That is a funny scenerio, right there....after the fact.
+1 on the dogs....in our case they aren't guardog capable but alert little yipping noisemakers...Minature German Schnauzers. They do pretty well in telling the news.
The anklebiters along with our home security decals and signs provide the first level of defense. I added some supernova level dawn-to-dusk lights in the backyard that really make me feel better.
For years I kept a loaded handgun on the top closet shelf. Since having a child, I've changed that. We have a keyed gun locker in the closet with the long guns, a gunsafe downstairs with handguns and electronic keycode.
I've been looking at gunvaults that I can cable to either side of the master bed for my wife's primary revolver and one my side.
My goal would be from any room in the home to have fast access to secured handgun.....preferably a revolver.
We had a close call last April that has led to the addition of much of this: new puppy, 5 new handguns, lighting, alarm system, additional gunlockers and an overall plan for protection.
One close call was all it took to get me fired up about our safety....wonder how many occured without my knowledge?
