Have you ever heard a noise in the middle of the night and wondered if it might be an intruder? This is a terrifying thought. Because your family’s safety is your top priority, you need to know what to do if someone breaks into your house.
A home break-in can happen quickly, and you need to know the best way to handle it. Let’s take a look at some tips you should know for dealing with this situation.
How to Deal With an Intruder in Your Home
Having an intruder enter your home is everyone’s worst nightmare. The key to dealing with it is to not panic and to take action. Here’s what to do if someone breaks into your house.
Try To Remain Calm
There are few things in life more terrifying than discovering an intruder in your home. But if you do face this situation, you need to remain calm in spite of your fear.
Adrenaline can be a good thing, but fear can cause you to panic when you need to be as clear-headed as possible.
Get to a Safe Space
It’s always smart to plan ahead and decide on at least one safe space in the house where you can hide in case of a home invasion. This needs to be a room that you can get to quickly, whether night or day, without having to come in contact with the intruder.
Your bedroom might be a good option as long as you can get to it quickly and the door has a secure lock.
Go Out Through a Window
It’s important to get out of your home if possible. We recommend exiting through a window. If your safe space happens to be on the second floor, you should plan ahead to have a ladder stored there for a quick escape.
Call the Police
Call the police immediately. It may take them a few minutes to arrive, but it will give you a better sense of security knowing they are on the way, and the sound of approaching sirens will likely send the intruder running.
Arm Yourself With a Weapon
Many people own guns for self-defense purposes. Though you might never want or intend to use it, owning a weapon at least gives you the opportunity to shoot back if your life is in danger.
Keep in mind that it’s always best to focus on getting out of the house safely and let the police handle the intruder, but arming yourself with a gun might end up saving your life.
Stay Where You Are
Once you’ve escaped from the house, do not attempt to go back inside until the police have cleared the home and pronounced it safe. They will do a thorough search of the house, from the attic to the basement, to make sure there are no intruders inside.
As anxious as you will be to go back to your home, we suggest being patient and let the police do their job.
What to Do if Someone Breaks Into Your House
Having a plan for what to do if someone breaks into your house can save your life. Remember that your focus should be on keeping your family safe rather than how to get someone out of your house.
Plan ahead, make sure each member of your family knows the plan, and be prepared to act quickly if you discover an intruder in your home.
