Guns in Homes Pros and Cons Statistics

If you're like most Americans, you want to prepare in case of a break-in. But home defense doesn't require the use of lethal weapons. And keeping guns in the house may do more to hurt your family than to help them.

The appeal to own a firearm seems like common sense. It is also a protected American right. We envision stopping violent intruders dead in their tracks the moment they present a threat.

But most Americans overlook the risks firearms present day to day. Unlike other home defense methods, firearms can kill your loved ones. And a pistol is often easier to operate than a home appliance.

In fact, homicides and suicides are far more likely among males who keep guns in their homes. And those deaths are more likely to occur by the use of a firearm. These statistics stand regardless of how each firearm is stored.

Why Home Defense with Firearms is a Risk

Most of the debate around gun ownership has to do with constitutional rights. This discussion is intended to focus on safety alone.

Deadly weapons are indiscriminate, no matter the circumstances. When your family is in constant proximity to a firearm, it's putting them in danger. And your firearm is most often there, available and out of use.

But there are pros and cons to gun ownership. Perhaps you have extensive training and experience handling a firearm. Perhaps you have no children or a history of mental illness.

You're still in proximity to a deadly weapon every day. But you're in better standing than most to own a firearm. And many use weapons for sport, putting them in a higher class of gun safety.

However, fewer and fewer owners use guns for hunting or sport. The share of Americans who own guns solely for protection has nearly doubled.

These percentages also factor in the growing quantity of guns in America. And the dangers have taken a toll.

In 2015 there were 259 "justifiable gun-related homicides" in the United States. These are the best possible outcomes for people protecting themselves.

However, there were 20,666 suicides and 548 fatal unintentional shootings the same year. These are weapons whose purposes were not to harm the innocent. Most owners purchased these weapons for protection.

Firearms were created to kill living things. Frequent exposure to firearms in the home compounds the risk of death, day after day. Families and homeowners can choose a safer way to protect themselves.

A Brief History of Defense with a Firearm

Non-lethal weaponry is counterintuitive when you look at our history. Weaponry itself has always centered around lethality. From clubs to missiles, protection is by my means of deadly power.

The concept of incapacitating aggressors is new. The threat of tyranny once justified ownership of deadly weapons. The threat of criminals is formally dealt with by police.

Home defense then became about prevention rather than killing. It meant preventing harm until the authorities arrive. Killing, therefore, is the last option, one heavily scrutinized by the law.

Americans now have weapons that outweigh their purpose. There is no recourse following a death. But it's difficult to move on from the historic protection of firearms.

In 2012, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch person. The person called the police and identified Martin as a "suspicious person." The police instructed him to stay in his vehicle.

Zimmerman got out of the vehicle, then shot and killed Martin. Zimmerman's condition showed minor signs of struggle. No charges were placed against him.

The police did not have a chance to question Martin. Martin did not receive a trial. For both individuals, this puts their actions and motives into question.

When someone dies in an altercation, both parties are implicated. Countless home defense cases lead to the death of the intruder. Many of the residents themselves are convicted of crimes.

What if Zimmerman had been armed with a TASER gun? He could have easily incapacitated Martin until the police arrived. He could have remained protected in his vehicle.

Now, there are more firearms in the United States than people. Unwanted and unnecessary deaths occur every day. And victims of intrusions are sent to jail.

Successful Protection with Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW)

Protecting your loved ones shouldn't hinge on killing. It needn't put them in danger as well. There are home defense measures that destabilize intruders without constant danger in your home.

The United States has the finest law enforcement in the world. You can leverage that in your home defense measures as well. Leave the direct engagement and capture of criminals to professionals.

Non-lethal protection needn't be locked away, either. This allows for easy access during a crisis. And many home defense methods are automatic.

How can you protect your children when you're away? A firearm certainly won't do them any good. In fact, a firearm puts them in much greater danger.

Non-lethal methods cover all areas of safety. They do not put anyone's lives in danger. They prevent long-term physical, legal, and psychological damage as well.

Even children can use alarms in the event of an intruder. They can contact help in medical emergencies as well. There are countless ways to discourage and protect without the risk of death.

Nine Effective Non-Lethal Devices for Home Protection

The following are nine solutions that are great alternatives to guns. Use these home defense methods alone or paired. You'll have a safe and protected environment for your family.

1. TASER weapons & Stun Guns

TASER weapons are the most celebrated non-lethal defense tools in the world. This is for obvious reasons. They have the destabilizing appeal of a pistol without serious harm or death.

Stun guns function like TASER devices but direct contact must be made. TASER devices have a projectile component. This puts you at safe distance from intruders.

