Most burglars who break into homes are out for cash, jewellery and electronics. Many are driven by addiction, looking for a quick buck. However, a few of them break in with intentions to hurt you or your family. Or worse!
Although most petty burglars would be deterred by people in the home, some might think no one is home and be wrong; some just don’t care. The thing is that when you wake up to strange sounds or footsteps, and come to the horrible realisation that a stranger is in your house, you don’t know their intentions. This is why it is important to know how to safely protect yourself and your family if a potentially harmful situation such as a burglary or home invasion occurs. So what do you do?
1. Listen closely. Do you hear the sound of footsteps walking inside your home? Do you hear any talking or any sounds coming from the burglar? Is the burglar heading your way? Does it sound like one person or multiple people? Be ‘all-ears’ and listen very closely to what the burglar is doing.
2. Stay where you are. If you are inside a room, lock the door and hide the best you can without making any noise. You will have to know how to lock and unlock the door. Only unlock the door when you think it’s safe.
But if you feel that the burglar is still inside your house, don’t unlock the door.
3. Be quiet. Don’t make a peep. Don’t yell out “I’m calling the police” because then you’ve given out your hideout and the burglar will be able to locate you much easier and faster. Breathe as quietly as you can. Don’t dart across the room for a weapon and scream “I have a gun” because if the burglar feels threatened, he may act out in fear or panic and hurt or kill you. Most murders in home invasions occur in the first 30 seconds, so how you react and handle the situation at the beginning can change the whole scenario for better or worse.
4. Use a phone. If you have a cell-phone in your pocket, use it to call the police. Make sure you know your address, because you will have to tell the operator your address so the police can come to your house and clear out the situation. That’s why it is important to charge your phone every night, and memorise your address.
5. Act quickly. But stay calm and quiet. Assess the situation to determine your best course of action. If you can safely escape out the window or another nearby exit, then do so immediately and run to a neighbour’s. Don’t try to grab any valuables, just get out! No material item is worth your life or the lives of your family. If escaping isn’t an option for any reason (if you are high up, are unsure of the intruders’ whereabouts, etc), then hide. Lock the door to the room you are in. Quickly barricade the door with any furniture you can manage. If you have a closet door that also locks, even better! Hide in your closet and lock that door as well. Make sure you have your phone and if you haven’t already, dial the emergency police number. Even better, charge your phone in your closet every night and keep a weapon there for worst case scenario; last resort. Any room can be turned into a panic room; it doesn’t have to be a steel and cement reinforced bunker like you see in the movies.
6. Look around. Don’t open the door and walk out of your hideout. If there is a small door crack in your door, look through it.
If there is no door crack, no need to look. At least use your ears.
7. After you’ve called the emergency number, remain in the room, hiding in a not-obvious place if you can. You should be safe until the police arrive and arrest the trespasser.
