11 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family from a Home Invasion

11 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family from a Home Invasion

It’s not something we like to think about, or even talk about (I shudder even writing this) but home invasions and burglaries do happen. Sometimes when when no one is home (burglary), but not always (home invasion). Probably many of you reading this can think of a home invasion in or near your neighborhood that you’ve heard of at some point. Yes, it can happen to your neighbors, and it can happen to you. As a self defense instructor, Japheth has always been extremely vigilant and alert when it comes to people coming onto our property, and handling uncertain situations. When our car got broken into, in our own driveway, I think it was a surprise to all of us. Even when you know it can happen to you, you don’t really believe it until it does. That was just the kick we needed to take our security measures up a notch though, and to be even more alert.

Did You Know…in our neighborhood, we have people coming to our door, sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly. They may be selling magazine subscriptions, trying to get signatures on a petition, offering yard services, or even claiming to be electricians or cable company employees. While this sometimes may be true, our local police officers told us that some of these people are going door-to door canvassing houses and plotting criminal activity. In fact, they asked us to call the police anytime someone comes to our door that we do not know.

So while all of this may sound daunting, it is not meant to make you paranoid, just alert. If you’re reading this in the first place, you probably aren’t terribly surprised by anything I’ve already said. We hope that these tips will help raise awareness, improve safety, and empower you to make necessary changes to feel as comfortable and safe as possible in your home.

11 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family from a Home Invasion

1. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings. Awareness is key. Get to know your neighbors, the cars in your neighborhood, people that typically walk or run through your neighborhood. Notice if anything seems suspicious or out of place. A strange car parked around the corner that’s not typically there, especially if it has people inside, may be suspicious. A car slowly circling through the neighborhood; a person you don’t recognize walking slowly, eyeing houses or going to doors. Trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to call the police if anything feels out of place.

2. Remember to Lock Up. No matter how safe you feel, ALWAYS lock doors (deadbolt) and windows.

3. Be Confident and Loud. If/when strangers come to the door, loudly ask them to leave. DO NOT open the door. Even if they seem harmless they could be there to scope out your house and what’s inside. If they don’t leave, call 911 immediately.

4. Home Security System. Invest in a good quality home security system.

5. Keep Your House Well-Lit at Night. We recommend motion-detector floodlights placed anywhere that would be a path to a main door, and placed in low light areas (i.e. Path to backyard).

6. Security Cameras with Motion Sensors. This is sometimes included in the home security system. You can find decent quality cameras and motion sensors for a reasonable price online.

7. Stickers and Signs. We recommend “No Trespassing” stickers and alarm signs (even if you don’t have an alarm).

8. Keep the Exterior Clean. Try not to leave heavy objects that can be thrown through a window, or ladders (used to climb to higher windows) outside.

9. Get a Large Dog. I read an interview with prisoners who previously made their livings through burglaries and home invasions. I found it interesting that while cameras and security systems would deter some of them, others knew how to work around those things and would break in anyway. But what all of the inmates agreed on was that if a home had a large, vocal dog, they would almost always stay away!

10. Make it a Family Thing. Make sure you’re family is on-board with your security and safety measures and can use them just as effectively as you. Practicing is never a bad idea.

11. Self Defense. Learning how to defend yourself should the worst happen is imperative. Find a skilled and well-trained instructor ideally certified in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and/or Krav Maga. Take your loved ones.

We hope these tips will help empower you to make your home feel more safe and secure. What are you already doing to protect your family at home?