@Cabin_Mama :
I think any thing a person does to protect them selves is a good thing . If you are able to afford having bars,cameras , signs & guns why not have them ? You say you will not live in a huddling , paranoid existence . Well I'm not either & most people aren't .I take some risk but most people don't . I'm eventually when I have time to read about them or get my grandson to let me know which kind to purchase going to put up cameras . Not because I believe it will stop "ALL " from breaking in but I want to catch the thief if possible .I don't carry a gun but yes I have guns , pepper spray , bug spray , fog horns , keys that I can push the panic button & when my car starts honking scare off the intruder & won't take long for my neighbors to call the cops .I have outside lights on all sides of our home . I don't think people as a whole are fearful I just think they prepare the best they can . What will you do to protect your children if some one breaks into your home & it's you & your kids alone . Your 1st sentence you say if I get brutally murdered then so be it , I'd rather live free & easy like I do ............ it is quoted at top. I know exactly what I'll do if someone breaks into my home & I'm here .

Fear destroys your life and takes the joy away. I tend to live on the edge of fear but try not to go in. I think we all have to be aware and in the moment. My son sees things around us that I don't but I always know he saw something he didn't like when he has his hand on my back with pretty strong pressure. I know to pay attention. If he says get in the car, I move! There are strange sights at night.

@bbkThat's good that you have a plan. I guess if it happens to me I will just be dead and on to whatever the next thing is. Or maybe there are weapons I would use. I wouldn't list on a public message board what our exact set up is! I'm not labeling others or judging. Everyone should live as they like.

I have seen in some high crime area's people with bars all over their homes . All I can think about is God please don't let that home catch fire ! That is one thing I wouldn't do is have bars . And I would feel like I was in prison .

@bbk yes, I am claustrophobic so that would never work for me. Those are not the kind of bars I like!

@Cabin_Mama Oh I feel certain the kind of bars you like are chocolate candy bars right ?

@bbk yes, yes that is what I meant.

@bbk
I answer them through the door but I never open it. I politely tell them i am not interested and to please leave.

@Clydepuckett That is exactly what they would do. Why break the door down if the victim will open it for you?