My dh is gone ALOT, so I have a 900,000 volt stun gun that I keep in my purse or at night beside my bed...We also have a gun (no kids). We do not have an alarm system but we have been thinking about getting one...So what do you all do for protection?

Christine

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TLJ ~ Women United in Spirit

We do have an alarm and live in a really good neighborhood. All of the neighbors help keep a watch on everyone else

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I'm a single mom, so no man is ever around to "protect" me... I have a doggy...She may not do anything if someone got in (she's a very friendly pug) but at least she barks when there is someone at the door, and would give me a warning....
I actually dont live in the greatest part of town BUT the most important thing, is I KNOW my neighbors well, and can count on them for anything....The older man is always outside doing things, he knows me, he knows my brothers down the road, he knows my parents (actually now my dad and him are great friends) Its not like someone could pull up and break in while I'm gone...HE would be right there and see it!! Also my brother is just 2 houses down....I feel pretty safe at nights

I keep my 9mm handgun with me at all times. Dh sometimes travels for work and is gone 4-5 nights at a time. We live in the country and there are only 7-8 houses total on my road. I do feel pretty good about having my lab with me tho...her bark is quite ferocious. She does love when company comes to visit but I'm sure if someone were to break in, she'd be all business.

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We live in a good suburb and also have an alarm system. We did have a dog until she passed away last month. I like all three, noise, the signs in the yard, and the higher price of houses for safety.

I give up some nice things to live in a very safe neighborhood. I have a large dog that will and has protect me when we are out or in the apartment. When I am out alone (such as walking to the bus for work, I carry a pocketknife with the corkscrew open. I repeatedly tell my son and boyfriend that if something happens I will have DNA to track the creep down.

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My friend had a good suggestion... don't know where she got it. Put your car keys on the nightstand and if someone breaks in, hit the car alarm button. Besides, car keys can be a good weapon. We were taught in college how to hold a ring keys so that each key sticks out between your fingers.

I have a baseball bat, pepper spray, and car keys by and under my bed.

I also have a very good neighbor who is outside all the time and keeps an eye on things. I totally trust him to help me out if I need him.

When I am alone I carry my keys just like Cuthie explained so the key is a weapon. We live in a pricier area and I feel it's safe. We don't live on a "main road" so it's not an easy escape if someone WERE to to break in and try to get away. We make sure the doors are locked before bed and we tell our neighbors when we'll be gone so they can keep an eye out. We have some nosy neighbors so it's a good thing in this case LOL. Personally, I have taken a woman's self defense class and feel confidant and I CARRY MYSELF confidantly which I think is huge. From what I've heard, men tend to prey on woman that seem to be *weak* and not confidant. I do not have a gun in the house. We have kids so no way a loaded gun will be in the house and an unloaded gun is pointless if I had to go dig for the bullets. No pets (I'm allergic) but my son is a green belt in karate. No alarm system.

I like the idea of car keys by the bed. I don't know if my car alarm would go off from our room to the garage though....might have to test it out (and hope it doesn't piss off the neighbors). Thanks for the tip!

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I keep the phone & my keys with me at night & we also have 2 dogs one rot

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We have 3 locks total on our front door (regular lock on the handle, a deadbolt, and a privacy lock - we have been told that our house is locked up tighter than Fort Knox!), 2 locks (privacy lock and handle lock) on the door leading to the garage, a chain lock on the rarely used guest room - locked from the outside of the room (in case someone tried to break in through the window to get to the rest of the house), and 2 obnoxiously loud Beagles (our neighbor across the street has mentioned that she can hear our Beagles INSIDE our house barking from inside HER house - but she loves it because she knows when someone is walking down the road or if something is happening outside).

We live in a safe neighborhood, know our neighbors (there are 3 people on our block alone who work at the local prison - one is a corrections officer and he lives across the street from us), and are a pretty cautious family.

