I always used the stairs as the point of no return for a potential intruder in my home. If you come up the stairs, then you’ve made the choice to risk your life. If you’re downstairs, I’m letting you know I’m awake and giving you an opportunity to bounce. You’ve already been on camera at that point, and perhaps I take the opportunity to tighten up the security on my home. I’d rather not kill someone, regardless of the fact they broke into my home. But yeah, if you come up the stairs, that’s that.

I feel for all ranch and bi/split-level homeowners. Tough choices must be made.