How do you get ready for home defense?

Seeking Help Forum
1

What’s your approach to staying safe at home? How do you prepare for things like break-ins? What gear do you trust or what habits help you stay ahead?

2

Here’s what I do:

  1. Strengthen doors and frames—get better wood, longer screws, security kits, and heavy-duty locks.
  2. Use window security film to slow anyone down.
  3. Trim back shrubs and trees near windows or doors.
  4. Install motion-activated lights.
  5. Get a reliable handgun or short-barreled rifle (9mm, .357, .45) and train to use it properly.
3

@Skyler
Totally agree. Hardening entry points is key.

I added a bedroom door jamb lock. It’s on every night—it gives me peace of mind. Also, a family dog helps. You don’t need a huge one, even a small rescue will alert you.

4

@Wilder
My dog barks whenever someone gets close to the door. It used to annoy me, but now I’m glad he does.

5

Uri said:
@Wilder
My dog barks whenever someone gets close to the door. It used to annoy me, but now I’m glad he does.

My little Sheltie barks at the smallest sound. It’s overkill sometimes, but if anyone tried anything, he’d make sure everyone knew.

6

@Wilder
I have six St. Bernards. They’d just drool on an intruder and beg for snacks.

7

@Wilder
My 45lb rescue does the job just fine. Anyone steps on the property, and she’s all bark.

8

@Wilder
Had a purebred German Shepherd growing up—super calm. Now I have a Jack Russell. He’s basically an alarm for the entire neighborhood.

9

Carson said:
@Wilder
Had a purebred German Shepherd growing up—super calm. Now I have a Jack Russell. He’s basically an alarm for the entire neighborhood.

Rescued a GSD from a shelter. He’s saved us twice from burglars. Best decision I ever made.

10

@Skyler
Add thorny bushes under windows—it’s old-school but effective. Also, keep a bat or something nearby in case you need it.

11

Noel said:
@Skyler
Add thorny bushes under windows—it’s old-school but effective. Also, keep a bat or something nearby in case you need it.

Burglars don’t want attention. Anything that slows them down or makes noise helps, like alarms, lights, or prickly plants.

12

Noel said:
@Skyler
Add thorny bushes under windows—it’s old-school but effective. Also, keep a bat or something nearby in case you need it.

Rose bushes under windows—classic deterrent.

13

@Skyler
A shotgun works well too (but don’t forget hearing protection).

14

Reilly said:
@Skyler
A shotgun works well too (but don’t forget hearing protection).

I keep my earmuffs clipped onto my shotgun for this reason.

15

Reilly said:
@Skyler
A shotgun works well too (but don’t forget hearing protection).

Not a fan of shotguns—too much risk of over-penetration. Maybe if they made frangible buckshot.

16

Skyler said:

Reilly said:
@Skyler
A shotgun works well too (but don’t forget hearing protection).

Not a fan of shotguns—too much risk of over-penetration. Maybe if they made frangible buckshot.

There are lighter buckshot options that won’t over-penetrate as much. They might be worth a try.

17

@Skyler
Bonus of cutting back shrubs: better fire safety.

18

@Skyler
My first instinct might be to charge at an intruder, not grab my gun. I hope that’s not the case, though.

19

Sky said:
@Skyler
My first instinct might be to charge at an intruder, not grab my gun. I hope that’s not the case, though.

Keep your gun and flashlight by your bed. That way, everything’s ready if something happens.

20

Here’s my setup:

  1. ADT and no-trespassing signs.
  2. Motion lights all around the house.
  3. Three big dogs—they sound scarier than they are.
  4. Reinforced deadbolts.
  5. Bells on doors.
  6. A shotgun and handgun nearby.