My SO is a law enforcement firearms instructor. He taught me to have a plan.
When I am alone in the house I have two dogs that will alert me to any unusual noises.
I keep the cell phone and a .45 on the nightstand (no kids). I will do my best not to confront an intruder.
It is my plan that I will get in my "safe room", which is my walk in closet that has been fitted with a slide bolt on the inside of the door. From there I will call 911. If push comes to shove, I will shoot to kill. I don't owe this person anything. (She dons flame-retardant suit)
I believe that situational awareness is the key. Get to know your neighbors. Watch your neighborhood. Take note of unusual traffic or pedestrians. If you don't feel comfortable confronting someone who doesn't look like they have business there, call the cops. Criminals don't like neighborhoods where people are watching.

I have an alarm system for our house. It was a requirement since dh works late sometimes and travels.

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Wow! I guess I am not prepared at all... When I was younger, I went to college in a large city, and was more careful. Now I live on the country, on a private road, and I suppose I feel a little too safe. When I lock myself out of my house, I can always get back in easily. I have seen a show on tv, not sure what it is called, but these guys try to break into your house, and then show you how to be safer. I always thought that the show created more fear and paranoia than was necessary, but now I am not so sure...

I need to think about all of this.

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We live in a small town and feel very safe here. Never lock the doors and leave the keys in our cars. We have two big dogs that "protect" the house: a Husky mix and a Pit Bull. The Husky is pretty protective - the Pit Bull just wants to lick everyone. If someone broke in I think he would run and hide

We live in the country in a small town in Maine. No gun, rarely lock the doors, but I do have a Pitbull who would let me know if anyone was tyring to get in, his bark is scary, but just like one of the previous posters stated.....he would lick you, and run and hide! My dh works nights, and in all my 20 years living in our current house, the only break in I have had, is my sister in laws horse getting lose and trying to come thru my window! <grin> Cannot imagine what it must be like to feel I would need a gun to protect myself. I feel very lucky to live in a very low crime area.

I live in a nice wooded neighborhood and I never thought we would have any problems..well it will be 2 years this coming July 5 at about 2 pm, we had a guy go into our garage and he tried to steal a pressure washer,,,,dh ended up shooting AT him, but thank god he did not hit the guy, I called 911, the guy got away, but was later caught..he was a low-life with a record/rap sheet as long as my arm that usually preyed on older people.......anyway before that happen I never locked my doors or thought anyone would do that in our neighborhood. I'm here alone alot right now my dh is in MD so all doors are locked and I know how to use a gun if I need too.

Christine

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TLJ ~ Women United in Spirit

What a great idea! I already keep them by my bed in case of emergency or robbery but my car is right outside my bedroom window and it will work.

We live in a rural very small community where everyone knows each other and the only people who have trouble are the tweekers who do things amongst themselves.

I have two dogs, several weapons and I keep my cell and landline on my nightstand. I also have plans because I am somewhat paranoid so I am alreday prepared to do battle and/or jump out the windows with my dogs.

Noise I believe is a deterrent in many ways. Obviously it indicates someone is home but also thieves don't like attention brought to them so if anyone is ever out of place I talk to them very loudly and confidently.

For those of you who are ancient like me you may the opening scene in "Mahongany" where she is being followed late at night and she gets nervous so she turns around and acts like a cuckoo hooker saying oh I don't remember exactly -you got some money you want something blah blah blah and scared the you know what out of him.

I figure if you act like the crazy cat lady on "The Simpsons" most people will be surprised and they will end up most likely being scared of you because what man in his right or any state of mind wants some crazy woman jumping on him yelling scratching and talking crazy?

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Umm, I live in a neighborhood of much nicer houses than my own...with much nicer cars in the driveway, etc

40 glock, ruger 9, alarm and a huge lab.

My doors are always locked. I have a dog that barks at the sound of a leaf blowing across the yard.
If someone tried to come in I'd have some forwarning. I have a phone beside the bed and a loaded gun very near.
If someone DID get in, I'll have to say "he better give his soul to God, because his A$$ is all mine."
If someone broke into MY home, I won't hesitate to shoot to kill.

