Home & Personal Safety & Protection

christie · 08-02-2011, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

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 · 08-02-2011, 08:36 PM

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 · 08-02-2011, 08:39 PM

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.

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 · 08-02-2011, 09:04 PM

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 · 08-02-2011, 09:32 PM

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 · 08-02-2011, 10:49 PM

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 · 08-03-2011, 09:26 AM

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.

Glenn · 08-03-2011, 10:13 AM

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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 · 08-03-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Sachita · 08-03-2011, 10:11 AM

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.

08-02-2011, 08:36 PM	#2
always2late Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: m'lady Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 2,000 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,834 Thanked 6,231 Times in 1,462 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	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) __________________ Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there ~ Rumi

08-02-2011, 09:04 PM	#4
T4Texas Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Relationship Status: Ready to play again! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 233 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 436 Thanked 647 Times in 167 Posts Rep Power: 6739721	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. __________________ Chivalry is when you meet a woman you would rather die for, than live with.

08-02-2011, 10:49 PM	#6
Tcountry Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Country Boi Preferred Pronoun?: call it as u see it Relationship Status: Completely...complete ;) Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Either at the beach or in the pool Posts: 1,665 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,929 Thanked 4,287 Times in 1,181 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	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. __________________ "You don't Find life worth living; You MAKE IT that way"

08-03-2011, 10:11 AM	#10
Sachita Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Alpha Femme Preferred Pronoun?: Goddess Relationship Status: Completely in love Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Southern Virginia Posts: 3,225 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,564 Thanked 8,994 Times in 2,247 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	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. __________________ You either like me or you don't. It took me Twenty-something years to learn how to love myself, I don't have that kinda time to convince somebody else. ~ Daniel Franzese

08-02-2011, 08:39 PM	#3
dixie Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: I usually just poke it with a stick. Preferred Pronoun?: Bitch Relationship Status: Intertwined deeply Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: We're all a little mad here. Posts: 6,627 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,972 Thanked 21,383 Times in 4,808 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	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. 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.

08-02-2011, 09:32 PM	#5
Strappie Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Preferred Pronoun?: I know who I am... Doesn't matter Relationship Status: It's a new day.... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 3,283 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,813 Thanked 4,945 Times in 1,350 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	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!

08-03-2011, 09:26 AM	#7
Novelafemme Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ........ Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ........ Posts: 2,402 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,981 Thanked 8,925 Times in 1,834 Posts Rep Power: 0	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.