Lowering the Risk (Security for Those w/o Firearms)

[USN2Pulpit]

Everyone, I have a family member who is not yet confident or competent with firearms. Until she is ready, what are some things she can do to protect herself in her own home? What are some things with regard to protection, security, or just generally lowering the risk that she might be victimized?

Thanks for your time!

 

[Treo]

Number one Lock the doors and windows
Get one of those yappy little dogs that make a lot of noise.
Cut back bushes around the house.
Light the outside of the house at night
Up the SA and carry pepper spray until she gets a weapon

 

[BravoSierra2012]

Situational Awareness. Always being aware of her surroundings. Home alarms, dogs, good exterior lighting always help. As far as non lethal defense freeze +p is a very effective chemical spray that will put someone in their place if used correctly. I would suggest some training with it just to see what it can do and how it affects the user. A citizen can carry up to a 2 oz can where I live with no permit. If Zimmerman would have used spray his world would be a lot better today.
Hope this helps, it's just some basics I've picked up over the years

 

[BravoSierra2012]

Number one Lock the doors and windows
Get one of those yappy little dogs that make a lot of noise.
Cut back bushes around the house.
Light the outside of the house at night
Up the SA and carry pepper spray until she gets a weapon

I guess we were typing at the same time, scary how similar. Almost a Jinks, you owe me a drink game.

 

[TWright]

Forget the yappy dog. They bark when the wind blows and just piss off neighbors. Get a Great Dane instead, and he will stare the bad guys in the eye for you while you wait for Johnny Law. (ok something in the middle might be fine.)

 

[eagleeyes]

ditto
and best wishes she stay safe from harm

 

[Monkey9]

just adding my two cents.

I like the above home suggestions. Be aware of your surroundings. Always look out the door before you exit. My screen door is always locked so i have more control when i open the door. Immediately going outside i check both directiins and look and listen. Outside motion sensor lights help. I always look around my truck and am aware to any motion from the side of the house. I would add that a couple of well placed baseball bats are better than nothing. Just be prepared to NOT let go of it for any reason. Hit to take them down with the first swing. Element of surprise helps. I would also add that a can of pepper spray or mace is good. There is pepper spray made to resemble an ink pen. Put it in your purse or pocket. Take a self defence class. They will teach you great things, I promise. Also, the more often she target practices with a sympathetic teacher, the faster she will get used to it. Empower her by letting her choose a professional teacher if that makes her more comfortable. Oh, about the bats, if you carry one in your car....I recommend you carry a ball glove and ball so LEO doesn't call it a weapon, lol

 

[The_Outlaw]

Everyone, I have a family member who is not yet confident or competent with firearms. Until she is ready, what are some things she can do to protect herself in her own home? What are some things with regard to protection, security, or just generally lowering the risk that she might be victimized?

Thanks for your time!

1) Get a good watch dog/s.
2) Get her competent with firearms a.s.a.p.
3) A good and loud audible alarm system.
4) Get her competent with firearms a.s.a.p.
5) Have her research victims of violent crime stories.
6) Get her competent with firearms a.s.a.p.
7) May I suggest both a 12 gauge shotgun and a .38 special revolver?
8) Get her competent with firearms a.s.a.p.

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Thanks everyone...kinda along the lines I was thinking, too. I have had her shoot my TCP .380, and she is most competent with that. I can sense that she will get better as she goes.

 

[eagleeyes]

even though i had a gun for years under my bed i never thought to take it out and keep it on my person around the house but i always kept a sharp knife by my front door just in case ......i still have that knife by the door but today my gun is in a holster on my side as i'm practicing drawing and aiming today but at this point unloaded although i do have a loaded mag nearby too