Home & Personal Safety & Protection

[Novelafemme]

I would appreciate hearing how you all protect your homes, property and persons...do you own a gun? sleep with a taser under your pillow? keep a baseball bat near your bed?

I am considering <gulp> purchasing a small semi automatic to keep in my nightstand and welcome any and all feedback. Thanks in advance!

[sweetfemme247]

we have 3......

[theoddz]

Hey there Novela!! Great idea for a thread. :)

I have a relatively large house (4 BR) and I live by myself. I live in a good neighborhood (by Las Vegas standards) that has had, historically, a low level of criminal activity. By and large, though, Las Vegas has a bad reputation for crime and we truly are "Sin City", in every way you could imagine. The city and culture caters to just about every vice you can imagine. If you want examples, just turn your television on to the show "Cops". Las Vegas makes frequent appearances on there. :twitch:

So, back to your question. When I first bought my house in 2003, I immediately got hooked up with a monitored security system, which I still have. I have mixed feelings on how effective I think "those people" are. About 3 years ago, the wind blew my front doors (french doors) open at around 0230 in the morning and it set my alarm off, nearly scaring the boxers right off of me, as I was sound asleep at the time. The alarm tech called me and asked if I was okay, then told me "Well, I can call 911 for you, but they'd probably respond faster if YOU called them." Ya, this while my house alarm is going off and I'm thinking that someone has broken into my house and is going to come into my bedroom at any second and shoot me. :|

Anyway, it is at times like that when I rely on my secondary security system.....a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 with a 4 inch barrel and hollow point rounds. It can shoot through a door, if need be. The reason I own this weapon is because, even though I have a monitored security system, there is a LOT that can happen between the time that the system is triggered and the time that the police arrive. I want the option of being able to protect my person if it comes to that. Here in the State of Nevada, the law says that a person is permitted to defend themselves, but not their property. The only time you can shoot and/or kill an intruder is when you have a reasonable belief that your life is being threatened by them. Just them being in your home is not legal grounds for shooting or killing them. You have to have reasonable belief that they mean to harm YOU, not steal your property. So, my plan is as follows......

If my alarm system is triggered, or an intruder breaks into my home, I will grab my .38 and lock myself in my bedroom. If the intruder breaks into my bedroom or attempts to break the door down, I can reasonably assume that he/she is there to physically threaten my life and/or my person and I am prepared to shoot to kill....even through the door.

That said, I do want to point out that I am a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and I have had extensive training with firearms. It's been years since I was on active duty in the Corps, but the training has stayed with me. I go to the pistol range every now and then and brush up. It's been a fun "hobby" of sorts, too, and may end up saving my life or someone else's life one day.

Now....THAT said, I do want to strongly caution those who have NOT had firearms training against buying a firearm for personal protection without taking at least a short class on firearms safety and/or how to handle a firearm. Special cautions also need to be taken if you're going to buy a firearm and you have children in your household. In other words, if you're going to own a firearm, be a responsible firearms owner and/or parent.

Good luck and stay safe out there. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[suebee]

Four dogs. Three bark loudly and the fourth would surely whine them into submission.

[Novelafemme]

Hey there Novela!! Great idea for a thread. :)

I have a relatively large house (4 BR) and I live by myself. I live in a good neighborhood (by Las Vegas standards) that has had, historically, a low level of criminal activity. By and large, though, Las Vegas has a bad reputation for crime and we truly are "Sin City", in every way you could imagine. The city and culture caters to just about every vice you can imagine. If you want examples, just turn your television on to the show "Cops". Las Vegas makes frequent appearances on there. :twitch:

So, back to your question. When I first bought my house in 2003, I immediately got hooked up with a monitored security system, which I still have. I have mixed feelings on how effective I think "those people" are. About 3 years ago, the wind blew my front doors (french doors) open at around 0230 in the morning and it set my alarm off, nearly scaring the boxers right off of me, as I was sound asleep at the time. The alarm tech called me and asked if I was okay, then told me "Well, I can call 911 for you, but they'd probably respond faster if YOU called them." Ya, this while my house alarm is going off and I'm thinking that someone has broken into my house and is going to come into my bedroom at any second and shoot me. :|

