Difference between revisions of "Deal With an Intruder in Your Home"
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Waking up to the sound of an intruder in your home, or even worse, to a shadowy figure in your bedroom has got to rank among your worst nightmares. As terrifying as it will be if you ever find yourself in this situation, there are some things that you can do to prepare yourself in advance and some steps you can take during the invasion to increase your safety. | Waking up to the sound of an intruder in your home, or even worse, to a shadowy figure in your bedroom has got to rank among your worst nightmares. As terrifying as it will be if you ever find yourself in this situation, there are some things that you can do to prepare yourself in advance and some steps you can take during the invasion to increase your safety. | ||
| − | [[Category:Home Security]] | + | [[Category: Home Security]] |
| − | [[Category:Keeping Safe]] | + | [[Category: Keeping Safe]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Hiding From an Intruder=== | ===Hiding From an Intruder=== | ||
#Avoid searching for an intruder. We've all seen movies where the home-owner grabs a bat and sneaks through the house searching for an intruder. It's best, though, to avoid confrontation with the intruder if at all possible. | #Avoid searching for an intruder. We've all seen movies where the home-owner grabs a bat and sneaks through the house searching for an intruder. It's best, though, to avoid confrontation with the intruder if at all possible. | ||
| − | #*An intruder can react violently, so instead of searching for the intruder, you should first try to escape or hide.<ref>http://www.citizendefensetraining.com/safe_at_home.htm</ref> | + | #*An intruder can react violently, so instead of searching for the intruder, you should first try to escape or hide.<ref name="rf1">http://www.citizendefensetraining.com/safe_at_home.htm</ref> |
#Come up with a simple code word that your family will recognize in an emergency. If you need to warn your family members about an invasion, it's a great idea to have a code worked out in advance. | #Come up with a simple code word that your family will recognize in an emergency. If you need to warn your family members about an invasion, it's a great idea to have a code worked out in advance. | ||
#*You can shout this simple word or phrase, such as “ESCAPE!”, to put them on the alert so that they can escape or run to a safe place. | #*You can shout this simple word or phrase, such as “ESCAPE!”, to put them on the alert so that they can escape or run to a safe place. | ||
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#*If at all possible, try to make your way to this safe room if you hear an intruder in your home. | #*If at all possible, try to make your way to this safe room if you hear an intruder in your home. | ||
#Make sure your safe room locks from the inside. Whether your safe room is your bedroom or a separate room in the house, you want to make sure that it has a solid door which locks from the inside and which can be quickly and easily barricaded. | #Make sure your safe room locks from the inside. Whether your safe room is your bedroom or a separate room in the house, you want to make sure that it has a solid door which locks from the inside and which can be quickly and easily barricaded. | ||
| − | #*Consider installing a dead bolt on your bedroom door and/or the safe room for extra security.<ref>http://www.asecurelife.com/what-to-do-if-your-burglar-alarm-goes-off/</ref> | + | #*Consider installing a dead bolt on your bedroom door and/or the safe room for extra security.<ref name="rf2">http://www.asecurelife.com/what-to-do-if-your-burglar-alarm-goes-off/</ref> |
#Have your safe room stocked in advance. The most important item to have in your safe room is a working, charged phone so that you can contact the police. Ideally, this will not be a land-line, which could be cut, and would instead be a cell phone. | #Have your safe room stocked in advance. The most important item to have in your safe room is a working, charged phone so that you can contact the police. Ideally, this will not be a land-line, which could be cut, and would instead be a cell phone. | ||
#*Stock your safe room with things you can use as a weapon in case the intruder makes it in and you are forced to defend yourself, such as a bat. We'll have more to say in later steps about keeping more dangerous weapons such as knives and guns in your safe room. | #*Stock your safe room with things you can use as a weapon in case the intruder makes it in and you are forced to defend yourself, such as a bat. We'll have more to say in later steps about keeping more dangerous weapons such as knives and guns in your safe room. | ||
