What To Do If You Are Home During a Break In

A break-in is every homeowner's worst nightmare.

Your home is supposed to be a safe place. But if someone breaks into your house, your belongings are in danger.

If you're home during a break-in, there's more at stake than just your belongings. You have to worry about the safety of yourself and your family.

Here's what to do if someone breaks into your house while you're home.

Remain Silent

It may be tempting to alert the intruder of your presence, but that could result in a physical altercation. It will also give away your location. Instead, remain silent and calm, and try to get yourself to a safe place.

If possible, get yourself and your family out of your home. If you can't, find a safe hiding place or lock the door to the room you're in. If you come face-to-face with the intruder, try to de-escalate the situation and show that you're not a threat.

Get Help

As soon as you think you're safe, call 911. Quietly explain the situation. Stay on the phone until you can confirm that the police have arrived at your house.

If you don't have a home security system, hit the panic button on your car keys. Your neighbors may become concerned about your well-being if your car's alarm is going off for a while. This could cause the intruder to flee the scene.

Fight Back Only If You're a Professional

Fighting back should be a last resort if you can't safely flee your home or if the intruder has discovered you. A baseball bat isn't going to scare an intruder away, however, if you are skilled with a weapon like a gun, consider fighting back.

Remember that the intruder could also have a weapon, so exercise extreme caution if choosing this route. Make sure your family is safe before seeking out an intruder in your home. 

Be Proactive

There are some measures you can take to prevent intruders from entering your home. Before you decide on one, learn how intruders may break into your home.

A home security system can alert you to any suspicious activity in and around your home, as well as allow you to monitor cameras from a safe area. Installing visible cameras in and around your home and setting a password-protected alarm to trigger if someone tries to break in will lessen your chances of becoming a target.

It's always a good idea to have a plan about how you'll keep your family safe with an intruder in your house. Decide on a meeting place with your family and discuss alternative options for fleeing your home.

What to Do If Someone Breaks into Your House and You're Home

Keeping yourself, your belongings, and your family safe are your priorities. Now that you know what to do if someone breaks into your house, get your family members and neighbors on board with your plan and commit to installing a home security system!

If you're in the New York City area and want to secure your home, contact us!