Anyway, it is at times like that when I rely on my secondary security system.....a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 with a 4 inch barrel and hollow point rounds. It can shoot through a door, if need be. The reason I own this weapon is because, even though I have a monitored security system, there is a LOT that can happen between the time that the system is triggered and the time that the police arrive. I want the option of being able to protect my person if it comes to that. Here in the State of Nevada, the law says that a person is permitted to defend themselves, but not their property. The only time you can shoot and/or kill an intruder is when you have a reasonable belief that your life is being threatened by them. Just them being in your home is not legal grounds for shooting or killing them. You have to have reasonable belief that they mean to harm YOU, not steal your property. So, my plan is as follows......

If my alarm system is triggered, or an intruder breaks into my home, I will grab my .38 and lock myself in my bedroom. If the intruder breaks into my bedroom or attempts to break the door down, I can reasonably assume that he/she is there to physically threaten my life and/or my person and I am prepared to shoot to kill....even through the door.

That said, I do want to point out that I am a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and I have had extensive training with firearms. It's been years since I was on active duty in the Corps, but the training has stayed with me. I go to the pistol range every now and then and brush up. It's been a fun "hobby" of sorts, too, and may end up saving my life or someone else's life one day.

Now....THAT said, I do want to strongly caution those who have NOT had firearms training against buying a firearm for personal protection without taking at least a short class on firearms safety and/or how to handle a firearm. Special cautions also need to be taken if you're going to buy a firearm and you have children in your household. In other words, if you're going to own a firearm, be a responsible firearms owner and/or parent.

Good luck and stay safe out there. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

Thank you, Theoddz, and I couldn't agree more about adequate training. Interesting gun choice as that is pretty much the exact firearm I have been contemplating.

I have always lived under the precept that by bringing a gun into my home I am inviting negative/dangerous energy my way. I also have a dog that sounds like 50 wild pitbulls ready to attack when she senses danger. But, I also have two little girls to protect and lately my little world hasn't felt as safe as I'd like it to. Just yesterday I drove by a Jack In The Box that was completely surrounded by TPD officers. Turned out that an elderly man was shot point blank by another driver for moving to slowly. I know there isn't much one can do in road-rage situations, but if someone enters my home (for whatever reason) I want to have a plan of action in place.

[Rockinonahigh]

When I bought my house it already had an alarm system installed,I contenued the service after purchaseing the house,sofar the folks have been good about contacting me if needed, even at work.Out in the yard I have sensor alarm that serounds the first 100 ft of my back yard as well as the first 50 ft of my frount yard and carport.Only on rare occasions has anything set the paremiter alarm on in the back but several times in the frount and carport wich also lights up and says 'you are in a restricted area and are being recorded'..also the mounted cam is still up out side all around the house and all doors leading in or out of the house.No im not that much conserned but the folks I bought the place from had been vandalised before and were paranoid about safty.What I count on is my two fur kids who where not large sound like they weigh 100 pounds or more,My son retired from the special forces Black Knights division,so im not over woried about anything going on hear.I do own a fue wepons from when I did some hunting years back so im a crack shot with a gun and amore than passable user of a bow if neded.

[Liam]

I have a vicious poodle, who did prevent someone from entering the house, after they had broken into the garage, a few years ago.

[Cowboi]

My alarm system, .....My 10 pound Weenie dog, Scout.
Remington 870 pump with a 20 inch barrel.