| − | #*You may also want to consider having food, water, and first aid supplies in your safe room.<ref | + | #*You may also want to consider having food, water, and first aid supplies in your safe room.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Turn out the lights and remain as silent as possible. You don't want to alert the intruder to your presence if at all possible, so make sure that all lights in the room are turned off. | #Turn out the lights and remain as silent as possible. You don't want to alert the intruder to your presence if at all possible, so make sure that all lights in the room are turned off. | ||
| − | #Avoid calling out to the intruder. You may be tempted to yell “We've called the police!” in order to make the intruder panic and leave as quickly as possible. This isn't a good idea, though—it will give away your hiding place.<ref | + | #Avoid calling out to the intruder. You may be tempted to yell “We've called the police!” in order to make the intruder panic and leave as quickly as possible. This isn't a good idea, though—it will give away your hiding place.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*If, however, the intruder tries to break into the room where you're hiding, then it may actually be a good idea to yell “We've called police—they're on their way!”. | #*If, however, the intruder tries to break into the room where you're hiding, then it may actually be a good idea to yell “We've called police—they're on their way!”. | ||
#*Use the plural “we” when you call out, even if you're alone. If the intruder thinks that there are more than one of you, he may panic and leave. | #*Use the plural “we” when you call out, even if you're alone. If the intruder thinks that there are more than one of you, he may panic and leave. | ||
| − | #Call emergency services as quickly as possible. Once you are secure, call for help immediately. Be sure to provide the dispatcher with as many details as possible.<ref | + | #Call emergency services as quickly as possible. Once you are secure, call for help immediately. Be sure to provide the dispatcher with as many details as possible.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*For example, “My name is Sally Smith, and I live at 123 River Road. I hear two intruders in my home. I'm hiding in the upstairs back bedroom, and I think they are still downstairs in the living room.” | #*For example, “My name is Sally Smith, and I live at 123 River Road. I hear two intruders in my home. I'm hiding in the upstairs back bedroom, and I think they are still downstairs in the living room.” | ||
#*Try to keep the line with the dispatcher open so that they can listen in, provide you with updates on the progress of the police, and help keep you calm. | #*Try to keep the line with the dispatcher open so that they can listen in, provide you with updates on the progress of the police, and help keep you calm. | ||
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===Handling an Intruder When You Can't Hide=== | ===Handling an Intruder When You Can't Hide=== | ||
| − | #Set off your car alarm. While you probably sleep with your phone next you, you may never have thought of bringing your car keys to bed. If you hear an intruder (either in the house, or in the room with you), press the alarm button for your car. There's a good chance that the intruder will take off.<ref>http://modernsurvivalblog.com/security/21-things-your-burglar-wont-tell-you/</ref> | + | #Set off your car alarm. While you probably sleep with your phone next you, you may never have thought of bringing your car keys to bed. If you hear an intruder (either in the house, or in the room with you), press the alarm button for your car. There's a good chance that the intruder will take off.<ref name="rf3">http://modernsurvivalblog.com/security/21-things-your-burglar-wont-tell-you/</ref> |
#Keep your distance from the intruder. If the intruder makes it in to your room and you're already up, try to stay as far away as possible. | #Keep your distance from the intruder. If the intruder makes it in to your room and you're already up, try to stay as far away as possible. | ||
#*Be on the lookout for ways to escape, and do your best to remain calm and cooperative. You should avoid confrontation and violent reactions if at all possible. | #*Be on the lookout for ways to escape, and do your best to remain calm and cooperative. You should avoid confrontation and violent reactions if at all possible. | ||
| − | #Choose a strategic stance. Place your hands at shoulder level, which the intruder may interpret as being submissive, but which places you in a good position for self-defense.<ref | + | #Choose a strategic stance. Place your hands at shoulder level, which the intruder may interpret as being submissive, but which places you in a good position for self-defense.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Try to cooperate with the intruder. If you can't see an immediate route for escape, it is important to try to remain calm, and it's usually best to cooperate with the intruder.<ref | + | #Try to cooperate with the intruder. If you can't see an immediate route for escape, it is important to try to remain calm, and it's usually best to cooperate with the intruder.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*You may eventually be forced to defend yourself, but at least initially, you'll have a greater chance of surviving if you do what you're asked. | #*You may eventually be forced to defend yourself, but at least initially, you'll have a greater chance of surviving if you do what you're asked. | ||
