Police Work Dog Association. Strategic Home Defense: https://www.strategichomedefense.com Food Forest Abundance: Website: https://foodforestabundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodForestAbundance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodforestabundance/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FFAbundance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-forest-abundance/ The Jim Gale Show Podcast: https://linktr.ee/jimgaleshow Pro