[suebee]

I've gotta say that guns don't even come into mind when I think about home security. It's more like: "I wonder where the key to my front door is?" No - seriously! Four dogs in the house somebody'd have to be a FOOL to come in! And never mind the parrots! I have a baseball bat next to the front door, but that's more in case of a four-legged kind of intruder. The thieves that got some of my chickens Saturday night - we joked that if I'd run out totally nekkid that it would probably be more deadly than anything else I could have done to them! lol

Gun control laws are pretty strict here in Canada, and I'm just fine with that. Living on the border I see a story nearly every week of an American who tries to cross into Canada without declaring a hand gun. I live in a reasonably safe part of the world, and am not really able physically to engage in hand-to-hand. So I rely on deterrence: I make sure the yard is well-lighted, have a phone handy, know my neighbours' phone numbers off by heart, and have my car alarm button by the bed in case of emergency. My neighbours know that that's the sign that something's wrong. There may come a time when I need something more than that and don't have it - I hope not. But I'm living my values. I believe the availability of hand guns serves to encourage a climate of violence. I'm not saying you don't have the right to protect yourself according to the laws of YOUR land. Just that I'm quite happy to live where I do and in the type of climate we have here.

Sue

[JAGG]

Hey Oddz the" make my day law" changed all that. If someone breaks into your house even your garage, you can shoot them, as soon as they attempt to break in, they don't even have to enter, you can shoot and kill . It's a federal law, so it holds for every state. A 38 with hollow point rounds is perfect. But it's not a semi auto pistol. It's a revolver. But if you want a semi auto, get a 380. always hollow point rounds. But I think you'd be better off with a 38. revolver. Any brand is good, smith and wesson will be pricey. Tarrus brand is good Rossi is good, Colt. I have 2 pistols and a rifle and a home security system, and I am a Marine who can protect myself and those I love just fine without a weapon. I don't believe it invites anything. I have never had an ounce of trouble remotely. But I'm prepared if need be.

[Abigail Crabby]

Ummm I have a deadbolt :|

Not even meaning to be facetious - I guess I just double lock the doors and go to sleep.

Now I think I need a doberman :|

[Sassy]

I would appreciate hearing how you all protect your homes, property and persons...do you own a gun? sleep with a taser under your pillow? keep a baseball bat near your bed?

I am considering <gulp> purchasing a small semi automatic to keep in my nightstand and welcome any and all feedback. Thanks in advance!

My partner says she owns a gun. Though where it is, what it is and whether it is loaded or even has ammunition with it... well, she hasn't completely unpacked yet... so... I say, she owns a very well-hidden and fancy ROCK.

Other than that I have a loud, grumpy, elderly dachshund. She barks at suspicious noises but bumps into walls whens he goes to investigate, as she's nearly blind.

[Toughy]

My recommendation to everyone for in-home security is available with no waiting period, no real regulation, no license, is dirt cheap and is found at your local hardware or paint store. You will also need a squirt bottle or water pistol/soaker. It's called paint thinner/turpentine. Pour it in that squirt bottle, put it on the stream setting and if someone breaks in your house squirt them directly in the face....particularly the eyes. While they are screaming and yelling and rolling on the floor make sure you squirt them several different times as you call the police. I also recommend a nice piece of oak called a baseball bat. If you like, after squirting them in the eyes and nose and mouth, then you can beat the living shit out of them with the bat while waiting for said police to arrive. oh yeah....you can alternate between the paint thinner and the baseball bat as often as you like.

It works by the way......I know a couple of women who live alone that have used it. You also don't run the risk of killing someone which really will affect you forever no matter how justified.

edited to add: you could also use some duck tape on their hands and feet....I know a woman who duck taped a guy's penis and hairy balls to his very hairy legs...she had knocked him out cold with her solid wood bedside lamp.....the cops found that very very funny.....

[tantalizingfemme]

I would appreciate hearing how you all protect your homes, property and persons...do you own a gun? sleep with a taser under your pillow? keep a baseball bat near your bed?

I am considering <gulp> purchasing a small semi automatic to keep in my nightstand and welcome any and all feedback. Thanks in advance!

Hi Novelafemme. I am in charge of security for a very large non-profit that has many properties in very dangerous areas and not so dangerous areas. Security on a residential level and commercial level are my areas of expertise. Please feel free to pm me, I have some suggestions to keep you and your family safe without putting anyone at risk for harm.

[christie]

I would appreciate hearing how you all protect your homes, property and persons...do you own a gun? sleep with a taser under your pillow? keep a baseball bat near your bed?

