Home & Personal Safety & Protection - Page 2

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.

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.

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.

AtLast · 08-03-2011, 10:41 AM

I carry a mini stun gun. Actually, it has about the same "kick" as a police issue unit. It is also good for warding off aggressive dogs in order to protect myself and my little Frog Dog.

I always lived around hunting guns & rifles, but just don't want one anymore- but I certainly think that if one takes training and utilized gun safety (AND does go to a shooting range on a regular basis- important to be comfortable with using a firearm), they ought to do so for personal safety.

If your kids live with you- they need training too- and there are some things to consider with having teens in a household with firearms.

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.

Apocalipstic · 08-03-2011, 11:23 AM

I have a pink baseball bat behind the front door and a dead bolt. I have a 12inch really sharp Gaucho knife in my bedside table, and a really sharp bayonette in my dresser.

I have guns, this is TN after all. I was 4 when my father had me shoot for the first time

.

and

A ferocious teacup minpin.

A policeman lives next door and another 3 doors down in our apartment complex and there is pretty much always a police cruiser out front.

My car is protected by La Virgen de Guadalupe.

dixie · 08-03-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I have a pink baseball bat behind the front door and a dead bolt. I have a 12inch really sharp Gaucho knife in my bedside table, and a really sharp bayonette in my dresser.

I have guns, this is TN after all. I was 4 when my father had me shoot for the first time

.

and

A ferocious teacup minpin.

A policeman lives next door and another 3 doors down in our apartment complex and there is pretty much always a police cruiser out front.

My car is protected by La Virgen de Guadalupe.

Yeah, it helps that my two closest neighbors are the sheriff and head deputy. Lol

sharkchomp · 08-03-2011, 12:28 PM

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~~~~~~~~

Talon · 04-11-2012, 01:40 PM

Though I personally won't go into specifics on what I have for protection, I will say that we all need some form of self-protection, whether it be learning self-defense, or becoming trained in the use of a weapon. Finding what works for you specifically is a process...what you feel comfortable with, what is lawful in your state, and what is realistic for you.

Blade · 04-11-2012, 02:04 PM

Home and personal safety can come in many different containers. Yes containers, I said.

I have side arms, shot guns, rifles, I think there is a tazer here somewhere. I have a huge male German Shepherd and a 6 pound Chihuahua. LOL all the artillery in the world won't help you if you don't have the guts to use it and someone takes it from you and uses it on you.

This brings me to the different containers statement. The real idea regarding safety is not to kill someone but to buy yourself a few seconds to get away. As someone before me said have a plan, especially an escape plan. Look around your house, what it handy should someone appear before you inside your home? Hair spray? Perfume? Lysol? Any cleaner in a spray bottle? There are many things you could use on the spur of the moment. Think real glass, or a candle holder or a small but heavy bedside lamp.

Years ago when I was still hanging out in bars, most of the bartenders knew if I asked for a beer instead of a brand of beer, that is exactly what I wanted was a full unopened beer. Now that will crack a skull....so I guess you could put a beer bottle on your head board or your end table.

LaneyDoll · 04-11-2012, 02:52 PM

I think that there have been a lot of good suggestions here. But, I am going to add some that came from a class I went to once...

~ do not put your home address in your GPS. If it is stolen, a car thief now has your car AND your address. Set your GPS home location for the local police station etc.

~ see above and make sure NOTHING in your car has your address on it. The law says that your registration & insurance card must be in your car but it does not say that it has to be in there when the car is parked OR that your address cannot be hidden. (Just make a copy , white out the address & recopy). This should be acceptable but feel free to check the law in your state.

~ both the above rules are VERY important if you have a garage door opener. If a thief has your car, they now have your address AND a way in.

~ do not set boxes for expensive items by the curb for trash pick up. Really? You just bought a huge TV and now announce to the world that this house now has a huge, ultra-fab TV in it.

~ do not register your big tickets items at the store, do them later if possible. A coworker's brother has his house broken into within days of buying a new TV. They found out later that doing a registration in the store could have been the reason why.

~ do not put your home address on your luggage. Also, do not put ANY identifying tags on things that your kids use. You know what happens when your kid is wearing a shirt that says "Bob"? You just told a lot of strangers your kid's name making it easy for someone approach "Bob" with a story about his mom being hurt. After all, this person knew their name.

