I hear you knocking but you can't come in.

Home security is something a lot of people don't give much thought to until their home is violated. Now I am here to tell you that unless you are one of the lucky ones who can afford a gated community with private security or live next to the police station you can't do a lot to protect your home other than what the "experts" recommend. Well I am not an expert but I play one on this blog and the best thing you can do is whatever it takes to make your house the least attractive alternative on the block. A lot of the steps you should take are dependent upon where you live. If there is a neighborhood history of burglaries then You have to step it up a notch. Good locks and a security system will only take you so far. Believe it or not good security is most important when you are home to watch all your stuff. When you and your family are at home then that is when your most precious treasures are at risk, I'm talking about your family here. When you are gone all you can lose is your stuff and you can get more stuff. Which brings me to the next step, getting expert advice. The expert one doesn't normally think of is the guy that sells you the insurance on the stuff you insure against theft, fire, flood, natural disasters and other acts of god. He is just as concerned as you are about keeping your stuff safe and as such is going to offer you lower rates for taking recommended precautions. Which brings me to home defense when you are home. When a tweaked out meth-head kicks in the door what are you going to do. Firearms are one option but aren't for the majority of people. No matter what your beer-fueled bowling alley bravado told your friends if you aren't trained, proficient, confident, and prepared they really aren't an option. If you have children and guns in the house the guns need to be locked up in a safe period! Don't tell me you'll sleep with it in arms length at night and lock it up in the morning. because there will always be the day that you are running late and forget to put it up or take it with you if you have the required permit.