I am considering <gulp> purchasing a small semi automatic to keep in my nightstand and welcome any and all feedback. Thanks in advance!

As I have gotten older, I just don't live in fear like I used to - maybe its because I moved away from living in an urban neighborhood in a relatively large city to living on a plantation, 1.3 miles off the PAVED road where Jess had lived for 16 years and had never locked a door on the house. Keys were left in the vehicles in the drive at night - it was quite something to get used to -

Now that we live more in a neighborhood, I still don't feel unsafe, but we do lock our doors. We have Samson, the 120lb giant schnauzer and if they get past him, Sookie, the 80lb giant schnauzer will certainly be on the ready. If by some chance someone gets past them, there is Scooter and Max (the two minis who sound the alarm at.every.noise.) and failing all that, Jess has a shotgun and Bratboy - well, I wouldnt wanna tangle with that wall of young man.

I am not making light of feeling unsafe and the need to be able to protect you and yours. If you are considering a gun purchase, I would find a reputable class about safety and knowledgeable salespersons to assist you with a weapon you can become intimately comfortable with handling. You might also think about a gun safety class for the kids as well. Trigger locks, gun safe - I would just take precautions - not necessarily for your kids, but more about any visitor (adult or child) who might be in your home.

[always2late]

I live in a very safe area...but I also have a Chihuahua and a Great Dane. The Chihuahua is my early alarm system (and also a "red herring" to lull any intruders into a false sense of security...before the Dane gets em! LOL)

[dixie]

Well, I used to have an "attack cat" who would perch on the shelf by the front door and pounce on the heads of any unsuspecting persons walking in the front door. :giggle:

I live out in the country. I own guns. Lots of guns. A pretty darn extensive collection of them actually. (Handguns, rifles, shotguns, etc...) I think I got my first one when I was around 4 or 5 years old. I've been shooting for many years, and have won trophies for such. Needless to say, gun safety and training was instilled since birth. That would probably be my security method if my life or the life of anyone in my home was at stake. In reality, the chances are greater of being attacked by a wild animal than a criminal, around here.

For the most part though, we don't even lock our doors. Many times we have left on vacation for a couple weeks without locking the door, and with leaving the windows up. Most thefts, crimes, stuff like that, are committed by those known to the victim. We don't really have a lot of random crime, and violent crime generally only occurs in families/familiar settings (domestic violence, folks getting drunk around the bonfire, etc). I can't recall a single incident in my town that was stranger-on-stranger violent crime. Guess that's one thing I like best about small town life.

[T4Texas]

I'm not the kind of person to lock myself up in my house out of fear. I go out at night and do as I please, but have learned to be observant, particularly after my ex GF and I were held up at gunpoint in a parking garage several years ago.
I own guns. I have a 22 rifle I call a plinker because it has a 16 shot mag and is semi auto so you can sqeeze off 16 hollow points as fast as you can pull the trigger. I have a pistol that has a six shot magazine but my favorite is my old ithaca side by side shotgun. Its a 60s vintage with two triggers but still shoots well. I learned to shoot as a child and was taught gun safety at an early age. Since then I have taken the firearms safety course and every year I take my guns to the shooting range, fire them and then clean them for another year. If someone came in my house and I felt in fear of my life, I am quite sure I would kill them.

[Strappie]

I personally do not believe in firearms for "protection". It's just me, I grew up with them in our home and have shot many at targets. But would never own one. When my father passed away my mom asked me if I wanted them. I'm like HELL no, we gave them to a family friend.

As for protection in my home, I lock the doors and windows. My roommate insisted on an Alarm so we got one. I personally shut it off when I get home and don't turn it on till I live in the morning. She will have it on 24/7 if I am not home.

I guess whatever you need to do to protect yourself. I don't think I could be partnered with a woman that requires a gun in our home. Just my personal views and thoughts. I figure if they are coming to get me then it's my time! But bet your life I will fight to my death!

[Tcountry]

I have a Louisville slugger (I saw being made and engraved with me name...lol) beside the bed.

