[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~~~~~~~~