Here's What to Do If Someone Breaks into Your House

When I was 17 years old, something unimaginable happened. 

In a seemingly safe neighborhood, someone had broken into our house. When I came home after school, there was a police car outside, and, in my front yard, two officers spoke to my parents. 

I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life. 

That day, my siblings spent the night with relatives. As the eldest, I was given a choice to stay or leave. I decided to stay with my parents. 

None of us slept that night. 

A few days after that, we had a family meeting and talked about what to do if someone breaks into our house again.

There is no question that even considering the possibility of someone breaking into your house exerts an emotional toll on anyone. 

So, imagine the psychological effects of being an actual victim of a break-in. 

It’s both traumatic and intense. 

There is no doubt that the event will mark you. 

Although there are things everyone can do to brace for such an event, the truth is that we believe it won’t happen to us. 

So, we never prepare. 

And what if you have already been a victim? 

As traumatizing and shocking as the event may be, rest assured, that things can get back to normal and that there are ways in which you can teach your family to react during a break in. 

You can also do your best to keep them from going through that ordeal.

5 Things to Do If Someone Breaks in While You’re Home

If coming home to find that someone broke into your house is traumatizing, having it happen while you are home is everyone’s worst nightmare. 

All is quiet, and suddenly, you are startled by the sound of broken glass. At that moment, you realize that someone is in your home. 

Your reaction can save or jeopardize your life. 

What should you do if someone breaks into your house?

1. Don't make a sound. Chances are that the burglar thinks there’s no one home. While your first instinct might be to scream for help or try to scare the intruder away; don’t do it. You don’t know what the burglar’s intentions are or what weapons he has. Also, trying to scare the intruder will give away your location. Instead, quietly, barricade yourself in a room and listen. Is there more than one intruder? Where are the noises coming from? Can you tell if they have a weapon?
   
2. If you can do so safely, leave the house. Getting away from the intruder should be your next priority. However, only escape if you can do so safely. Now is not the time to try to jump off your second story window. Hide in a safe place. If you cannot leave the house without alerting the intruders, hide. Lock yourself in a room.
   
3. Call 911. Now that you are safely hidden, use your cell phone and call 911. You’ll have to speak as quietly and clearly as you can. Give the operator your name, address, and tell them that someone broke into your house. Tell the operator your location within the house. Also, share any relevant information the intruders say.
   
4. Don’t reach for a weapon unless you’re trained to use it. Grabbing a firearm, pepper spray, or even a baseball bat might seem like your best option, but you don’t know how the intruder(s) will react. Also, you don’t know if they have a weapon. It could be used against you or confuse matters when help arrives. Every situation is different and should be assessed as such. Think of your options before you decide what the safest route for you and your family is.
   
5. Wait for the all clear from the police. Whether you were able to leave the house or had to hide in a safe place, wait for the police to make sure that the intruders are not still in the house. Stay on the phone with the 911 operator to make sure that the police are in your home and you are no longer in danger.
   

7 Things You Must Do After Someone Has Broken into Your House

1. Call the police immediately. Don’t go into your home. Get to a safe location and call the police. Intruders could still be inside.
   
2. Take pictures, but don't touch anything. Take pictures of all the damage to share with your insurance agent.
   
3. Determine what’s missing. Make a list of your possessions and include the type of item, year purchased, its original price, and any other relevant information.
   
4. Get a copy of the police report for your insurance claim.
   
5. Secure your home again. After the police have gone and you are given the go-ahead, secure the door or window the intruder came into your home. If keys were stolen, have a locksmith to change the locks immediately.
   
6. Get back into your routine & talk through your feelings. As traumatizing as this event can be, it is best for everyone in your home to try to get back to their routines. This does not mean that you are not to discuss what happened. Quite the opposite. Talking about the experience will help everyone cope with their emotions and can help them get on track again.
   
7. Reinforce home security. Survey your home for ways burglars can get in. Reinforce doors, windows, and fences. If you haven’t done so already, design and practice an emergency plan with your family. Installing an alarm system can also help.
   

A break in is one of the most traumatizing experiences you and your family can go through, and it could happen to anyone. 

Knowing what to do if someone breaks into your house is key to survive physically unscathed. 

Don’t wait. 

Have a family meeting and set up your family emergency plan. Read through our list of best home security systems to find out which one is right for you. 

Stay safe!