Unfortunately, burglary and home break-ins are all too common. However, knowing how to defend yourself if someone breaks into your home while you are alone can improve your safety. Here are some tips for staying safe in such a situation.
Facing a home intruder is a terrifying prospect. But, by remaining calm, utilizing available tools, and knowing when to call for help, you can successfully defend yourself and remain safe. Use the steps outlined below to keep yourself safe in this difficult situation.
The most important thing to remember in an emergency situation is to remain calm. Taking a few deep breaths and trying to remain composed will help you to assess the situation and take appropriate action. Try to evaluate the situation and determine:
If you become aware of an intruder in your home, make yourself visible either by standing up or turning on a light. Letting the intruder know you are present may help to avoid a physical altercation. Before doing so, you should know where any potential weapons or tools that can be used for self-defense are located. If possible, pick up a blunt object, such as a heavy flashlight or a bat, to use to defend yourself.
Call for help as soon as you can. If you can safely reach a cell phone, do so and call the police. If you can’t reach a phone, shout for help or bang on something to make noise. The intruder may be startled and leave if they think someone is coming. Do not waste time trying to negotiate with the intruder; this is a job for the police.
Try to flee the scene as soon as you can if it is safe to do so. Don’t underestimate your capability to protect yourself, but also make sure you are not putting yourself in a risky situation. Consult your earlier evaluation for potential paths of escape. If you are close enough to an exit, make a run for it. Make sure to leave quickly, as you don't know what the intruder may be capable of.
Sometimes escape is not possible. If you feel that your life is in danger, fight back and do what it takes to protect yourself. Hit the intruder with a heavy object, hit sensitive areas such as the face or groin, and try to disable them so that you can flee. Fight until you feel that your safety is no longer threatened.
After a traumatic event such as facing an intruder in your own home, it’s important to seek out emotional support from friends, family, or a professional therapist. Talking to someone you trust can be incredibly beneficial and may help you to process the experience.
At times, your home is your safest haven. But if an intruder has broken into your home while you’re alone, it can feel daunting and overwhelming, especially when you don’t have anyone around to protect you. In this article, we’ll focus on ways to keep yourself safe and sound when intruders have invaded your home space.