Create a home defense plan to help you effectively protect your household from intruders. Learn four considerations for creating a home defense plan.
1. Install Security Measures
Burglars typically focus on homes that seem unsecure or unoccupied because they’re the easiest targets. Security measures like motion-activated lights, security cameras, solid exterior doors, and alarms can deter criminals.
Place security system signs on fences and near all entry points, such as the front and back doors. Put security system stickers on windows, especially off-street windows that might be hidden by landscaping.
You can automate lights, blinds, and multimedia entertainment to make the house seem occupied when no one’s home. Many smart home systems let you program your preferred settings ahead of time or use a phone app to control your connected tech while you’re away.
2. Choose a Safe Room
A safe room is another factor to take into consideration when creating a home defense plan. If someone breaks into your home, you and your household can take a defensive position in the safe room.
The safe room is the most secure space in your house. It should have only one doorway, which you can barricade, and a window or other potential escape route for your household. Thick furniture and other items within the room can provide extra cover.
3. Gather Home Defense Weapons
Non-lethal defense weapons include stun guns, stun gun flashlights, and pepper spray. A stun gun uses high-voltage electric shock to immobilize an attacker without causing serious injury. A stun gun flashlight does the same but includes a flashlight that can illuminate the area or prevent an attacker from seeing clearly.
Using pepper spray will cause your target’s eyes to burn and tear up. Pepper spray can also contain a UV marking dye that marks attackers to help authorities identify them later.
If you’re a gun owner and you regularly carry, consider having separate home defense and concealed carry weapons. While concealed carry places size limits on your firearms, you don’t have the same restrictions when defending your home.
Whatever home defense weapon you choose to have in your home, be sure to keep it secured. Train regularly so that you can use the item correctly in an emergency.
4. Practice the Routine
Everyone in your home should understand your home defense strategy, and you should practice the steps every so often. For example, practice having everyone move to the safe room and locking the door after the home alarm goes off. One person can oversee calling the police, but everyone should know this crucial part of the home defense plan and be ready to do it.
You can take a defensive position with your weapon of choice inside or outside the safe room; many people with children choose to position themselves away from their families. In the event of a home invasion, take cover and loudly tell the intruder that you have contacted the police and have a weapon. If the intruder does not leave, hold your position until they enter your line of sight, then use your self-defense weapon if you deem it necessary.