#Know how to answer the phone if you have an alarm system. If you haven't been able to call the police before an intruder makes it into your home, and if you have a home alarm system, you may receive a phone call from the company. | #Know how to answer the phone if you have an alarm system. If you haven't been able to call the police before an intruder makes it into your home, and if you have a home alarm system, you may receive a phone call from the company. | ||
#*If the intruder is in the room and wants or allows you to answer (they may know that if you don't pick up the police will be sent), you should have a distress code phrase prearranged with the security company. | #*If the intruder is in the room and wants or allows you to answer (they may know that if you don't pick up the police will be sent), you should have a distress code phrase prearranged with the security company. | ||
| − | #*When you say the code words, they'll know that you're in trouble. For example, you could say “Mom, I'll call you in the morning.”<ref | + | #*When you say the code words, they'll know that you're in trouble. For example, you could say “Mom, I'll call you in the morning.”<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Fighting an Intruder=== | ===Fighting an Intruder=== | ||
#Decide whether to use pepper-spray. You should use pepper-spray on an intruder only if you will be able to escape after doing so. | #Decide whether to use pepper-spray. You should use pepper-spray on an intruder only if you will be able to escape after doing so. | ||
| − | #*The fumes can be overwhelming, and you don't want to be trapped in a room with them.<ref | + | #*The fumes can be overwhelming, and you don't want to be trapped in a room with them.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Aim to incapacitate. While it's generally recommended that you try to escape or cooperate with an intruder, you may be forced to defend yourself.<ref | + | #Aim to incapacitate. While it's generally recommended that you try to escape or cooperate with an intruder, you may be forced to defend yourself.<ref name="rf1" /> If you need to fight, you should fight to incapacitate the intruder so that you can escape. |
| − | #*Aim for the groin, neck, face (eyes, nose, mouth) or knees.<ref>http://lifehacker.com/5825528/basic-self-defense-moves-anyone-can-do-and-everyone-should-know</ref> | + | #*Aim for the groin, neck, face (eyes, nose, mouth) or knees.<ref name="rf4">http://lifehacker.com/5825528/basic-self-defense-moves-anyone-can-do-and-everyone-should-know</ref> |
| − | #*Where you should hit the attacker will depend on where the intruder is positioned near you. If he's not standing right next to you, for example, then try to kick his knees (hard and fast), rather than moving closer to strike him in the neck.<ref | + | #*Where you should hit the attacker will depend on where the intruder is positioned near you. If he's not standing right next to you, for example, then try to kick his knees (hard and fast), rather than moving closer to strike him in the neck.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #Inflict damage with your hands. Hold your dominant hand open and flat, with your fingers straight and close together, and your thumb out. Then forcefully jab your hand into the intruder's neck.<ref | + | #Inflict damage with your hands. Hold your dominant hand open and flat, with your fingers straight and close together, and your thumb out. Then forcefully jab your hand into the intruder's neck.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*You may also be able to incapacitate the intruder by making a forceful upward thrust with the heel of your palm into his nose.<ref | + | #*You may also be able to incapacitate the intruder by making a forceful upward thrust with the heel of your palm into his nose.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Use your elbows. You may also be able to throw your elbow up into the intruder's neck, face, groin, or even stomach. | #Use your elbows. You may also be able to throw your elbow up into the intruder's neck, face, groin, or even stomach. | ||
| − | #*Use your leverage, and throw your body weight into it.<ref | + | #*Use your leverage, and throw your body weight into it.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Use common objects as weapons. While you can attempt to gouge your attacker's eyes or nose with your hands, scan the room quickly to see if you can use something else as a weapon. For example, it's a good idea to keep a pen or your car keys near your bed. | #Use common objects as weapons. While you can attempt to gouge your attacker's eyes or nose with your hands, scan the room quickly to see if you can use something else as a weapon. For example, it's a good idea to keep a pen or your car keys near your bed. | ||
