How to Handle a Home Invasion

This is a guide on what to do if someone breaks into your house. Knowing how to respond quickly can make a big difference. Here's everything you need to know to be prepared for a home invasion.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
If someone breaks into your house, immediately call 911 while searching for a safe place to hide. You should also grab a tool for self defense if needed, such as a bat.
You'll have little time to react if someone breaks into your house. Taking the steps to prepare for a home intruder and other
emergency situations
can help you feel less overwhelmed by the shock of the event.
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How to deal with a home invasion

Step 1: Call the police. If you hear someone break into your home, night or day, you should call 911 immediately. Describe to the dispatcher what you heard and where you are within your home. If you saw the intruders, offer a description.
Step 2: Find a safe room to hide or leave your home if possible. As you are contacting the police, find a safe place within your home away from the intruder. You should choose a room with a functional lock and barricade the door.
If you can’t move to another room, then find a place to hide within the room. Avoid confrontation with the intruder and remain silent.
If you are near an exit when you hear the intruder, then leave your home if it is safe to do so. Run to a neighbor’s house and contact the police from there.
Step 3: Grab something to protect yourself. Grab a baseball bat or any nearby objects that could be used for self-defense. It’s a good idea to avoid confrontation, but anticipate a situation where you might have to protect yourself. Avoid more dangerous objects like knives because you could inadvertently hurt yourself.
Step 4: Set off you car alarm. A home alarm system is a great measure of protection against intruders, but if you don’t have one, you can make use of your vehicle’s alarm system. Set off the alarm via your car keypad to deter the intruder and attract attention.
MORE: How to choose car alarm systems

How to prevent home invasion

Hopefully, you're not reading this while someone is breaking into your home. If you're not, you should take some preventative measures to decrease the chances of someone breaking into your house.
There are several steps you can take to help discourage intruders from entering your home. Outfit your home with an alarm system to help prevent potential burglaries.
Put up
motion-detecting lights
around your home, particularly near doors and windows. You can also leave lights on when you are away.
These are all ways you can increase your home security.
Your safety is always most important during any unexpected event or emergency. Always contact the police first and don’t attempt to take matters into your own hands. Identify potential safe rooms within your home and come up with a family plan for if an intruder enters your home.
Preparation is key, and you won’t regret protecting your home with security features like an alarm system.

FAQs

How likely is a home invasion?

According to the FBI, one in every 36 homes will experience a home invasion. You can reduce the likelihood of this happening by taking preventative measures and using a home alarm system.

What is a home invasion?

A home invasion, by definition, is when an offender unlawfully breaks into your home while the residents are still inside. This is illegal and it's considered a type of burglary.
Most often, the intent behind a home invasion is theft, though it could also be kidnaping or assault. If your home is invaded, call 911 and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
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