It is my only weapon...growing up in a family with a cop father. It was always understood that the intruder, if they have a weapon, would be more likely to shoot you before you would be willing to shoot them. hesitation....*shrug*

As well as 2 very verbal watch cats... :) One that saved the house from burning from candles by waking the person who slept in the other room. ;)

[Novelafemme]

Thank you all for the advice and input! I really appreciate it!

I have never in my life been someone to worry about my own personal safety...in fact, I am a bit too relaxed in some ways. I grew up in a small town where we never had to lock our doors and my dad left his car keys in the ignition. But, I am a single mom and I do worry about what I would do if someone were to break into my home with the intent to hurt me and/or my daughters. I mean I'm quick and feisty, but if it came down to me versus a 6ft man...well. I totally understand the line of thinking that stems from if my time is up - my time is up...but, goddammit, I am going to fight to my death before someone ever rapes me again! And the same goes for my girls.

It's not an easy decision and one I don't take lightly. I think my first step will be to get some hands on experience with a firearm and then go from there.

[Sachita]

having lived rural and even in areas where the wildlife can kill you, you learn to respect the need for firearms. Also being a single woman, many moons ago had a few incidents that prompted me to obtain a few guns and learn to shoot.

My dogs will bark, no doubt and there are a lot of them here. I also set up security cams in 4 locations that zoom and pan when there is motion. I have a close friend who has web access to view the cams in the event she doesnt hear from me.

but I also have shot guns in the closet by the front door. I keep it locked and wear a long chain with that key and key to my dog yard gates and sheds- one key for all locks. Does it look corny? oh yeah but I don't care. My safety and the safety of my animals is primary. If I feel threatened by person or animal i'll shoot and have.

But I still leave the keys in my car and most of the time my doors are unlocked. You can't get close to my house without all the dogs barking.

[Glenn]

Once upon a time in a small town, a woman got raped by an intruder. A few days later, he got out of jail, kicked in a basement window, then went upstairs to rape her again....aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand she blew his f***ing head off with a twelve gauge shotgun. I'm willing to bet double she bought 6 or 8 ammo because they had to pick his head up with a sponge.


Thank you all for the advice and input! I really appreciate it!

I have never in my life been someone to worry about my own personal safety...in fact, I am a bit too relaxed in some ways. I grew up in a small town where we never had to lock our doors and my dad left his car keys in the ignition. But, I am a single mom and I do worry about what I would do if someone were to break into my home with the intent to hurt me and/or my daughters. I mean I'm quick and feisty, but if it came down to me versus a 6ft man...well. I totally understand the line of thinking that stems from if my time is up - my time is up...but, goddammit, I am going to fight to my death before someone ever rapes me again! And the same goes for my girls.

It's not an easy decision and one I don't take lightly. I think my first step will be to get some hands on experience with a firearm and then go from there.

[AtLast]

I carry a mini stun gun. Actually, it has about the same "kick" as a police issue unit. It is also good for warding off aggressive dogs in order to protect myself and my little Frog Dog.

I always lived around hunting guns & rifles, but just don't want one anymore- but I certainly think that if one takes training and utilized gun safety (AND does go to a shooting range on a regular basis- important to be comfortable with using a firearm), they ought to do so for personal safety.

If your kids live with you- they need training too- and there are some things to consider with having teens in a household with firearms.

[Sachita]

Thank you all for the advice and input! I really appreciate it!

I have never in my life been someone to worry about my own personal safety...in fact, I am a bit too relaxed in some ways. I grew up in a small town where we never had to lock our doors and my dad left his car keys in the ignition. But, I am a single mom and I do worry about what I would do if someone were to break into my home with the intent to hurt me and/or my daughters. I mean I'm quick and feisty, but if it came down to me versus a 6ft man...well. I totally understand the line of thinking that stems from if my time is up - my time is up...but, goddammit, I am going to fight to my death before someone ever rapes me again! And the same goes for my girls.

