firearms can make you feel safer, BUT only if you can use them correctly. if anyone feels the need for one, get it. but that said, get training. know all the in's and outs of your particular gun. become familiar with it. get good at loading and unloading, make sure you can do it quickly and efficiently. know how to clean it and oil it. go to the range every month or two and keep up your skills. if its an automatic, you need to be sure to keep the magazines rotated.
if you just get one and keep it around without ever using it, will you be able to, Lord forbidding, use it when needed? if firearms aren't kept cleaned, oiled, and maintained, they will fail. and probably when you need it most. firearms are a responsibility, treat them right and they will treat you right.