Several years ago, while sitting up very late at night I heard a loud noise outside. It sounded like someone was trying to break into my detached garage. The dog was barking like crazy. I called out the open window "who's out there? Identify yourself or I will shoot".
No one answered but in the meantime, I called 911.
The 911 operator kept me on the line until the squad car pulled up in front. She then told me I needed to put the gun away. So I quickly put it into the empty dishwasher. As I was leaving the officer into the house she hung up the phone.
The first thing the officer said to me was "I understand you have a gun." I said yes, I did. He wanted to know where it was so I told him but he didn't ask to see it.
We went outside and looked all around but didn't see any evidence of anyone. But I know someone HAD been out there otherwise the dog would not have barked.

I wouldn't have fired the gun as long as no one tried to get into the house, but I wanted them to be aware that I did have a guin.

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Barb


My GOD Bless our Country and our Troops, and rid the World of terroists.

I really do not think it matters what neighborhood you live in.
Crime happens everywhere.
I have an alarm system that I pretty much leave on all the time.
When they came and installed the system they suggested on what doors I should have additional locks. I had never thought of putting a dead bolt on the door that leads to the garage/basement.
I use my porch lights and leave various lights on downstairs at night.
Make sure your shrubs are trimmed in front of your house.
When my husband is gone I do sleep with my telephone.
I am the eyes and ears of my neighborhood and I keep a watch on the houses in the neighborhood. I just wish that everyone else was as watchful.
I do not think that you can be to safe.

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Wow! Thank you, all! I have learned a lot.

I keep all the doors locked at all times - even when I'm home w/family during the day. I just can't keep a door unlocked - it's unsettling to me.

Incidentally, when DH is driving, and I'm in the passenger seat, I ALWAYS lock us into the car. Esp when he stops at a convenience store, stops for directions, etc. I have heard too many times that we are vulnerable if the car is on, and unlocked - even if there are people sitting in the car.

I do the same thing....Also when stopping at rest stop to use the restroom I take off my jewerly & put it in the glove box/..We go in pairs to the restrooom first me & dd ...then dh & ds. I also will walk with my keys in my hand .

Far as protecting myself I know alittle self defense . Dh didn't think I could flip him because of our height He's 6 ft 1 & I'm 5 ft tall.. I flip that boy twice! First time he said I caught him off guard So I tried again and flip him again ... I'm no longer allow to try any self defense moves on him . I think I hurt his male ego..lol

We do have guns in the house but we do not keep them the bedroom.. I have heard that is the first place a burglar will look for guns.. My little westie has keen hearing & sense of smell ..Any little noise she goes crazy..Sometimes when my cig gives off a different odor ..She flips..She runs and place her paws on the wall and starts barking. Once I let her smell the cig she will calm down. She also has alerted me to something burning in the oven..Smart little doggie!

As far as the neighbor I feel safe ..we have a highway partol & a police officer who lives acouple houses down from me..... They keep their squard cars park at their house..It's nice to know the police are a few houses down if I ever need them

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A gun, softball bat, night stick, 2 big dogs, security lights at night, phone next to the bed, everything stays locked day or night AND we live in a very good neighborhood.

I just check the locks (I keep the doors, house and car, locked day and night), and go to sleep. Usually my cell phone is on my bedside table, but that is more for someone to call me if there is an emergency. That is pretty much the extent of my security system. ohhh...and no man around to protect me. I'm a single parent. I remember when I first got divorced (many years ago), I don't think I slept at all at night for a while. Now I just say a little prayer for peaceful rest, and for the safety of my family...and fall right to sleep.

But, while I don't have any husband/dogs/guns/security system/etc around, I AM very safety conscious. I follow basic safety precautions, am always aware of my surrounding, and know what is going on in my neighborhood...I just consider that to be good ol' fashioned common sense.

security bars on the windows.