It's not an easy decision and one I don't take lightly. I think my first step will be to get some hands on experience with a firearm and then go from there.


owning a gun doesnt mean you have to live in fear. Being a responsible gun owner is important. I wouldnt keep a gun in the nightstand with kids around. Maybe a mini rack or box way up high hung to the wall. you can even buy hanging lock boxes with combination locks. Just learn how to access it quick. Being fit and strong is also a line of defense. Maybe a self defense class for you and your girls. Make it a fun family event. Teach them to be strong. I'm not a black belt by any means but I could sure put a hurting on a grown man. Understand and cultivate your power... respect it and it will protect you.

I am a spiritual woman. I wish no harm on anything, however I also know its my right to defend myself. Its up to me to learn how. It gives you courage to stand taller and to move on this earth more fearlessly. Never be afraid of pain. Learn to own it or extinguish it.

[Apocalipstic]

I have a pink baseball bat behind the front door and a dead bolt. I have a 12inch really sharp Gaucho knife in my bedside table, and a really sharp bayonette in my dresser.

I have guns, this is TN after all. I was 4 when my father had me shoot for the first time :| .

and

A ferocious teacup minpin.

A policeman lives next door and another 3 doors down in our apartment complex and there is pretty much always a police cruiser out front.

My car is protected by La Virgen de Guadalupe.

[dixie]

I have a pink baseball bat behind the front door and a dead bolt. I have a 12inch really sharp Gaucho knife in my bedside table, and a really sharp bayonette in my dresser.

I have guns, this is TN after all. I was 4 when my father had me shoot for the first time :| .

and

A ferocious teacup minpin.

A policeman lives next door and another 3 doors down in our apartment complex and there is pretty much always a police cruiser out front.

My car is protected by La Virgen de Guadalupe.

Yeah, it helps that my two closest neighbors are the sheriff and head deputy. Lol

[sharkchomp]

My first suggestion for personal protection - and family protection is to have a plan. Seriously, have you ever had a small fire erupt in the kitchen? What did you do? Did you run around in a panic? Did you have a plan? Did you know what will extinguish the fire? Flour? Salt? A fire extinguisher? Have you ever used a fire extinguisher? If you have a plan that kitchen fire - as scary as it is - isn't easily contained.

So first, take a self defense course. A really good one is Ishnrue. I'm sure I spelled that wayyyy wrong but that's how it's pronounced. It is NOT a martial arts class. It's a self defense class that will basically allow you to do what you need to do to get away as safely as possible. I strongly encourage enrolling your kids in this also if they are old enough. Knowledge is power! And knowing how to defend your body from harm will help you in all walks of life.

Secondly, I would take a long hard look at my house. Are the hedges trimmed back? Do you have those motion lights? All these little things will help.

Thirdly, regardless if you get a gun or paint thinner or a bat, I would make a family plan. If someone breaks into the house... a window breaks... a door crashes in.... the kids should.... lock their door and hide under the bed or the closet or whatever. This way you know where they are and if you do buy a gun you won't accidently shoot them.This is really important. You want to know where your kids will be. Just like if there is a house fire. Everyone evacuates and meets at 'this' spot. Then have drills. Yes, really because practice makes perfect just like they have drills in school for fires and tornados. It's so everyone is clear.

Lastly, I own guns. I will shoot an intruder. My thought is, if they break into my home, there can be NO good intention behind it. Period. What kind of gun is best for you? I suggest going to a gun shop. Not a pawn shop but a gun shop. They will offer classes on gun safety. They will ask you what you want the gun for and they will help you find the perfect gun for your needs - not just home protection but also shooting the gun. Such as, do you have small hands? Can you slide the action lever back to load the gun? Are you more comfortable with steel, wood or rubber grips? There's lots to learn, but again knowledge is power.

