In part 1 of this blog we discussed helpful steps to avoid a confrontation during a home invasion. But what happens when confronting an intruder is the only option?  Practice these 7 tips to help yo confront an intruder in case of a break-in.

Remain calm.

If you have a panic button, press it to alert the monitoring station you need help. They will dispatch police immediately.While you wait for the police to arrive, make no sudden moves. Additionally, avoid looking at the subject’s eyes. Direct eye contact can cause a violent reaction from the criminal. They don’t want you to identify them if they get caught!

Hold your hands up to shoulder level.

Have you ever heard of the Hands Up Robbery exercise? It looks like an act of submission but you can use it in your favor when it’s time to defend yourself.

Natural Form of Speech.

Try to speak as normal as possible and relay your compliance. A criminal wants to feel in control, do your best to make them believe they are.

Protecting your possessions is a second priority.

As distressed or angry as you might be, its crucial to look after your well-being rather than your possessions. Agree to give the subject the items he requests. Not all things can be replaced, especially those with sentimental value but when your life is in danger, they come second.

Don’t get caught up in a weapon dilemma.

Truth is, if you are not comfortable using a gun, it will only work against you.  This is the case with any self-defense item. How so? Simply put, if you are overpowered, any weapon you have can be used against you.

Pepper Spray.

The use of pepper spray is legal in all 50 states but in the city of Chicago some security devices have restrictions.  Find more information for the state of Illinois. Proper training to use pepper spray is recommended.

Fight Back.

If you feel your life is in danger and you need to fight back, show no fear, and use anything to defend yourself.

We cannot be certain of what happened to the family mentioned at the beginning of this blog. We can only be sure that they did what they could to save their lives and so should we. A monitored security system and panic button are excellent tools to protect yourself in a perilous situation.

The post How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 2 appeared first on VinTech Systems.

You wake up to the sound of an intruder in your home. The alarm wasn’t triggered so you are unsure if you enable it.  Did the intruder enter through the main door where the motion detectors are installed or did they managed to disable it? These following tips can help you take action to control the situation.

Don’t panic.

Remember they decided to enter your personal space. You are familiar with your home and therefore in control.

Remain quiet.

Do not bring attention to yourself. Making noise will give away your location. Don’t yell out “I have a gun or I called the police.” Even if both are true.

Lock your room.

Secure your room by locking and using furniture to block the door .

Press the panic button.

Press the panic button. This button works even when your alarm system is disarmed. However, you should know you a stress code. This is a 3-digit number that is used to secretly convey the presence of an intruder.

Dial 911 and follow their instructions.

If you don’t have a panic button, call 911 and keep them on the line while you execute the next step.

Escape through a window.

Mainly if you find yourself on the first floor. If you are not able to leave the house, your first thought might be to confront the intruder. This is not the smartest move. The intruder didn’t hesitate breaking into you home when they knew there was a possibility you were there. If he injures you, who will protect your family? If possible, find a place to hide and remain on the line with the operator until the police arrives.

Remote viewing.

If you possess a camera system and can view the cameras remotely, log in, and give a description of the subjects to police.

Even though we highly discourage confrontation, our next blog How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 2 will discuss what to do when confronting an intruder is inevitable.

The post How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 1 appeared first on VinTech Systems.

I still remember the way I felt the day I learned the horrific news that a 26-year-old woman had been allegedly stabbed and sexually assaulted in her own home in Willowbrook.

I immediately shared this news with my team and we discussed ways in which we could help our community and clients feel safe. We reached out to our clients and advised them to arm their security systems at home and to keep their remote control panic button close.

Recently, we learned a few other homes had been invaded in different parts of Illinois. The fact is most people don’t know what to do during a home invasion. Most of us think  it won’t happen to us.

This morning, I came across a blog shared by a fellow ASIS member – Jordan Frankel (Security Experts Inc.)  and I just knew I needed to share these safety tips provided by a global security expert with our beloved clients and readers.

Read below for precautionary measures to reduce the risk of being a victim:

1. Reinforce your door frames and hinges.

Installing a security door brace that withstands a minimum of 1800 pounds of force will go a long way in preventing thugs from entering your home.

2. Treat all ground floor windows with glass protection film.

These protective window coatings can significantly slow down an intruder, supplying you the precious seconds needed to call the police or retreat to a predetermined safe room, such as a basement or locking closet with a reinforced door.

3. Lock windows and doors at all times.

Intruders will find any open windows, open doors or garages to get in your home. Make sure to always lock all windows, doors and garages to keep your home safe.

4. Install outdoor, high-intensity LED motion lighting

underneath a minimum of two roof-line eaves. Motion detection lighting is a fantastic way to startle and deter intruders.

5. Keep your alarm system set day and night.

Alarm systems are important components of any home security plan. However, a recent study suggests that up to 25% of homeowners neglect to set their alarm systems. No matter if its day or night, make sure you and your family members set your home’s alarm system.

6. In addition, ensure everyone is familiar with how to operate the keypad.

Most home security systems have a panic button located on the keypad. Knowing how to activate the panic button in an emergency can yield numerous benefits, including signaling the police to respond with higher priority than normal, which can speed up the overall response time. Alarm keypads also have the ability to display the zone or area of the home that was breached. Informing the 911 dispatcher of the intruder’s location on the premises can be extremely helpful to the police in apprehending the intruder.

7. Never open the door to a stranger.

If you aren’t expecting that person that claims to be a service technician, delivery man or police officer, do not open your door when they come knocking. Instead, ask for their name and the name of their employer, and then call the company or agency directly to verify their identity. If you suspect foul play of any kind, call 911 immediately.

Thank you Security Sensei for these valuable tips to prevent a home invasion!

For more home invasion tips, visit our blog How to Safely Escape a Home Invasion Part 1. 

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