~finally, wasp spray can possibly be a replacement for pepper spray. One, it is cheaper and easier to buy. Two, you do not have to be as close to the attacker to use it. http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/waspspray.asp

Glenn · 04-11-2012, 03:21 PM

I have guns, stun guns, and sprays, but my bugaboo has always been the glass windows. With all these new cordless grinding and cutting tools out now, it would be easy to cut through glass. So.. I've moved heavy antique furniture, book cases, etc. in front of downstairs windows and screwed them down. I am going to also buy white plastic garden trestles and cut them to fit over my patio door windows and screw them in. I really don't like the way burglar bars look. They could also be cut, but whatever takes burglars longer is what counts. Sometimes, if you don't have much to put in the window, even making a pyramid of aluminen cans can make a lot of noise. I'm curious what other folks here are doing about protecting their windows because I could'nt find anything new online.

aishah · 04-11-2012, 03:44 PM

i live in an apartment complex near a university and a bunch of frat houses, which is not the safest environment. although it does seem much safer than the university i used to live near (i don't read as many reports of break-ins and robberies at least...maybe i'm just not getting the reports, though). i grew up in a "bad neighborhood," but ironically i felt safer there (because i was from there and everyone knew me) than i do living in nicer areas. i grew up around guns but never learned to shoot.

both of my partners know how to use a weapon. one of my partners owns multiple guns. we're still in the process of them moving to kansas though. i do feel much safer when i'm living with them than by myself, and the place i live now is the first place i've ever lived completely by myself (no roommates or partners).

i've considered learning to shoot but i don't think i want to own a gun. i can handle a knife or a razorblade pretty well (which makes me feel safer when i'm walking alone at night than in my own home, really), but physically i'm not very strong. i'm really liking toughy's paint thinner idea, though.

08-03-2011, 10:11 AM	#22
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 8,993 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

08-03-2011, 11:23 AM	#26
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,361 Times in 2,838 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I have a pink baseball bat behind the front door and a dead bolt. I have a 12inch really sharp Gaucho knife in my bedside table, and a really sharp bayonette in my dresser. I have guns, this is TN after all. I was 4 when my father had me shoot for the first time . and A ferocious teacup minpin. A policeman lives next door and another 3 doors down in our apartment complex and there is pretty much always a police cruiser out front. My car is protected by La Virgen de Guadalupe. __________________

08-03-2011, 12:28 PM	#28
sharkchomp Member How Do You Identify?: TG/stone butch Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Knoxville Posts: 426 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 419 Thanked 1,343 Times in 309 Posts Rep Power: 9701638	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~~~~~~~~ __________________ take a fish boating

04-11-2012, 01:40 PM	#29
Talon Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Divine Feminine Preferred Pronoun?: . Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: . Posts: 4,921 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,246 Thanked 10,225 Times in 3,305 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	Just a thought.. Though I personally won't go into specifics on what I have for protection, I will say that we all need some form of self-protection, whether it be learning self-defense, or becoming trained in the use of a weapon. Finding what works for you specifically is a process...what you feel comfortable with, what is lawful in your state, and what is realistic for you.

04-11-2012, 02:04 PM	#30
Blade Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: TG Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: once in a while someone amazing comes along...and here I am! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Down on the farm Posts: 5,501 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,855 Thanked 14,414 Times in 4,058 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Home and personal safety can come in many different containers. Yes containers, I said. I have side arms, shot guns, rifles, I think there is a tazer here somewhere. I have a huge male German Shepherd and a 6 pound Chihuahua. LOL all the artillery in the world won't help you if you don't have the guts to use it and someone takes it from you and uses it on you. This brings me to the different containers statement. The real idea regarding safety is not to kill someone but to buy yourself a few seconds to get away. As someone before me said have a plan, especially an escape plan. Look around your house, what it handy should someone appear before you inside your home? Hair spray? Perfume? Lysol? Any cleaner in a spray bottle? There are many things you could use on the spur of the moment. Think real glass, or a candle holder or a small but heavy bedside lamp. Years ago when I was still hanging out in bars, most of the bartenders knew if I asked for a beer instead of a brand of beer, that is exactly what I wanted was a full unopened beer. Now that will crack a skull....so I guess you could put a beer bottle on your head board or your end table. __________________ Yeah so what if I'm triple dipped in awesome sauce? The best way to predict the future, is to create it.

08-03-2011, 09:26 AM	#21
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.

