How do you protect your home?

We lock all of our doors, have a small dog that is protective of "her" door (our front and back doors), and have a couple of guns. I also have a very big husband who wouldn't be afraid of taking someone on who decided to break in. For myself, I have a pocket pistol and a knife that I keep hidden in an easy to get to area. We live in a very rural spot so if someone is going to break in--they mean business. less

We keep the doors and windows locked. Right now, I live in a remote area, kinda in a former caretakers cottage which is old.

I have a black belt in martial arts and do teach women basic self-defense moves. I feel I could probably defend myself, though I not looking to try. I am also a kick-boxer and know how to us my feet and legs.

I know how to shoot but guns can be also dangerous to the person who has them. I don't own a gun at present.

My trusty NJoy Eleven is in my nightstand drawer which I have taken out when I hear strange noises. My bf travels frequently so a few nights ea week, I am alone. less

Locks on windows, locks and deadbolts on both doors, good lighting outside, no bushes or trees near windows (would hide the intruder, giving them more time to get inside without being noticed), a big scary dog and a parrot with an eagle eye who would scream bloody murder if someone she didn't recognize tried to sneak up and get in the house. If I'm going to be out and about in an unsafe area or at an unsafe time, I just bring the dog. He's kept many a man at bay. less

We dont do much. The doors are always locked, people have to make noise that way if they want to come in. And for anyone looking to cause harm, there are loaded guns that will put an end to the problem. I dont really care if they steal my stuff, insurance will take care of that. But you cant fix a life that was taken or damaged by violence. If someone wants to come into my home and try to cause harm to my kids or wife, their birth certificate will get turned into a worthless piece of paper. I will have no problem making that decision, if I ever have to. I hope that day never comes. less

Just curious what you guys use to protect yourselves at home. I'm mostly asking because my twin sister was home alone tonight with the baby and in the baby's room is a little disney tent. You know, just those kid's tents that are super cool? Well she said she caught a man trying to get in the baby's tent!? It's scary as hell because where we live, things like this are rare. People don't even lock their doors when they leave in my area.

Anyways, I don't know if the person has been caught or what, but it makes me paranoid. So what do you guys do? Lock the doors? Security system? Keep a gun? What do you think is the best way to keep break ins and things like this from happening?

Thanks for sharing! less