Even though home invasions are relatively less common than burglaries, they are far more life-threatening. Of an estimated 3.7 million household burglaries reported between 2003 and 2007, 27.6% were home invasions with 26% of those resulting in violent crimes. So what is the difference between a home invasion and a burglary?
You!
If you are present at the time of the crime, it is a home invasion. If not, then it is a burglary. So how to protect yourself and your family from the worst case scenario? Here are a few ideas:
Have a Plan Ready
Make sure you and your entire family is aware of the plan of action in case of a home invasion. Have designated members dealing with the escape route, calling the police or emergency services, getting to a safe room and using any weapons you keep in the house. If you have a magnetic gun holder at home or a gun magnet wall, make sure an adult is in charge of it and knows how to use the firearms available.
Note: Owning a weapon is a serious responsibility. Your weapons should be stored in a safe room with properly functioning gun holder for wall.
Test Your Plan
Just like you have fire drills at work or school, it is important to test your safety plan at home as well – regularly. This will help you identify shortcomings in the escape path and deal with any issues with the security system (if you have one). On top of that, it will also help you get rid of any potential glitches in drawing weapons from the magnet mounts for guns (if you have firearms any at home). This identification will assist you in improving your overall plan, so if (God forbid) such a time comes, the entire family will be ready to deal with the problem.
Takeaway Tip: In case of a home invasion, analyze the intruder thoroughly before making any move. Ideally, do not try to initiate any violence – only resort to it if you have no other choice.