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I applaud your caution and care in planning and forethought, but NEVER underestimate a toddler/youngsters ability to figure stuff out.[/quote]

I have a 10 year old and 7 year twins who are all crafty little buggers and will find a way to access every nook and cranny of our home. As such, deadly weapons are either on my person or locked away. A former LEO friend recommended pepper spray (PS) in strategic locations around the house as non-lethal forms of protection when you have a house with kids. We've done that and I feel better that I have the tactical advantage of PS in kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, etc to "fight" our way to the gunsafe. We've discussed the PS with the kids and explained that it is for adults to use in an emergency and is "spicy like hot sauce times 1000" that will burns eyes, noses, and little mouths. To date they have not messed with it.

I've also reinforced the door jambs with a strike master II on the front door and Armor Concepts EZ armor on the 2 back doors. Both seem to be solid products and are fairly easy to install DIY. THe EZ Armor offers a bit more flexibility for non-standard handle/deadbolt spacing. The backyard fence gates stay locked at all times. Alarm system with glass break and motion sensors and a 9 month old lab mix that might lick an intruder into submission round out the protective measures. Layers of security if you will.

Future plans include reinforcing an upstairs walk-in attic to serve as a panic room and adding small gunsafes/lockboxes in additional rooms. Fortunately no one has tried to break into the house while we have been home. In the last year, however, I've been followed from a bank after visiting my safe deposit box and my vehicle broke into while I ran an errand (less than 5 minutes), my garage side door was pried open and tools stolen, and our front door was kicked in while we were away at work/school and the house was pilfered for cash, jewelry, and small electronics. Fortunately our losses were minimal, but the violation of privacy and loss of sense of safety and security with the thefts was substantial.