Rely on yourself.

A new report from the Pew Research Center (link here) indicates that the primary reason that people own guns is for self protection. Whether or not you choose to own a gun for protection -- and if you do, please learn how to use it responsibly -- you should not let it give you a false sense of safety. As with any tool or security measure, a gun should not make you drop your guard because you feel safe. You should remain vigilant even in situations where you know you are protected by security, or when you have the means to defend yourself from attack. Weapons and security measures can fail, and if you are counting on only them to protect you, you will be without protection.

A tragic example of such a situation may be found in the recent death of Greg Rodriguez (story here). While the reports that I have read do not indicate whether or not Mr. Rodriguez was armed at the time he was shot and killed, it seems likely that he could have been -- he was an outspoken advocate of Second Amendment rights, as was the friend he was with at the time of his death. While we cannot say what might have happened had the circumstances been slightly different, this story serves as a sad reminder that even when we might otherwise feel safe, we should always be ready.

In short, do not rely on a gun, or pepper spray, or a knife, or a security guard, or anything else to be safe -- rely on yourself. With the exception of a spouse or family, nothing else will be as concerned for your survival as you are.