Despite all of the security precautions you may have taken with your home, there is a rare chance that you will encounter one of the most feared security situations by most homeowners: A home invasion. The term ‘Home Invasion’ is defined as a crime commited that may involve robbery, kidnapping, assault or destruction of property. In addition to this, criminals charged with home invasion are also usually charged with ‘braking and entering’, for unlawfully entering your home. Though it’s not preferable to imagine you or your family in this situation, it’s essential that you are aware of important information that will help you to survive a home invasion.
Tip #1 – Safety Comes First
Despite any attachment you may have to your material posessions, in a home invasion situation, your life is much more important. Most criminals that execute home invasions come prepared, and may be armed. If you have a chance to escape your home with your family, this should be your top priority. Do not take any action that has the potential to put you, or your family in a life-threatening situation.
Tip #2 – Be aware of State Laws
In a home invasion situation, you may or may not be allowed to use certain methods defend yourself, according to your state’s laws. It’s highly recommended that you have at least a general knowledge about legal procedures regarding home invasion prosecution. Though leaving your house should be your top priority, a situation may arise when you are required to defend yourself. Topics such as acceptable methods of self-defense should be among the research you conduct about your state’s specific home invasion laws.
Tip #3 – Evaluate your Situation
Just like in any other crisis, the circumstances of a home invasion may vary. If the intruders in your home appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may have to modify your escape and defense plan accordingly. The majority of home invasions are financially-motivated, with intruders only resorting to violence if they are confornted or cornered. However, a small percentage of intruders have the intent of causing harm to home residents upon entering. If this is the case, you may have to be prepared to use self defensive tactics against the intruders in your home.
Tip #4 – Have an Escape Plan
In order to ensure that you and your family are able to safely leave the house in the event of a home invasion, it’s highly recommended that you have a pre-organized escape plan. This escape plan should be versatile enough so that it can be used in any type of crisis that threatens your family’s safety, be it a hurricaine, flash flood or a home invasion. To create an escape plan, sketch a map of all the accessable entrances and exits in your residence. This should include doors, windows, fire escapes, stairs/elevators with outdoor access and roof exits. Create at least two different plans that utilize different methods of escape from your home, being sure to go over these plans with your family.
Tip # 5 – As a Last Resort, be Prepared to Defend Yourself
With the safety of your family being your primary concern, there may be a situation in which you are required to fight against your intruders. Though this is not recommended if you have a method of escape, it is sometimes necessary in order to prevent harm coming to you or members of your household. As a last resort, be prepared for the knowledge that you may have to use force in the interest of self-preservation.