08-03-2011, 10:41 AM	#24
AtLast Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Woman Preferred Pronoun?: HER - SHE Relationship Status: Relating Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CA & AZ I'm a Snowbird Posts: 5,408 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,826 Thanked 10,826 Times in 3,199 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	I carry a mini stun gun. Actually, it has about the same "kick" as a police issue unit. It is also good for warding off aggressive dogs in order to protect myself and my little Frog Dog. I always lived around hunting guns & rifles, but just don't want one anymore- but I certainly think that if one takes training and utilized gun safety (AND does go to a shooting range on a regular basis- important to be comfortable with using a firearm), they ought to do so for personal safety. If your kids live with you- they need training too- and there are some things to consider with having teens in a household with firearms.

04-11-2012, 02:52 PM	#31
LaneyDoll Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Girly girl femme Preferred Pronoun?: She; Ma'am; Miss ;) Relationship Status: Pitbull protected. Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 2,204 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 6,892 Thanked 7,683 Times in 1,607 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I think that there have been a lot of good suggestions here. But, I am going to add some that came from a class I went to once... ~ do not put your home address in your GPS. If it is stolen, a car thief now has your car AND your address. Set your GPS home location for the local police station etc. ~ see above and make sure NOTHING in your car has your address on it. The law says that your registration & insurance card must be in your car but it does not say that it has to be in there when the car is parked OR that your address cannot be hidden. (Just make a copy , white out the address & recopy). This should be acceptable but feel free to check the law in your state. ~ both the above rules are VERY important if you have a garage door opener. If a thief has your car, they now have your address AND a way in. ~ do not set boxes for expensive items by the curb for trash pick up. Really? You just bought a huge TV and now announce to the world that this house now has a huge, ultra-fab TV in it. ~ do not register your big tickets items at the store, do them later if possible. A coworker's brother has his house broken into within days of buying a new TV. They found out later that doing a registration in the store could have been the reason why. ~ do not put your home address on your luggage. Also, do not put ANY identifying tags on things that your kids use. You know what happens when your kid is wearing a shirt that says "Bob"? You just told a lot of strangers your kid's name making it easy for someone approach "Bob" with a story about his mom being hurt. After all, this person knew their name. ~finally, wasp spray can possibly be a replacement for pepper spray. One, it is cheaper and easier to buy. Two, you do not have to be as close to the attacker to use it. http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/waspspray.asp __________________ There are beauties who stop traffic and then there are beauties who grow obsessively in the hearts of the susceptible.

04-11-2012, 03:21 PM	#32
Glenn Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Dear ol butch bones. Preferred Pronoun?: Old G Relationship Status: Too old to play. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: :rolleyes: Posts: 1,547 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,601 Thanked 3,729 Times in 1,095 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Windows I have guns, stun guns, and sprays, but my bugaboo has always been the glass windows. With all these new cordless grinding and cutting tools out now, it would be easy to cut through glass. So.. I've moved heavy antique furniture, book cases, etc. in front of downstairs windows and screwed them down. I am going to also buy white plastic garden trestles and cut them to fit over my patio door windows and screw them in. I really don't like the way burglar bars look. They could also be cut, but whatever takes burglars longer is what counts. Sometimes, if you don't have much to put in the window, even making a pyramid of aluminen cans can make a lot of noise. I'm curious what other folks here are doing about protecting their windows because I could'nt find anything new online.

04-11-2012, 03:44 PM	#33
aishah Member How Do You Identify?: queer stone femme shark baby girl Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, little one Relationship Status: dating myself. Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: dallas, tx Posts: 1,495 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,823 Thanked 6,442 Times in 1,288 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	i live in an apartment complex near a university and a bunch of frat houses, which is not the safest environment. although it does seem much safer than the university i used to live near (i don't read as many reports of break-ins and robberies at least...maybe i'm just not getting the reports, though). i grew up in a "bad neighborhood," but ironically i felt safer there (because i was from there and everyone knew me) than i do living in nicer areas. i grew up around guns but never learned to shoot. both of my partners know how to use a weapon. one of my partners owns multiple guns. we're still in the process of them moving to kansas though. i do feel much safer when i'm living with them than by myself, and the place i live now is the first place i've ever lived completely by myself (no roommates or partners). i've considered learning to shoot but i don't think i want to own a gun. i can handle a knife or a razorblade pretty well (which makes me feel safer when i'm walking alone at night than in my own home, really), but physically i'm not very strong. i'm really liking toughy's paint thinner idea, though.