Hah, some good responses here. I'll clarify a few things. This is just like your home, except with a 15 foot hallway if you don't have one. So you can run away or move away but you'll be turning a corner and leaving possible family to be harmed or valuables to be lost. If you live alone I guess it's up to you on whether you want to include an innocent in your situation but it's a lot more boring if there isn't one
The "safe position" is purposefully vague because I can't account for all weapon types. The point is you don't have it at the ready, leveled and aimed or unsheathed or whatever. Also, if I wasn't clear, the assailant is just as surprised, and has the same rules as you. So timing is equal. And by "skilled" I mean he knows how to use his weapon. Not that he's an expert marksman or swordsman or anything.
The 15 foot mark is supposedly the distance most can cover before most people could get a shot off with most firearms.
The main problem I see with a taser is you only get one shot. You miss and you're dead.
Tonfa isn't a bad idea if you really do know how to use it, but with a blunt weapon you better get a *good* shot in fast or it won't do much.