#*If you're woken before you can make it to your safe room or grab another more suitable weapon, you may still be able to inflict serious damage with these items. | #*If you're woken before you can make it to your safe room or grab another more suitable weapon, you may still be able to inflict serious damage with these items. | ||
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===Defending Yourself with Deadly Weapons=== | ===Defending Yourself with Deadly Weapons=== | ||
#Learn about the law in your state. You may be conflicted about whether or not it's a good idea to keep a gun in your home, although it is highly advised for your safety. There are of course safety concerns about keeping weapons in a house with children, but you may also be worried about what will happen to you if you shoot an intruder. Do not worry though, for if you do harm said intruder, it is completely within your rights to harm them if you live in a state with the "Stand Your Ground" law. | #Learn about the law in your state. You may be conflicted about whether or not it's a good idea to keep a gun in your home, although it is highly advised for your safety. There are of course safety concerns about keeping weapons in a house with children, but you may also be worried about what will happen to you if you shoot an intruder. Do not worry though, for if you do harm said intruder, it is completely within your rights to harm them if you live in a state with the "Stand Your Ground" law. | ||
| − | #*In most cases, the law will protect you if you shoot an intruder.<ref>http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/may-i-shoot-an-intruder.html</ref> | + | #*In most cases, the law will protect you if you shoot an intruder.<ref name="rf5">http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/may-i-shoot-an-intruder.html</ref> |
| − | #Shoot if you believe you or a family member are in danger. Even though you will generally be protected by the law for shooting an intruder, you generally must reasonably believe that you are in danger, and you must respond proportionately.<ref | + | #Shoot if you believe you or a family member are in danger. Even though you will generally be protected by the law for shooting an intruder, you generally must reasonably believe that you are in danger, and you must respond proportionately.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #*This means that if the intruder is threatening you with a piece of fruit, for example, and you know it's a piece of fruit, you could face charges for stabbing or shooting the intruder.<ref | + | #*This means that if the intruder is threatening you with a piece of fruit, for example, and you know it's a piece of fruit, you could face charges for stabbing or shooting the intruder.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #Learn if you're required to try to escape. In some states, you are required to at least attempt to retreat from the dangerous situation before you can legally respond with force.<ref | + | #Learn if you're required to try to escape. In some states, you are required to at least attempt to retreat from the dangerous situation before you can legally respond with force.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#Learn if your state has a “Stand Your Ground” law. While the law or statute might be called something else, many states have laws which do not require you to retreat (or attempt to). Instead, you are legally permitted to claim self-defense and respond with force. | #Learn if your state has a “Stand Your Ground” law. While the law or statute might be called something else, many states have laws which do not require you to retreat (or attempt to). Instead, you are legally permitted to claim self-defense and respond with force. | ||
| − | #*Even in these states, you aren't allowed to attack without reasonable cause, so be careful. If you can, it helps to research what laws and statutes apply where you live.<ref | + | #*Even in these states, you aren't allowed to attack without reasonable cause, so be careful. If you can, it helps to research what laws and statutes apply where you live.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#Learn if “Castle Doctrines” apply in your state. Generally speaking, if you live in such a state, you're legally permitted to use lethal force upon anyone who unlawfully enters your home, without needing to first determine whether and how much of a threat they pose to you. | #Learn if “Castle Doctrines” apply in your state. Generally speaking, if you live in such a state, you're legally permitted to use lethal force upon anyone who unlawfully enters your home, without needing to first determine whether and how much of a threat they pose to you. | ||
| − | #*Again, it's always a good idea to learn what laws apply in your state, and how the specifics vary.<ref | + | #*Again, it's always a good idea to learn what laws apply in your state, and how the specifics vary.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#Keep your guns in a safe, secure place. If you do feel more secure with guns in your home, it's important that they are securely locked (ideally in a gun safe) and not just hidden. | #Keep your guns in a safe, secure place. If you do feel more secure with guns in your home, it's important that they are securely locked (ideally in a gun safe) and not just hidden. | ||
