If you have kids in the house the first thing to teach is proper use and respect. There is a great program called Project Appleseed http://appleseedinfo.org/ , it's good for all family members.
My kids are grown and gone, I keep 3 loaded pistols and a loaded 12 gauge in my home at all times. two of the Pistols are in my safe next to my bed and takes just 8 seconds to access (yes, I timed it), one is in my wife's purse close to her in the bedroom at night and always with her otherwise (she has a concealed carry permit), my shotgun is in my office in my guitar case. When company comes we lock down the wife's wheel gun and the shotgun. My .45 1911 is racked with one in the chamber and the safety on, the 9mm sig is hot and ready at all times. We are not country folk, We live in California and are a combination of white & blue collar. There has been a lot of home invasions in the last few years because of the economy and gang problems in Fresno, even though We live in a very good part of town I am not foolish enough to think we are safe. My wife is qualified to carry my .45 1911, our Sig 9mm and her Ruger .38 (her everyday carry pistol. She is under 5 foot tall, over 60 and able to give herself a fighting chance if needed. I hope I never have to fire my weapons anywhere other than the range.
