Seeking Advice and Suggestions for Home Defense

[safeinOhio]

48. Here are some ideas that are cheap.

On your door hinges and striker plates, replace the short screws with 3 inch ones. Windows, put a stick in between the lower sash and the top or drill a hole and install a stop so window is hard to open even if broken out. Put motion detector lights on all porches. They can be bought for less than $30. now. Put a dead bolt on the door in your safe room and keep a phone in there or take your cell with you. Even if you don't have a system, you can put up stickers that say you do on doors and windows. For about $8 each you can get alarms with a battery in them to stick on window that will sound an alarm if the window is messed with.
I have a small fake tv strobe light I leave on that makes it looks like some one is up and watching tv all night or when I'm gone. I also bought a phone for about $50 that has a motion detector built in. If there is movement, it will call my cell and I can listen in and hear what is going on. I keep the sheriffs non-911 number on speed dial on my cell also. Hope you are able to keep your car in the garage all the time so they won't know if you are home or not.
I carry a 22 and it is great if you are a decent shot. Shoot for hip or shoulder bones. For you at home, you may want to invest in a low cost 38 or a 12 gauge shotgun. Either one can be found used for about $200.
Best of luck and stay safe.