Thanks for the helpful tips!
A little more background info.
We discussed bugging out to in-laws. Problem is, that there will be at least several other siblings, & their spouses & numerous children as well. We estimate that it would be NO less than 21 & that includes us 4). Problem is, we are the only household prepping. My food & water stores will not feed that many people.
Alaska weather is harsh, frost from September thru May, & last winter we had over 130 inches of snow. A very short growing season of June to September. I'm big into canning & food prep, converted a coat closet into pantry, & additional freezer for local caught halibut, cod, shrimp, & crab...but no good if the power goes out.
Will look into gun safe. My husband is an avid knife collector, but I'd rather a gun over a knife when it comes to protection. And I love the baseball bat idea...picking one up this week! A poster mentioned self defense...good & bad for me personally. I Have trained in various martial arts, I hold black belts in 4 different styles, BUT I have torn cartilage in both knees, & currently attending physical therapy as I tore my hip labrum cuff in July & Dr said the only repair is surgery. On good days I'm not in a whole lot of pain, only with certain rotations of the hip. On bad days I'm popping ibuprofen like its going out of style, & using a cane...not too hot considering I'm 32
