There are an estimated 3.7 million burglaries every single year. For many people, their home represents safety and tranquility. It is hard to imagine someone forcefully entering your home with bad intentions. You should know that it happens every single day.
Self Defense Superstore can help you out. We offer the finest home security products, but that is only the start. You need to have a plan in place for when the worst happens. A little bit of planning can go a long way.
SCOUT WEAKNESSES
Before you begin to formulate a plan, it is a good idea to consider your home’s drawbacks. Can someone see valuable electronics from the window? Is the door sturdy and difficult to open? Are bikes safely in a closed garage, or are they out on the street? Would I know someone has entered the house as soon as they stepped in?
If you have spotted any vulnerabilities, it is a good idea to shore them up. A compromised window may need a window alert system, and a door that just won’t stay locked may require a jammer. A roommate or a family member can provide another set of eyes to check for weak spots. You might want to ask them to help.
FORMULATE A PLAN
Your plan should include preventative measures. For example, you can establish who will be checking the doors and windows every night before bed to make sure that they are locked. You and your family should also know who is responsible for setting any alarms before leaving the house.
During a break-in, it is absolutely critical that you have the ability to call 911. Everyone should know where they can locate a phone, and how to dial 911. Cell phones should be kept charged. If you can, try to leave your phone in a single place (and make everyone aware of that fact) so that it can be quickly reached in an emergency.
Someone is at home for around 28% of all burglaries. If someone breaks into your house while you are at home, there is a very simple pattern that you should follow: escape, hide, fight. If the coast is clear, use your phone to contact authorities.
The primary choice should always be to escape. You should go through every room in your house and form a plan on how to get out. Windows, screen doors, and regular doors should be noted. If there are children in the house, you may find it worthy to show them a diagram, with color coded directions on how to get out of the house safely. Many kids are visual learners, so easy-to-follow directions on a map are more effective. You should also establish a meetup point, preferably down the street or at an easily recognizable location, so you have a place to congregate once you have left the house.
The second choice is to hide. If you can’t get out through a window because you are on the fifth floor, or only have one way to enter and exit your house, you are going to want to conceal yourself. Look for closets or bathrooms with locks. If those places do not have locks, learn how to form a barricade from the inside. Heavy objects are very useful in this regard.
The last alternative is to fight. There are many non-lethal alternatives, such as Heatwave Pepper Spray, TASERs, and stun batons. Everyone in the home should be well-versed on the use of these items, to make certain that you do not hurt yourselves. Remember that this is the last option. Most home burglaries do not end with anyone being injured. In fact, only 7.2% of all burglaries have violence involved.
Checklist
Are all doors and windows secured every night and before leaving the house?
How easy is it to call 911?
Are doors and windows reinforced?
What is the lighting situation like?
Can I store my valuable items in diversion safes?
Do I know the easiest routes of escape?
Does everyone know where to meet after everyone has escaped?
Do I know where to hide in every room of my house?
Am I prepared to fight a burglar?
At Self Defense Superstore, we want to help you out. Check out our Self Defense Blog for more self defense resources, and browse our products for the latest in defense equipment. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
