There could be instances when isolating oneself or one's household is ideal; depending more-or-less on epidemiological or socio-political situations.

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However, we will look into the advantages (as well as the disadvantages) of building a "safe" community. In this particular scenario, we will discuss how to be a VIGILANT CITIZEN within your community.

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1. Each family member ought to be able to differentiate a neighbor from a stranger; including children and pets.

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2. The head of the household should be aware of likeminded neighbors who are just as interested in prepping and survivalism as him/herself.

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3. You ought to have regularly scheduled meetings (perhaps, quarterly) with your likeminded neighbors and discuss various important points regarding crime, gangs, drugs, traffic, etc.

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4. Time must be allowed for trust to be established. Be cautious of neighbors who report other neighbors to the authorities for frivolous reasons. This also applies to neighbors who volunteer information to solicitors such as census workers, poll workers, and salespeople. People who deputize themselves to make a citizen's arrest are individuals who will, more than likely, turn you in for no valid reason, as well.

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5. Once undesirable individuals have been "weeded out", you can begin to consider bartering and trading necessary resources with those who you trust most.

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6. Beware of marauders (individuals who invade the homes and compounds of fellow preppers) and burglars. Find ways to reduce the likelihood of crime.

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7. Remove your home from GOOGLE MAPS. Thieves and burglars search for ease of access and ways of escape. You should blur your home and the license plates of any vehicles displayed on the app.

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8. Remove the garage door opener from any vehicle parked in front of your home. Place a RING door camera at your front and side doors. Use solar lights with motion sensors.

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9. If power goes out for an extended amount of time, your community should have a HAM radio, CB radio, satellite phones and walkie-talkie devices to communicate. Signaling options such as morse code, sign language, color coded lighting and even carrier pigeons should be considered based on how far you are located from others.

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10. Build a "guard dog network". Allow your dog to know other dogs in your community. They will alert each other, as well as each corresponding family, of danger.

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11. Designate a neighbor as a safe place location in case of a house fire or home invasion. In the event of a crime or disaster, contact the police and file a report.

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12. You, along with 2 or 3 other neighboring families, can pool money together for an "offgrid safehouse" and plan an escape route to a remote location when you can no longer "bug-in" during a crisis. Ample fuel ought to be stored in a safe place for a quick vehicular getaway. Backpacks must be supplied for 3 days of rations and "bugging out" ought to be rehearsed, in advance.