I live in the woods. I'm so far back that if something happened to me noone would know. Calling 911 would be a lesson in futility because by the time they got there it would be too late. While I don't live alone there are times when I am alone on the farm. I decided a long time ago that the only person that I could depend on for personal protection is ME.
Obviously, physical barriers are the first level of defense. We have fences and a locked gate. We have a very long driveway. The home and buildings are locked when not in use. I also try to be very aware of what is going on around me at all times. I have guineas who act as a very good warning system. They let out their combined chatter whenever someone or something unfamiliar is on the farm. I never ignore their warning even if they are found screeching at a plastic bag that blows through. Too many times they have announced an unwanted visitor whether it has two legs or four.
I also have livestock guardian dogs. For the most part the dogs work by guarding the goats and pigs. They bond with their livestock and when they sense danger they protect against it. The dogs are also bonded to their people. They live in the pens with the goats but if they thought that I needed them they can and will scale the fence and come to protect me. They will do the same for the calves, cats and piglets. If I hear a hunter poaching on the back forty I take one of the dogs by my side to confront them. I have no doubt the dogs would give their lives if I needed them to. They will allow noone to come between them and me. Unless I tell them to stand down they would take care of any threat to the best of their ability. They are not leashed when they walk with me and don't have to be. They would not leave my side under any circumstance. They don't chase rabbits and squirrels and don't dart away after them. They are guardians and they are always working. While everyone doesn't have a LGD almost any dog can alert you to danger by barking. Learn to respect their ability to help and listen to what they are telling you.
A basic knowledge of self defense is important. Many police departments or other groups offer free or inexpensive classes in self defense. There are videos online showing basic self defense if you can't find or afford a class. There is really no excuse not to learn a few basic self defense skills. Even if you have to practice them with a friend after watching a video you need to do something. You cannot rely on someone else always being available to save you.
Not everyone has a gun. Quite frankly If you don't believe you can use one then having one can be more dangerous then not having one. I do encourage practicing with a gun and learning how to protect yourself. When I am home I always have a handgun in a holster and a long gun within easy reach. I have practiced with them and while I'm not Rambo I have used the guns for protection from four legged predators and as backup when two legged tresspassers doubt my intent. I know that I can do what I need to do because I am comfortable with the guns and I have practiced with using them. While my practice has been in my own woods at my own targets there are plenty of shooting ranges around which provide a place for training and practice too. Take advantage of those resources when you can.
In addition to the guns, I also have mace in and around the sheds gardens and animal pens. They are compact and may come in handy if needed. Finally, I also have knives. I always have knives with me. I practice throwing a knife even knowing that once it leaves my hand it becomes a weapon that can be used against me. I would only use that particular skill in limited circumstances. I also have knives that are on me for when someone gets too close and as a last resort. I don't ever plan on them being my first plan of defense but I am prepared If I ever need a knife and its my only protection. As with any personal protection you need practice with a knife as well. Don't expect to use them to stop a bear if you can't hold onto it properly, its not sharp enough or you don't know how to use it.
I am not suggesting that anyone should be foolish with personal protection. Hopefully you will never need to protect yourself. But if you ever find yourself home alone, don't also find yourself defenseless and quivering under the bed waiting for the Calvary. Getting the proper knowledge, training and comfort level when you are home means you never have to be defenseless. Being prepared is the best protection you can ever have.
Southern Wood Elf