How To Feel Safe When Living Alone...get A Weapon

[pastafreak]

I came across this search for advice on another site. A young single women planning to live on her own for the first time...seeking advice from other women. It's an American site.
Needless to say, I was shocked...though maybe I shouldn't be...at how many advised on suitable weapons to keep nearby...hammers, knives, and, of course, guns.
I can't imagine giving my daughter, friend, niece, granddaughter, or stranger that advice.
If I was a site member, I would have asked if there were actual reasons to feel unsafe...was it a high crime area? I lived in some dodgy areas in and around NYC when I was young, but never felt THAT unsafe.

[pixie374]

My first thought from the title was an alarm.... but may not be quick enough in very violent areas. I know plenty, including elderly ladies, who do keep something convenient. More for peace of mind I think.

[Redhelen72]

I was horrified when I discovered my MIL kept several knives under her bed and in her bed side drawer!
I asked her why and she said she was afraid of being burgled! She lives in a sleeping seaside town and has so many locks on the door you would have to be Houdini to get in!
I tried to explain to her that if a burgler go in just let them have the stuff its only possessions but she would not have it.

Keeping weapons like that at hand can make a situation into a tragic situation!

[pastafreak]

I can understand alarms, self defence and big dogs. Choosing deadly weapons is beyond me...if my daughter chose that, I'd be MORE worried.

[AuntPG]

If I was in the USA and lived on my own I would most definitely have a gun. Burglary would not bother me, but the thought of kidnap and rape would.

[pastafreak]

But how many of those who choose to have a gun nearby are proficient in its use. That's a huge concern.

[AuntPG]

I am -I was referring to me personally. Anyone who has not used a gun can soon get correct safety training, and practice -often at the very place they buy it from ( USA). Even a fake gun may give you a couple of seconds to get some pepper spray on the person or set off a personal alarm.

[Redhelen72]

If guns were allowed here I know that my MIL would have one instead she has a car which with her behind the wheel is dangerous lol

[ladybirder]

APG You wouldn't need to worry I doubt anyone would dare to rape you!

[AuntPG]

I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or put down ;o)

Being an ex supermodel, come shepherdess, with an accent like Bridget Bardo has its downsides. :-)

[Redhelen72]

chortlesplutters

[pixie374]

Pepper spray is illegal here. There were quite a lot of suggestions and conversations about female safety, particularly after Sarah Everard.
The problem with weapons or sprays, for most people, is both being able to reach them in time and them getting into the wrong hands.
Although, it might be a deterrent at least, if burglars etc were aware it was likely.
I would still probably go with alarms, as deterrent, as much as anything.

[rowanwitch]

Get a big dog, still the best deterrent. If you use a weapon be prepared to use it before it is taken off you and used against you. Even hairspray in an attackers eyes will buy you a few seconds. I

Remember if you have seen their face you can give a description they have less to lose by doing you serious enough harm that you can't identify them in court. Better to hide/avoid than confront them if the person is not masked

[AuntPG]

Pixie I got a spray to hang on my belt when taking my GSD puppy for walks during the lockdown (for would- be puppy nappers not the puppy!) It sprays a black spray onto the assailant, giving me just enough time to kick them in the b*lls and wack then over the head with my metal shepherds crook :-) It remains unused, thankfully.

[Mamyalynne]

My Grandmother had a Policeman's Helmet and truncheon visible through the front door glass pane, I doubt that would work now. :-)

[pixie374]

I have the same in red, apg... thankfully, not used either. Apparently, takes several days to wash off, for easy identification. Also had a deafening alarm, but when it got set off by accident, nobody gave a toss lol.

[Barmaid]

I have never felt that unsafe. The trouble with any weapon is that it can be used against you (although I know precisely where the fire pokers and rolling pin are).

My long departed grandfather who lived in a remote farmhouse used to keep a loaded 12 bore under his bed. He'd have used it too.

[AuntPG]

// My long departed grandfather who lived in a remote farmhouse used to keep a loaded 12 bore under his bed. He'd have used it too.//

;o) totally against the Law now in the UK though...........

[Barmaid]

lol, I know. I doubt it would have the same effect asking them to hang on a bit whilst you unlock the concealed gun cabinet and then unlock the separate ammo cabinet!!

[beso]

Having a weapon at home make the person and their family many times more likely to die of be injured by the weapon than by any intruder.

[Prudie]

I also would want a gun if I lived alone in some areas of the US and I'd definitely have one if I lived anywhere in the Caribbean.