What to Do If You Hear an Intruder at Night

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Hearing an intruder in your home at night can send chills down your spine, and understandably so. Your instinct may be to grab your firearm and start clearing the house, but let’s take a moment to pause and assess the situation. Is the intruder actually inside your home, or is it just a false alarm? Suppose you hear noises that suggest someone may be trying to enter your house. First, remain calm; panic won’t help anyone.

Without Kids: The Best Course of Action

If you're alone and have no kids in the house, you might be tempted to take direct action. However, take the advise of veteran special forces operators "One of the most effective strategies in these situations is to stay put. Arm yourself with your pistol or rifle, find a safe location, and call 911. This allows you to cover your door while waiting for the authorities to arrive." Campers in video games understand this strategy well—staying in a secure spot gives them the advantage of surprise. Use that same principle in real life: don’t rush out recklessly.

With Kids: Prioritize Their Safety

If you have children in the house, your priorities change dramatically. First, get to their room as quickly and quietly as possible. Once you’re there, secure the door and position yourself to protect them while waiting for help to arrive. This is a critical time where every second counts, and kids may not fully understand the gravity of the situation. Stay calm and reassure them that help is on the way. Your presence will provide comfort in an otherwise terrifying moment.

The Importance of Preparedness

Understanding how to react in these scenarios is crucial. Preparing your home with safety protocols, like safe rooms or designated meeting spots, can make all the difference. Practicing these plans with your family will ensure that everyone knows what to do, which can prevent panic in a real situation.

Conclusion

In moments of crisis, how you respond can determine the safety of your loved ones. Assess the situation, decide whether to stay put or go to your children’s room, and always call for help. Remember, your home is supposed to be a safe haven, so making plans in advance can help ensure it remains that way, no matter what the situation may bring.