I know most of this forum talks about PSKs and surviving when one is not at home (i.e. work, in transit, etc.). Or BOBs for when ones to leave ones home to flee the area. I haven't seen much talk in terms of establishing your house as a safe haven (not much good in city environments). I'm talking more for those who live in rather secluded areas (farms and ranches, cabins on 50-100 acres, maybe even a mountain retreat).

I was thinking about how you could build a house or cabin to be more self sufficient. Now I'm not talking TEOTWAWKI. What I am saying is I think there are some simple design/construction ideas that would make a house or cabin more efficient. Designed to use societal infrastructure (water, power, sewage) but easily switch to more self-sufficient means. Obviously a deep well would be great if you lived where you could support one.

Here's my list:
1. Solar panels - Many homes have them. Maybe expand their size or be able to set out some extra ones on the lawn during times of power outages. SO, there has to be a way to plug them into the electrical systems.

2. Outerwall Construction - Use 2x6 instead of 2x4 or some newer types of insulation (liquid foam) to better insulate.

3. Roofs and Gutters - Design the gutters on the roof so one could easily collect any water in case of severe drought. Should be an easy modification, maybe need to use more waterproof gutters and design roof for more of a gravity assist. I know in drought times, it doesn't rain alot, but....

4. Electrical Wiring - Rig two sets of wiring outlets (similar to how hospitals do) where certain outlets are linked to a backup generator or solar panel feed. These would be the only outlets that would work, so you can easily prevent unneeded use of electricity. Also establish room lights where only certain lights would work so as to be efficient as possible. No need for all that wattage during a power outage. This might be something you do only in the main living room/family room and the largest bedroom.

5. Indoor/Underground Gardens - I've seen some articles (mostly for manned space missions) on how you could use fancy grow lights, PVC tubes with holes, and a water based soil system to grow your own vegetables. The idea here being less conspicuous that you had a garden making it much easier to protect.

6. Secret Closet or Room - I still think these can be useful. Not like a "panic room" <img src="images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />, but maybe more of a hidden storage room that had a hidden access point. Maybe a hidden pantry behind the pantry. Maybe even a second basement, if you could dig that deep.

What do you think? Any one think of some others or maybe have or seen something similar?

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