[BillCA]

There seem to be really 3 camps here.

1. Gun(s) in the bedroom/safe, secured or semi-secured.
2. Gun worn/carried or kept nearby inside one's own home.
3. Stragetically placed guns in different areas of the house, just in case.

Complacency is a problem we all face. We live in "nice" areas with few problems. Or we are confident our risks are low. Yet, when it happens, it often happens much faster than anticipated.

For those with guns secured, have someone 'randomly' set an alarm clock during a visit, so that it goes off sometime during your waking hours. If they're there when the alarm rings, invite them to follow you, screaming in panicked way to hurry up, move faster, etc. Any noise or screaming they want to interfere with your thinking. See how long it really takes you to acquire your firearm and be ready. A stop watch is handy for this too. Remember, you have to recognize what the alarm (sound) means, react to it, and obtain your weapon quickly.

If you're going to place weapons around the house, keep their locations consistent so you always know where they are located. I'd hate to run to a good location only to find I'd move the thing to some random place that I couldn't instantly remember under stress.