These devices are lightweight and can be carried by anyone. Many can be disguised as everyday items, such as stun gun lipstick. It's an outstanding tool for the home or young women on college campuses.

These are defense tools, not weapons. They're lightweight, safe, and effective, which is a huge advantage over deadly force.

2. Pepper Spray & Wildfire

Pepper spray is a great tool for young people and leading law enforcement alike. It's a safe alternative to physical force for anyone.

It's lightweight and non-lethal. It's also hugely destabilizing without the need for violence. And its Wildfire models provide ample range.

Also, like the TASER device, it saves you from physical contact with assailants. This and destabilization are what attract most gun owners. But those needn't be coupled with deadly force.

3. Stun Batons

You should take steps to protect yourself from physical contact. One day that might be unavoidable. And you might need something more defensive than a small stun gun.

Stun batons provide the advantage of stun guns and a blunt weapon combined. They can be combined with a blinding flashlight as well. This can stop your assailant and give you a powerful measure of protection.

You can do non-lethal damage to your opponent if necessary. More importantly, you have a more aggressive means of preventing further harm to anyone.

4. Smart Dummy Cameras

99% of protection should start with prevention. We'd all love to have high-tech safety gear surrounding our homes. Luckily for us, criminals don't know any better.

You can buy sophisticated, motion-sensor dummy cameras for under $20. Surround your home with these tools and scare away any intruders. They won't know it's a trick.

For less than $200, you can have a complete home defense system without buying a firearm. You will dramatically reduce the risk to your loved ones, both inside and out.

You're not an on-duty soldier or police officer. Keep your family safe the right way. Prevent dangerous situations and leave law enforcement to the professionals.

5. Home Alarms

Expensive home defense alarm systems connect with police channels. They automatically contact the police if they sense an intruder. But their most important feature is prevention.

Equip your home with smaller systems in custom locations. You can save money and deter intruders. You can call the police at a moments' notice as well.

More importantly, criminals don't know any better. They will assume the police have been notified. They will not wait around for them to arrive.

Doorstops, motion detectors, and doorknob alarms can be installed anywhere. That includes apartments, homes, and dorm rooms. They're long-term solutions no matter where your loved ones go.

6. Personal Alarms

Gun owners must face a hard truth. Those who are least equipped to use a firearm are most in need of protection. And you can't have your weapon ready for them all of the time.

Personal alarms are great for children not equipped to carry a stun gun. They are great for adults when coupled with stun guns. And they are simple solutions for older relatives when out in public.

Most personal alarms are small and lightweight. They signify a clear emergency to anyone nearby. Most importantly, they scare assailants in an instant.

We all have loved ones who can't lug a firearm around. You can keep them safe with these portable tools. Whether at home or on a college campus, they're inches away when they need them.

7. Hidden Cameras

Hidden cameras won't do much in terms of immediate home defense. They can give you recourse if you must go to court. And they pair very well with preventative systems as well.

There are countless camera types. This includes wearable glasses and 360-degree pan-and-tilt cameras. Apply them to the most vulnerable spaces in your home.

Cameras help you identify intruders, even if they escape. You'll know with certainty that there are no unnoticed crimes. And you'll have a simple way to review the goings-on of any day you choose.

8. Self-Defense Training

What happens when your gear is out of reach? Your body is your most important form of home defense. Be sure it's ready for the danger that may come.

Intruders may be carrying deadly weapons. When you're face to face with that danger, you must be ready.

Martial arts are as much about incapacitating enemies as defeating them. Average people typically resort to punching. Your goal is to level the playing field with armed assailants.

That doesn't mean beating them in a fistfight. It means disarming them. It means rendering them useless as well.

Intruders will most often carry a weapon. Focus on techniques that help you disarm assailants. Taking away their power is your best chance of scaring them from your home.

You can train a few hours per week and master the basics. Use the best training resources to get the job done. You'll equip yourself with the most important home defense skills for a lifetime.

9. Safety Networks

Humans have found safety in number for generations. We spend more time isolated in our homes today. That inevitably puts us at risk.

Be sure you have a safety network in place. Connect with your neighborhood watch system. Ensure you have frequent visitors to the home.

Establish a plan of escape. Coordinate with neighbors to ensure your family has a place to go. You also can provide a place of safety for your friends and neighbors.

Criminals don't like a lot of exposure. Keep your friends and loved ones close. Equip yourself and build a community that will protect your home for life.

America's Best Tools for Non-Lethal Defense

Taking down bad guys is not your job. Protecting your family is. Get the home defense solutions you and your family members need.

Contact TBOTECH Self Defense Products today. We'll help you with a custom solution to ensure your long-term safety.