Get a gun and know how to use it. The police will not protect you. They will, however, be able to bring the crime scene yellow tape and the chalk to outline your body. The horrible home invasion story from Connecticut ought to be a wake-up call to everyone who thinks they are safe in their homes these days.
I have many guns - no need to worry about me. :)
I also have a *special* present for any would-be home invaders - a large Kalashnikov-type magazine fed 12 gauge shotgun loaded with 00 Buck magnum rounds.
Wish the NYS legislature would grow a brain.