How should I protect myself and my kids?

Question

I live in a good neighborhood (gated community), but there has been a rash of robberies in our area. The police are aware that there are three teenage gangs behind the crimespree and are trying to apprehend them. However, I know that when I am with my 3 yr old and 11 mo old, I am a sitting duck! Whether or not I'm at home or shopping, someone can easily mug me. Although I'm scrappy, I can't run away, b/c I have my kids with me. Any suggestions on what I should do? I've thought about taking self-defense classes and even carrying a gun. I know how to shoot a .22 with good accuracy, but know that statistically I'm more likely to shoot myself! I have mace, but it usually isn't where I need it.

Answer 1

Purchase two items, stun gun and an alarm system that is kept with in reach at all times to get attention from people passing by. Also if you don't already have a home alarm system invest in one.

Answer 2

1) I would find a place where you can learn some good practical self-defense quick.

2) Be very aware of you surroundings. Most of the time these crimes are based on oppotunity. These thugs look for people distracted by other things so they can catch them off guard.

3) Start a neighborhood watch program. Even an unofficial one. Just make sure everybody is aware of what's going on and nobody should hesitate to call the police when they see anything suspicious. The teens will eventually see the cops in you area a lot and will stay way.

4) Ask if the police will do regular patrols in your neighborhood. They might be already. A lot of times they will if there is a lot of crime in a given area.

5) If you worried about your kids teach your 3-year-old basic self-defense. Teach him/her to scream if they are ever grabbed by a stranger then stomp on their foot. It will get people's attention that is in the area and probably scare the criminal away.

6) When shopping at night or if you don't feel safe, you could probably ask for an employee to escort you to your car.

7) For at home, try to invest in an alarm system if you don't alreay have one. Just having it will let you rest a lot easier.

In your case I probably wouldn't consider a gun, at least not carrying one. I'm sure I'll recieve a lot of thumbs-down for this. I'm not against people owning or carrying a gun but in this case especially with kids I dont' think it would be a good idea. By the time you realize you need it and and try to take it out it will probably be too late. You obviously know yourself and your safety practices better then any of us, so you would be the better judge of that.

I hope that helps. Good Luck and be safe.

Answer 3

First, don't make yourself a target. Restrict errands to daytime hours. Take other people with you if ever possible. Think about carrying just a wallet instead of a purse for awhile and no wearing flashy jewelry. They won't mug you if they don't think you're worth it. Try to stay in plain view of other neighbors at all times. They won't likely target you if they know they can be clearly seen. Oh, and always be very aware of your surroundings. It's not silly to take preventative measures if you see someone suspicious.

Aside from this, self-defense classes are your best bet. As a gun owner, I can tell you that guns don't often help when being mugged. Muggers are usually successful because you don't see them coming, which negates the use of a gun. That includes mace/pepper spray for the same reason. A taser can protect you, but a taser with a high enough voltage to do more than simply piss the guy off can be rather expensive.

If you do opt for self-defense classes, choose one that will actually teach you to hurt an attacker. You want to disable them long enough to get away. Pushing them back a couple of feet or tossing them to the ground isn't always good enough. Learn how to punch solidly, elbow them, choke out, use your keys as a weapon, etc.

Here's to the best for you and your babies. =)

Answer 4

I live in a pretty "ruff" neighborhood too. Here is what ive found works best.... First of all look for trouble way down the street. If you see it coming go the other way. Never act frightened in public. Predatory people pick up on that. Shop in busy places. Ask for help when taking groceries etc to your car. Do not go out at night unless you have to. Take a friend with you when you go out. OR buy a really mean dog a ball bat and wear a **** that says go a head make my F***ing day.

R/E your house good locks good lighting play music (believe it or not this helps). AND if you really think that some one is dumb enough to break into your house while you are there look at it this way. Hair spray in the eyes HURTS so does WD-40 etc etc. In a time of need as sorry as it may seem a weapon is always close by. Take an inventory of you home. You might be surprised at the ways you can protect your self with things at hand.

Get that really mean dog and let him answer the door!
When he is on "door duty give him the MMFD t-shirt and the ball bat.

Answer 5

It appears that you being aware of what's going on is half the battle. Get your neighbors involved, if possible go to the store etc with another person, always stay in lit areas and try not to run errands at night or in the early morning. Take self defense classes, listen to that "gut feeling" you get if you see, hear something or someone that does not look right. Call the police if you think something is suspicious, ALWAYS keep your house locked even in the daytime. I know it may appear that you will be living in a fortress and in fear, but actually that is further from the truth. Having good safety practices will keep you more safe. One last point to remember, keep a safe radius of an arms length around you. That means make a circle with your arm, no one is to get into that circle, if they do get that close move further out of the way. Keep your purse etc secure and check to see if anything is missing if someone does get close to you. Just stay aware of your surroundings and go about your business with confidence. You will be fine.

