What Would You Do in a Home Invasion?

I read today about a teen-age mom who shot and killed an intruder who was trying to break into her home. The woman’s husband had died of cancer on Christmas Day the first time the stranger, claiming to be a neighbor, knocked on her door. She felt uneasy and didn’t let him in. Then on New Year’s Eve he returned with a friend and a 12-inch hunting knife, pounding on the door. The woman barricaded the door, grabbed her baby and then her 12-gauge shotgun and her pistol. She called 911 who told her “do what you have to do to protect your baby,” and, as the intruder broke the door down and came after her, she shot him dead.

Good for her – you go girl! As she said, there’s nothing more dangerous than a mother protecting her child. It got me to thinking, however, what would I do in a home invasion? It’s not like it hasn’t happened close to me. I live within an hour of the horrific home invasion that occurred several years ago in Middletown, CT where a mother and her two daughters were brutally murdered. It’s not something any of us would like to think about but there are many topics that, while deeply disturbing, are better to discuss and plan for than not.

Have you thought about it? Everyone is different and each circumstance is different. Some people would freeze while in others the flight response would kick in. There are a few things that everyone should consider to protect themselves:

Take a self-defense course – I’m not talking about your run-of-the-mill karate or tae kwon do class. I’m talking about a kick-butt survival class preferably taught by an ex Secret Service, CIA, FBI or Navy Seal guy, a real bad-ass who can train you on what to do if your life is at stake. Trust me they’re out there.

Get an alarm system – If your invader is completely strung out or is truly after you specifically, home alarm system signs on your property might not make a difference. But if the invader is selecting his victim randomly he’ll probably pick an easier target who doesn’t have a home alarm system. Get an alarm system that will alarm once you are inside the house and sound if anyone tries to enter.

Reinforce your doors and windows –Burglars often go right through your doors and windows. Most lock strike plates are not very strong and can be easily kicked in. Upgrade your lock plate to heavy-duty, four-screw strike plate and install with extra-long screws as well as at the hinges. For sliding patio doors, place a wooden dowel in the track to prevent it from opening. Be particularly aware of windows on lower floors – keep them shut and install additional window locks. Also, be sure that the perimeter of your house is well lit.

I’m still not sure how I would react in this situation but every expert agrees, if there’s anything you can do, don’t allow them to take you somewhere else. Keep your wits about you and keep your eyes open for a chance to escape.

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