Self-defense education
Write Your Home Safety Plan
Long nights and travel season are a good reminder: a home safety plan works best when every member of the family knows it.
2A Digital · December 2025 issue ·
A good home safety plan begins with the basics: solid doors and locks, good exterior lighting, and a habit of locking up even when you are home. Simple steps like these discourage most problems before they start.
Decide in advance where family members will gather if someone hears an intruder, how you will call for help, and how you will communicate with each other. Practice it the way you would practice a fire drill.
If you keep a firearm for home defense, it must be stored so that children and unauthorized people cannot get to it, while still being accessible to you. Quick-access lock boxes and safes exist for this purpose. Seek training from a qualified instructor and learn your state's laws on the use of force from a licensed attorney or official resources.
When you travel for the holidays, ask a neighbor to watch the house, pause mail and deliveries, and be careful about announcing your trip on social media. Firearms left at home should be locked securely.
Practice your home safety plan the way you would practice a fire drill.
Educational content only — not legal advice. Laws on firearms, carry, transport and self-defense vary by state and change; confirm current rules with a licensed attorney or official state resources. Always follow the universal firearm safety rules and train with a qualified instructor.