Answer 6

Make sure that your house is in order. All your windows have working locks as well as your doors. They make these neat little screw things (from Lowes) that screw in behind your window and make them impossible to open. If it's a kid doing all the breaking in.. they will more than likely try to slide the window open before breaking it is an option (to avoid being heard) Most people don't lock their doors behind them. Which can lead to someone coming in unwanted behind you. For on person security..mace or a nice strong pepper spray does work. You said that it's never where you need it.. Make sure that it is. They sell mace that you can put on your keychain etc. It's up to you to make sure that it's accessible to you when you need it. They make all kinds of things for women these days to protect themselves. Lipstick that has a blade inside..warning alarms that you can press if you are being harmed or in danger. You can buy a gun as well. Just make sure that if you do.. it's not where your children can get a hold of it and is in a lock box when not in use. If at all possible, try to have another adult with you when you are out walking around etc. It may seem like a lot of trouble, but it will be worth it in the longrun. Attackers are less likely to attack people in groups. Maybe you and some of your neighbors can form some kind of plan atleast until the crimes are under control. Better safe than sorry.. Hope this helped.. Best of luck and be safe, my friend.

Answer 7

Okay first of all a .22cal handgun is going to little to nill to stop a threat. Self defence classes surely can be a viable option but if you are engaging multiple attackers you are going to have a hard enough time defending yourself little alone your kids.

What you need to research and take an overal look at is risk management. Make your home a hard target by constantly locking your doors so someone will be least likely to suceed in just walking in.

When your outside be aware of your surroundings. Try to travel in packs ( I know you woemn are good at that). Statiscially any attacker is less likely to attack a group as they have more chance being identified later.

Also your demeanor. Carry yourself as confident and ready to address the problem. Walk stout, keep your head up and be ever diligent to your surroundings. If your gut is telling you something is wrong listen to it! Keeps me alive day to day.

If you choose to carry mace I would suggest maybe getting a single shot to attach to your key chain. This is something you will always have with you (unless you lock your keys in the car). On that note think and prepare for the worst. I highly suggest making a fist and placing your keys between each finger. This will make your hand a viable weapon to defend yourself. Use what you have make it work for you in a fight.

Lastly speak with your kids. Get an action plan in place. If things go horribly wrong the last thing you want is your kids to standby and watch it go down (especially if you get hurt). Teach them to go to somewhere such a public place with lots of people and scream bloody murder to summons help.

If you choose to carry a firearm defintely train with the gun. Also use the oppertunity to train your children about firearms. Have a gun in the house can be very dangerous, but throw in some curious kids and you can have disaster. And never assume just because you pull a gun it will scare someone. If you have to pull it be prepared to follow through and use it to save your life. There are no second chances in life.

God knows how many times during work when I have pulled a gun on someone it resulted in the aggressor getting more upset and me going hands on to save my own life.

And finally tasers really do wonders. TASER international sells them to the civilan market for a heafty price but they do get you a new one if you use it. They suggest deployment and run, leaving the taser. Taser certainly is a great tool but it's only good against one attacker.

Educate yourself. Speak to an officer and get some more ideas.

Answer 8

No expert here. I suggest stay alert. If u need help & can afford it get another pair of eyes. Security check her big time. Get the Home Security package with alerts. If u feel really uncomfortable get a security camera or two.
If you are aware half the battle is won. Gangs are rapidly approaching and IN our affluent/Mid class neighbor hoods. They have restless kids too. Gates& fences mean little. Be sure you are following your gun permit laws and lock it up each day. Place it in the closet next to your bed. High enough the kids can not get it. They have faux containers like a cleaning product one to hide it if u won't lock it. I would complain to my local Police and tell them of the gang movements. Get to know them. Write a Orchid letter of compliments to the area Chief. That always get them there faster is u are in trouble.
Finally, talk with the neighborhood watch group or start your own. They have had amazing success making us feel safe. God bless. (the PTA helps too, other parents worry just like you, if not wake them up. The Principal knows!!!)

PS If you go to the store you never leave them alone. Keep your keys extremely close. Once in your hand use them as a weapon.

Answer 9

Be aware of your surroundings when you are out. I would suggest a plan to protect yourself. That may involve mace or a firearm. Whatever you pick, you need to be sure you are first of all proficient in how to use it. Secondly, if you choose a firearm, you need to be ok with the fact that the only reason you will pull it out is to eliminate a deadly threat. Do not pull out a firearm just so you can scare somebody off. In most states, you are ok to use deadly force in the defense of your life or your family when there is an eminent threat of death or severe bodily harm. If these little tirdbags have already mugged or severely harmed others, they will only get more violent until they are stopped or eliminated.

Good luck

Answer 10

For goodness sake, get some peace of mind, get some training, a firearm, and a concealed carry permit. It is ridiculous to think you will shoot yourself. People can and do defend themselves everyday with firearms and probably 99% of the time they never have to fire it, just let the criminal know you have it. But you SHOULD be prepared and know how to use it if you have to. And if you have children, make sure it is locked up if it is not carried on your person. Also, being aware of your surroundings, all the time, and the things that are happening can mean the few seconds between being a victim or worse, you and your children being victims, or saving them.