| − | #*This is all the more important if you have children: even if you think that you've hidden your guns and ammunition where they'll never find it, it is nearly guaranteed that they will discover your hiding places.<ref>http://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/Documents/PSP_Preventing_Home_Invasions_Pamphlet.pdf</ref> | + | #*This is all the more important if you have children: even if you think that you've hidden your guns and ammunition where they'll never find it, it is nearly guaranteed that they will discover your hiding places.<ref name="rf6">http://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/Documents/PSP_Preventing_Home_Invasions_Pamphlet.pdf</ref> |
#Store your guns and ammunition separately. It's generally recommended that you keep the guns in your home unloaded, and that you store your guns and ammunition separately. You should of course be able to access both quickly in an emergency. | #Store your guns and ammunition separately. It's generally recommended that you keep the guns in your home unloaded, and that you store your guns and ammunition separately. You should of course be able to access both quickly in an emergency. | ||
| − | #*Consider storing them in your safe room, but be sure to keep the keys to both where children cannot find them.<ref>http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/gun_safety.html</ref> | + | #*Consider storing them in your safe room, but be sure to keep the keys to both where children cannot find them.<ref name="rf7">http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/gun_safety.html</ref> |
| − | #Consider using a gun lock. You can purchase gun-locking devices which will render a gun inoperable when not in use.<ref>http://www.projectchildsafe.org/news/ten-tips-firearm-safety-your-home</ref> Make sure that you know how to disable the lock quickly, but know that using one can be a good idea if you have children or teenagers in the home. | + | #Consider using a gun lock. You can purchase gun-locking devices which will render a gun inoperable when not in use.<ref name="rf8">http://www.projectchildsafe.org/news/ten-tips-firearm-safety-your-home</ref> Make sure that you know how to disable the lock quickly, but know that using one can be a good idea if you have children or teenagers in the home. |
#Identify that there is an intruder before shooting. In order to avoid tragic accidents, it's important that you try to keep a cool head when you think there is an intruder in the home. Account for your spouse, partner, and/or other family members before shooting blindly. | #Identify that there is an intruder before shooting. In order to avoid tragic accidents, it's important that you try to keep a cool head when you think there is an intruder in the home. Account for your spouse, partner, and/or other family members before shooting blindly. | ||
#*While the police should identify themselves if they enter your home, try to take a quick moment before shooting if someone breaks into your room. It could be an intruder, in which case it's important that you protect yourself, but you don't want to accidentally shoot a police officer. | #*While the police should identify themselves if they enter your home, try to take a quick moment before shooting if someone breaks into your room. It could be an intruder, in which case it's important that you protect yourself, but you don't want to accidentally shoot a police officer. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*A dog is a superb companion and can also serve as a brilliant security guard. Your well being and personal security will improve immensely if you get one (or two). | *A dog is a superb companion and can also serve as a brilliant security guard. Your well being and personal security will improve immensely if you get one (or two). | ||
| − | *Even if you don't have a dog, an intruder may be scared away if you leave a dog bowl or toys on your porch or stoop.<ref | + | *Even if you don't have a dog, an intruder may be scared away if you leave a dog bowl or toys on your porch or stoop.<ref name="rf6" /> |
* Do not hesitate to use force/weapons if needed, your life is at stake. | * Do not hesitate to use force/weapons if needed, your life is at stake. | ||
* If your area permits it, keep a can of bear mace near your bed. This weapon is far more powerful than pepper spray, and will take out an intruder instantly, although it can be lethal, so be careful while using it. Also, keep a large knife (typically 6" is the legal length) at your bedside. | * If your area permits it, keep a can of bear mace near your bed. This weapon is far more powerful than pepper spray, and will take out an intruder instantly, although it can be lethal, so be careful while using it. Also, keep a large knife (typically 6" is the legal length) at your bedside. | ||