To be honest- I really don't even think about it. We lock the doors at night- I have 3 dogs- one who barks at anything- and 1 who even though he is just a big teddy bear -is over 100 lbs and almost 6' when he stands on his hind legs- most of the people on our neighborhood are scared of him- if only they knew what a big baby he is LOL.
We did put up a security light on the back of the house with a motion detector a couple of years ago.

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Wow! after reading all of the above I think I am wayover board on protection so let me begin
I have an alarm on my 2 car garage, both front and back door and every window totaling 37 windows. The alarm company I use showed me how I can have all of them activated or have the ones you want activated on while you may want to have one off which I never do I like to have them all on. I am not in a bad neighborhood, but when something is going to happen it happens anywhere good or bad. I also have a beeper that I keep by my side that I press a button and it makes the house alarm go off and the company and they call within seconds back I tried it to see if they are quick as they mentioned and the answer was yes. They also provided me with 2 different codes in case someone puts a gun or knife in my head or neck any where and they force me to open the door and enter my code I get to enter the code that will shut my alarm off, but will have the police there fast. One code for someone with a weapon, another one for someone with no weapon forcing you to turn off your alarm. I thankfully never had to use the codes, but if needed they are there. I also have 2 fire alarms that are connected to the station so they will know long before me if my house is burning down and I had to use this once due to an electrical problem and they practically saved my house. I didn't pay much for this system because the previous owner had half of everythign already with the company and they gave us a promotion if we signed a 3 year contract and we did so we actually just pay the monthly fee of $27

Wow....you are well prepared

Christine

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TLJ ~ Women United in Spirit

What company do you use??? We would like the same thing but it would cost $4K for the equipment and set up and then over $50 a month for maintenence and we can't afford that

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My DH is gone for months at a time but I live on a military base and have two dogs, so I feel very safe. When we lived in a civilian neighborhood we had an alarm system and the same two dogs, but I feel much safer now.

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I really don't do anything. I lock the doors at night but other then that nothing. If someone wants in bad enough they will get in. As for the car alarm you'd be surprised how often people ignore it. My DS's car had a short in the alarm system and it went off. It was going off for almost a half an hour and not one person stopped or checked to see if anything was wrong and no one called the police so I woudn't waste my time with that. I guess for me I don't worry about it. I live my life and if something happens it happens. I would NEVER have a gun or taser or anything along that line as I wouldn't want any of my kids to get ahold of it and hurts themselves or someone else. I would never forgive myself. I guess I've been lucky and never worried about things like that and never had any problems either.

Jen

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We have an alarm system.....two little yappy dogs....and one police k-9.....we are a gun family so we have those in the house as well.

I don't care where you live crime will happen.......my grandparents lived in the same place their whole married lives until about 15 years ago...they couldn't stand the neighborhood anymore. They had only locks on the doors in that neighborhood. In the new neighborhood they have a security checkpoint and you don't come in unless your on the list and a alarm system. I asked why they didn't have all that security in the old neighborhood they said "people leave that neighborhood to steal from this one'! My grandparents are funny!!LOL

we have a alarm system that automatally calls the police who just happens to live below us . it will go off if the phone line is cut , the power lines are tampered with. we have a few guns but they are not loaded. i have a panic button with the alarm that is in the head of my bed. we dont have close neighbors but we have never had any problems. pretty safe out here in the middle of no where. at least so far it has been.

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well I dont have any alarm, but we do have 3guns, a dog, and a cop! When my husband works late I have my gun by my side and my dog is much more protective she is more alert when he is not here with me. But if anyone ever did try to come into my house I would shoot to kill! I have three kids and I will not let anything jeapordize them, so my theory is dont have the gun if you wont use it (too many people pull them out to scare people and then end up getting killed with their own gun) I also lock my car doors and if i am by myself I carry my keys between my fingers as if they were a knife.

