Surviving a home invasion requires a combination of preparedness, situational awareness, and calm decision-making during an incredibly stressful event. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you protect yourself and your family in the event of a home invasion.
1. Prevention and Deterrence
a. Secure Your Home:
- Locks: Install high-quality locks on all doors and windows. Consider deadbolts for added security.
- Lighting: Keep your property well-lit. Exterior lighting, especially motion-detecting lights, can deter burglars.
- Security System: Invest in a robust security system. Modern systems offer alarms, camera surveillance, and quick access to emergency assistance.
- Reinforce Entry Points: Strengthen doors, frames and windows. Specialty locks for sliding windows and glass break detectors can be particularly effective.
b. Community Awareness:
- Stay engaged with your local community or neighborhood watch program. Being in touch with your neighbors can help keep everyone safer.
c. Limit Information Sharing:
- Be cautious about what personal information you share online, especially details about your home or when you’ll be away for an extended period.
2. Develop a Safety Plan
a. Family Communication:
- Discuss with your family about what to do in case of a home invasion.
- Designate a safe room in the house that is hard to break into, preferably with reinforced doors, access to communication (e.g., a charged cell phone) and defensive tools.
b. Escape Routes:
- Plan and practice potential escape routes from your house if safe egress is possible during an invasion.
c. Contact Authorities:
- Keep telephones/cell phones accessible throughout the home to call 911 if necessary. Consider subscribing to a panic button service from a security provider.
3. During the Home Invasion
a. Stay Calm:
- Keeping calm can help you think clearly and make smarter choices about protecting yourself and your loved people.
b. Avoid Confrontation:
- Your priority should be safety, not heroics. Avoid confronting the intruders if possible. Property can be replaced; lives cannot.
c. Use Your Plan:
- If safe, escape using the pre-planned route. If escape isn’t possible, move to your safe room and lock the door.
- Notify the police as soon as you can. Provide them with all the necessary information calmly and clearly.
d. Wait for Help:
- If you’re unable to contact police initially, keep trying. Remain hidden and quiet until help arrives.
4. Aftermath of a Home Invasion
a. Call the Police:
- Even if the intruders have fled, call the police immediately. Do not touch anything until the police arrive as it could be evidence.
b. Medical Assistance:
- Check if anyone is injured and needs immediate medical assistance. Call for medical help if necessary.
c. Document Everything:
- Document any damages or losses. Take pictures and list out stolen items and any damages to your property.
d. Seek Support:
- Home invasions can be traumatic. Consider counseling if you or your family members experience ongoing distress or anxiety.
e. Review and Improve:
- Reflect on the incident and how your safety measures and reactions worked. Make adjustments to your security plans and measures accordingly.
5. Legal Considerations
a. Understand the Laws:
- Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding self-defense and the use of force in your area.
b. Legal Documentation:
- Keep all documentation related to the home invasion, including police reports and communications with your insurance company, neatly filed in case of further legal actions.
By taking proactive steps to secure your home, developing and practicing a clear plan, and staying observant, you can significantly increase your chances of preventing or surviving a home invasion without harm. Stay aware, stay safe.
