If it was beside your bed, the wind would not be an issue.

gmi

That is exactly what I thought. It's beside the bed and there is no wind there unless-----you break wind

With so many home invasions and innocent people getting hurt or killed, we all need to have a plan to protect ourselves since we tend to not be physically able to go into Kung Fu mode to protect ourselves.

Whether we use bug spray, bullets, braying donkeys or guard dogs, we need to not be at the mercy of a crook who approaches us at home or outside the home.

Right now I have a box cutter beside my bed which I would use if someone came into my home at night when I was asleep. Soon I plan to have a gun in a holster at my bed.

I am also having a system put in which will have a video camera at the front door and an intercom so I can talk to the door knockers without having to open it.

There are people who come to my door that I do not want to let in and who I do not want to see that I am using a wheelchair (i.e. helpless). Some crooks will ring the front door to see if anyone is home and if they get no response will break in the back door. I want to be able to let them know that the home is occupied without exposing myself.

Being helpless is not an option for me.

gmi

I have an alarm system.
I have a Marine husband who is well trained.
I am armed most of the time. I am well trained.
I held a black belt in Kenpo Karate. Not sure I can do those moves now, but the training is still active in my mind.
I can and will fight dirty.

My cat would let them in, and tell them where the good stuff is. Chicken cat.

I must say, I'm a little surprised by some of the near-vigilanteism you gals are posting! If someone gets into my house, they can have whatever they want. If it's my life, well, then it must be my time.

Don't worry, I'm not stooooopid and I do use reasonable caution— it's a lot cheaper than fortification and easier on my spirit.

I just don't want another's blood on my hands for any reason.



ETA: In my other life, I was a deadeye markswoman but only at the range.

There have been quite a few home invasions in the Phoenix metro area recently which resulted in the home owner being killed. Most of the invasions seem to be done by druggies and all areas, rich and poor, have been hit.

If someone came into my house, I would do anything I could to protect myself and would not feel guilty in the least if the intruder goes out of my house bagged and feet first.

I am a very nice person, but I do plan to take care of myself as best as I can. We can't all have a trained Marine on the premises.

gmi

My DH and I worked in the prison systems for a long time. We have seen just how quickly folks can and will get violent. esp those high on drugs, or alcohol. As an inner city paramedic I have picked up more than my fair share of busted up people who had been minding their own business, or sleeping peacefully, or simply walking down the street, and ...their lives changed in a heart beat. I have been the victim of a violent crime, and can promise, it was the first and the last time I will allow that to happen.

I am armed, but I am also very well trained, and well practiced. I am considered a high marksman. I have taken self defense courses for in, and out of the home. I am well trained in karate, and it is a skill and a discipline of peace actually. its about never having to get to the point of putting your hands on someone. About being able to use your reason, logic, and common sense before using your hands. If left with no options, but to use your hands, you are well skilled in how to.

I dont go looking for trouble, and will go far out of my way to avoid trouble, but should trouble come looking for me, and its a him or me situation. I guess I will have alot of paperwork to do when its all overwith.

I wish now that I had taken those Judo or Tae Kwon Do (Korean for "Karate") classes when my dad offered them to me when I was little. Might have helped me fight off my sister who did take my dad up on the Judo lessons. I dont think she paid attention to Master Shin when he was teaching the patience and self control part of the class. (My dad is a black belt in Judo, he just hasnt done much in the past few years for health reasons. Mr. Shin was his teacher for most of his Judo life)

I always wanted to try Kendo (bamboo swords)

If I'd taken any of those classes when I had the chance and the physical ability to do so, then I'd probably feel better about staying home alone, or traveling alone now.

I wish my big dog was still alive. He was better than any self defense course. Less dangerous than handing me a gun. At least my dog was well trained and a natural protector.

I suppose if anyone breaks thru my back door, I can throw my dog's cremains at them. (he's in a heavy lead-lined wood box. I'd probably break a toe if I dropped him on my foot)

I do have one of those big metal flashlights next to my bed. Anyone comes thru my window or back door is going to get a mouthful of metal and D cell batteries pushing him back out thru the glass.

I cringe at the thought of someone breaking into my home. Not so much for the things stolen but because i would feel violated. I have never worried about someone breaking in to my home because i have always had large dogs. They give me peace of mind and make me feel safe.

I have ZERO attachments to the things within my home. They can have them. I have zero attachment to jewelry, or electronics, they can all be replaced. money isnt kept in my home, and credit cards can be cancelled the moment he leaves with them. I have zero intentions of fighting over "stuff" I would however have plans on protecting me or my children, or animals. Those are off limits.

My mother is one of those that is stuck on her "stuff" its all so valueable to her, and I bet should she be confronted by a robber, she would hang on for dear life. It would upset me to see her hurt over "stuff" its all replaceable! she gives off the "I worked hard all of my life, and am not gonna let someone waltz out the door with it".

Please dont risk your life over "stuff" protection for yourself is very different than risking your life about "stuff." no "stuff" is worth your life.