I really have to add my own story regarding the "nice neighborhood" theory. You are NEVER safe just because you live in a good neighborhood with alert neighbors. I was home on break from college (years ago) and drove up while my family's home was being robbed. I didn't even know that anyone was in the house. God was watching over me and thankfully I parked in the area out front as opposed to driving around back like normal (didn't want to block in my parents' cars). The cops figured that there were at least 3 bad guys and they saw me coming. They were heading out the side of the house probably as I was walking around back. My dog (very friendly) followed them because she approached me from a side of the house that normally was not open to her. I still knew nothing -went in changed clothes and didn't realize that we had been robbed until my parents got home and saw that my mom's closet had been ransacked. The phone line had been cut (we didn't have an alarm back then), my mom's jewelry, cash, my graduation presents, electronice, Chistmas presents, firearms -- all were stolen. The cops said that I was very lucky to have given them the forewarning by parking out front (Thank YOU GOD) otherwise things would have been very BAD for me. Please, teach your children to be aware of their surroundings. If somethng seems out of place, trust your gut and get out.

I own several guns, but they are locked away since we have kids. My dog is a great alarm with his fierce bark. When we move off of the military base, we will be installing an alarm at our new home in the civilian community. I like the idea of the car keys by the bed and the safe room in your home.

I protect myself, my home, and my family by making sure personal information is not on the internet! Like names, addresses, family names, where I work, where I shop, where I go to eat, my doctor's names, etc. Some people put all that information on the internet. It is very easy for someone to find out infomration about someone with all that information on the internet. Again, use common sense.

re: using your car alarm...
I saw a coupla things at Office Max today that have a car siren type alarm on them for about 10 bucks or less. These were small items you could keep bedside and use in case of an intrusion.
MZ

excellent alarm system (directly calls police, goes off if phone lines cut, etc), live in a really good area, lock all doors, cell phone on nighttable

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I always keep all of the doors/windows locked...I keep the front porch lights on when DH is out of town...A well-lit entrance deters someone from trying to break in...We don't keep any guns in here because we have kids...But we do have one large golden retriever who is as sweet as anything, but looks fierce...Sadly, if someone wants to get in, they're going to get in...I just do what I can and try not to worry about things I can't control...Our police department does a great job...there are always police cars all over the place in my town...I feel very safe where we live... ~Lisa

Don't go out of my way to protect myself or my family or our belongings. Just exercise some caution and good judgment in everything we do. Don't want to live life in fear of everything. The rest is out of my hands - if our number is up, then we'll deal with it.....

cj/

Love-Savings, would you mind posting which alarm system/company you have the contract with? We are working on getting one and your's sounds great. I love the idea of the slide lock in the master bedroom closet. I'm going to talk to my DH about that tomorrow. I also love the idea of punching in a special code if you're being forced to turn the alarm off. That really makes sense. About them cutting the phone cables though (which would turn off the alarm right?), can you get it wired through the cable? I guess they could cut that too though.

Our doors are always locked. We do live in a good neighborhood with nicer homes, but reality is that theives are smart (well you know) and aren't stealing from the poor neighborhoods for the most part. I second if they really want in they will get in, but they will only work so long at getting into your home before they move on to someone elses. No need to make it easy for them either. Something no one mentioned is the fact that a lot of times before your house is broken into, you are 'under surveilance'. Try really hard not to get into a rut & shake things up every now and then by coming home at lunch, parking in a different area, etc. People notice routines. I bet most of you guys could tell me when your neighbors are home, where they park, what time of day they get their mail, walk their dogs, etc.

just bumping for alarm info

I too have a system like the one above. We only pay $20 a month - the company we are with is Cypress Trace here in S. Florida. In addition to this every door and window beeps when it is opened and closed. The only problem with this is that in the 10 years that we have been living here, I think I have only set the alarm maybe 5 times! We live in a very safe area and we have zero lot lines with fantastic neighbors. I like to keep the system active for the fire alarms. I too have two dogs - who bark at everything.