A home invasion is a scary thing, but with preparation you can increase the chance that you and your family will be safe. This guide will tell you how to survive a home invasion.

• A robbery occurs every 60 seconds in the United States. Although most robberies are not home invasions, everyone should be prepared for the possibility. To maximize your chances of emerging safely, be sure to have a plan that includes a safe and secure retreat, and the means to call for help.

• Surviving a home invasion begins long before the actual event, when you and your family develop a plan for what to do if you suspect that there is an intruder in the home. Make sure all family members are aware of what to do.

1. Select one or more "safe places" to serve as panic rooms in case of emergency.
2. If you have an alarm system:
   1. Ask the company if there is a secret code that you can use if you need help.
   2. Install a panic button in the rooms that may be used as your "safe place".
3. Have 911 programmed on the speed dial of your cell phone, and ensure that your cell phone is near your bed.

(Creative Commons photo by robertnelson)

• As soon as you suspect there is an intruder in your home, you need to get to a safe place.

1. If you are arriving home and suspect that there is an intruder inside, do not go in. Leave immediately, and call the police. Don't enter the home until the police have said that it is safe to do so.
2. If you are inside when you here an intruder, you need to get to your safe place.
   1. The room should have a solid core door with a lock.
   2. You may also want to prepare the room with a charged cell phone and defensive weapons, such as pepper spray.

• Serious burglars who are aware you are home may cut the wires to your landline, so you may need to use your cell phone to make the call.

1. Landlines are part of the FCC's Enhanced 911 (E911) system, which automatically sends your address to the 911 center when a call is made, without any further action on yor part.
2. If you call from a cell phone, you'll need to stay on the phone long enough to give the police your address.

• If an intruder is in your home, stay calm, get to a safe place, and call for help. If you are prepared for the possibility of an intruder, you'll be better able to cope during the crisis.

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