And if you do get a gun and you have a family plan, do the drills and do them at night with no lights on. And take the self defense class!!!!! One last thing... I highly recommend not getting a gun less than a .38 caliber. More knock down power is better.

~~~shark~~~~~~~~

[Talon]

Though I personally won't go into specifics on what I have for protection, I will say that we all need some form of self-protection, whether it be learning self-defense, or becoming trained in the use of a weapon. Finding what works for you specifically is a process...what you feel comfortable with, what is lawful in your state, and what is realistic for you.

[Blade]

Home and personal safety can come in many different containers. Yes containers, I said.

I have side arms, shot guns, rifles, I think there is a tazer here somewhere. I have a huge male German Shepherd and a 6 pound Chihuahua. LOL all the artillery in the world won't help you if you don't have the guts to use it and someone takes it from you and uses it on you.

This brings me to the different containers statement. The real idea regarding safety is not to kill someone but to buy yourself a few seconds to get away. As someone before me said have a plan, especially an escape plan. Look around your house, what it handy should someone appear before you inside your home? Hair spray? Perfume? Lysol? Any cleaner in a spray bottle? There are many things you could use on the spur of the moment. Think real glass, or a candle holder or a small but heavy bedside lamp.

Years ago when I was still hanging out in bars, most of the bartenders knew if I asked for a beer instead of a brand of beer, that is exactly what I wanted was a full unopened beer. Now that will crack a skull....so I guess you could put a beer bottle on your head board or your end table.:goodluck:

[LaneyDoll]

I think that there have been a lot of good suggestions here. But, I am going to add some that came from a class I went to once...

~ do not put your home address in your GPS. If it is stolen, a car thief now has your car AND your address. Set your GPS home location for the local police station etc.

~ see above and make sure NOTHING in your car has your address on it. The law says that your registration & insurance card must be in your car but it does not say that it has to be in there when the car is parked OR that your address cannot be hidden. (Just make a copy , white out the address & recopy). This should be acceptable but feel free to check the law in your state.

~ both the above rules are VERY important if you have a garage door opener. If a thief has your car, they now have your address AND a way in.

~ do not set boxes for expensive items by the curb for trash pick up. Really? You just bought a huge TV and now announce to the world that this house now has a huge, ultra-fab TV in it.

~ do not register your big tickets items at the store, do them later if possible. A coworker's brother has his house broken into within days of buying a new TV. They found out later that doing a registration in the store could have been the reason why.

~ do not put your home address on your luggage. Also, do not put ANY identifying tags on things that your kids use. You know what happens when your kid is wearing a shirt that says "Bob"? You just told a lot of strangers your kid's name making it easy for someone approach "Bob" with a story about his mom being hurt. After all, this person knew their name.

~finally, wasp spray can possibly be a replacement for pepper spray. One, it is cheaper and easier to buy. Two, you do not have to be as close to the attacker to use it. http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/waspspray.asp

:sparklyheart:

[Glenn]

I have guns, stun guns, and sprays, but my bugaboo has always been the glass windows. With all these new cordless grinding and cutting tools out now, it would be easy to cut through glass. So.. I've moved heavy antique furniture, book cases, etc. in front of downstairs windows and screwed them down. I am going to also buy white plastic garden trestles and cut them to fit over my patio door windows and screw them in. I really don't like the way burglar bars look. They could also be cut, but whatever takes burglars longer is what counts. Sometimes, if you don't have much to put in the window, even making a pyramid of aluminen cans can make a lot of noise. I'm curious what other folks here are doing about protecting their windows because I could'nt find anything new online.

[aishah]

i live in an apartment complex near a university and a bunch of frat houses, which is not the safest environment. although it does seem much safer than the university i used to live near (i don't read as many reports of break-ins and robberies at least...maybe i'm just not getting the reports, though). i grew up in a "bad neighborhood," but ironically i felt safer there (because i was from there and everyone knew me) than i do living in nicer areas. i grew up around guns but never learned to shoot.

both of my partners know how to use a weapon. one of my partners owns multiple guns. we're still in the process of them moving to kansas though. i do feel much safer when i'm living with them than by myself, and the place i live now is the first place i've ever lived completely by myself (no roommates or partners).

i've considered learning to shoot but i don't think i want to own a gun. i can handle a knife or a razorblade pretty well (which makes me feel safer when i'm walking alone at night than in my own home, really), but physically i'm not very strong. i'm really liking toughy's paint thinner idea, though.