A hinge pin lifts out in ten seconds and the deadbolt stops mattering
Plus the two October disasters that give you almost no warning, and what to do this week.
Issue #052 Thursday, October 8, 2026 Home Safety
An outswing door with exposed hinges opens from the hinge side in about ten seconds. The deadbolt never gets touched.
Today’s Skill
Check the hinge side, then the glass
Stand outside every exterior door after dark. If the hinge barrels face you, the door swings out and the pins can be lifted. Fix it with set screws or non removable pin hinges. Then check windows. Drop a cut dowel in every sliding window track. Aim one light at the door itself so a face is visible from the street. Text one neighbor a photo of your back gate so they know what normal looks like.
On The Radar
Gulf storms and dry offshore wind
October still carries hurricanes in the Gulf and Atlantic, and dry offshore winds drive fire across the West. Both arrive fast. Clear dead leaves and pine needles from gutters and the first five feet around your foundation this week. Fill the bathtub and your jugs when a storm gets named. Charge your banks. Know two routes out of your neighborhood, because the main one closes first.
The Drill
One lap around the house, tonight
After dark tonight, walk the full outside of your home once. Try every door and window from the outside. Mark which hinges are exposed and where the light leaves black spots. Tomorrow, buy hinge set screws and a dowel rod and fix what you found. Under an hour, start to finish.
Ready beats lucky. Rise.
- Survival Rise
P.S. Forward this to the neighbor you would call at 2 a.m., then make sure they have your number.