Great post, but have to ask about this line: “We don’t have a gun - yet.”
Unless you doubt your ability to use one if needed, I strongly suggest you get one soon. Like this weekend. An inexpensive Mossberg pump action 12 ga. can be had for less than $200 and is a good first choice home defense/hunting weapon.
We’re thinking about the gun - hubby is not so keen on the idea with the kids in the house. Our Cub Scouts have more firearm experience than we do - our 10 year old is an excellent shot! It would also be nice to be able to hunt if we needed to - I’m trying to convince him.
I stocked up for Y2K also, and took a bit of ribbing for that!