Security Is Not Safety

Security does not equal safety. It equals time.

The more time you have, the more options you have, and the better your decision-making process will be.

By setting audible triggers as far out on your property as possible—like a dog, a motion detecting alarms, gravel walkways, or other noise-making deterrents—you create an early warning system. Add to that digital locks with audible button tones on your doors, baby gates at hallways or staircases even if you don't have babies, and anything else that gives you an alert. All of it buys you time.

And the more time you have, the more options you get. It shifts the initiative back to your side. Whether that means dialing 911, securing the hallway that leads to your childrens room, or grabbing necessary gear and tools, more time gives you more choices.

Set predetermined “if/then” scenarios so you already know what to do instead of trying to figure it out on the fly when you are flustered, groggy, or confused. By mentally rehearsing these “if/then” responses, you shorten the decision-making process down to executing a predetermined action. Again, you are buying yourself time.

Though many of these things may seem elementary, most of us lose the ability for critical thinking during a high-stress moment and can quickly fall into chaos under pressure. Decide in advance what situations would warrant a deadly force response and what situations would call for a simple but observant call to 911.

Do not stop at the moment of dread. Follow the situation all the way through to the end. Know when to disarm yourself. Have the number of a vetted self-defense attorney preprogrammed into your phone. Consider self-defense insurance; for around $400 a year, it could spare you from spending tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars later.

Know and understand what you should say—and what NOT to say—to law enforcement after a use-of-force incident. Much like a police officer involved in a shooting, you should not make a statement without legal representation present.

Have everything thought through in your mind before it ever happens: what to do before it happens, what to do if it happens, and what to do after it happens. know where your gear is and what condition its in, make the decision on deadly force and what your "line in the sand is", vet the lawyer and get the insurance before you need it. ready, set, go !