Home | Home Security | What To Do When an Intruder Is in Your Home?
May 01, 2023
3 min read
SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.
While the number of burglaries has been trending downward for some time,1 the possibility of a home intrusion is still scary and violating.
Read on for our tips about how to handle this frightening scenario.
Protect your property
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the latest deals, home security tips, and in-depth reviews.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
What To Do When an Intruder Is in Your Home
Verify their presence
Stay calm
Determine if you can escape
Stay put
Call the police
Keep quiet
Take notes afterward
1. Quickly verify their presence
Best indoor
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Time is of the essence, so be quick about checking. Take a deep breath and listen closely or check for security cameraor video doorbell alerts on your phone.
See if you can distinguish between pet movements and normal plumbing sounds and those of footsteps, breaking glass, opening doors, or shuffling objects and furniture.
2. Stay calm
In scary situations, it's normal for your adrenaline to surge and for your heart rate to jump. Take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and body so you can decide what to do next.
Avoid grabbing a weapon unless you have tactical training in high-intensity situations—weapons like firearms can often make things more dangerous instead of safer, especially if you lack professional training2.
3. Determine if you can escape
Best fire escape ladder
If you confirm someone is in your home or if you still suspect it after taking a pause, don't confront them. Find a way out immediately. Look for windows you can safely exit from or places to hide if you can’t make a getaway. If you have a fire escape ladder, now is the time to use it.
4. Stay put if you can't escape
If the intruder is between you and your exterior doors and you can't climb out of a window, shut yourself in a bathroom, bedroom, or even a closet. Lock the door, and if possible, barricade it. Stay as quiet as possible.
5. Call the police
Whether you're escaping or hiding, call 911 for help. Keep your voice quiet and speak slowly so dispatchers can hear you.
How can you reach out for help?
- On any phone: call 9-1-1
- On an iPhone 8 or later: hold down the power button and one of the volume buttons, then select Emergency SOS from the options on screen.
- On an iPhone 7 or earlier: press the power button five times in a row, then slide the Emergency SOS option.
- On a cell phone in an area with Text 911 services: opena new text message draft, type 9-1-1 into the To field, then write a message. Spell things out, and do not send emojis, gifs, or pictures.
The dispatcher will ask what your emergency is. Be prepared to answer a few questions about the following:
- Nature of your emergency
- The address of the emergency
- Your phone number and name
- Who else is in the home with you
- Description of intruder including clothing, gender, hair color, height, weight, race, location or direction of travel, and whether or not they're armed
- Where you and other members of the household are located
They may stay on the line with you until help arrives on scene. If you move locations, be sure to update the dispatcher on where you are.
6. Keep quiet and follow instructions
While most intrusions are not violent, it's not worth taking the risk of being found. Stay quiet if the dispatcher asks questions or gives you instructions while they're on the line with you. Answer quietly and succinctly.
7. Take notes immediately afterward
If you’re in a position where you can see the intruder, memorize everything. In the chance they get away before police arrive, you’ll want to be able to give a detailed account of weight, sex, height, attire, vehicles, and direction of travel.
It’ll make it easier for police to track the intruder down and prevent them from victimizing other homes. You will also want to note everything that was broken or stolen so you can make a detailed report for police and start recovering from the break-in.
A break-in can be an unnerving and traumatic experience, but a little preparation can help you prevent a home intrusion and stay calm if it does happen. Take some time to check and improve the security of your home and practice your break-in protocol at home like you would a fire or earthquake drill.
Looking for a security system?
Compare the best home security systems
Brand | Installation | Monthly cost | Best for | Starter equipment price | Contract required | Smart home compatibility | Learn more |
Professional | $29.99/mo. | Best professional home security | $599.00 | No * | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | |
DIY or Pro | $19.99/mo. | Best DIY home security | $245.00 | No | Amazon, | View packages | |
Professional | $28.99/mo. | Most trusted security brand | $0.00 | Yes | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | |
DIY | $20.00/mo | Best budget-friendly pick | $199.99 | No | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View on Amazon | |
DIY or Pro | $24.99/mo. | Best quality DIY equipment | $129.00 | No | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Full ADT disclaimer
* Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Full ADT disclaimer
Related articles
Sources
- Federal Bureau of Investigation,
"Crime Data Explorer." Accessed July 13, 2022. - Andrew R. Morral, RAND Corporation, "Effects of Stand-Your-Ground Laws on Violent Crime," April 2020. Accessed July 13, 2022.
Disclaimers
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.
†Google, Google Nest Secure, Google Home, Google Nest Protect, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
Written by
Celeste Tholen
Celeste has dedicated her decade-long career to reporting and reviews that help people make well-informed decisions. She oversees editorial strategy and production for SafeWise, with a goal to help everyone find the information they need to make their homes and lives safer.Prior to SafeWise, she worked as an editor and reporter for KSL and Deseret News. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. In her free time, she volunteers at the local botanical garden and writers for the community newspaper.
Recent Articles
By
12/28/2023
2023 Best Home Security for Renters
These renter-friendly home security systems keep your house or apartment safe and require less commitment...
By
12/28/2023
Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2023
SimpliSafe is the best DIY home security system because it's cost-efficient, effective, and easy to...
12/12/2023
The 10 Best Home Security Systems of 2024
After thousands of hours of tests and research, plus a combined 50+ years of experience,...
12/11/2023
Best Pet-Friendly Home Security Systems
The best pet-friendly home security systems keep your furry friends happy and safe with advanced...
Stay Safe!
Subscribe to SafeWise for updates on safety news, product releases, and deals!
By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy | Cookies Settings
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | How We Rank and Review |
*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.
©2023 SafeWise. All rights reserved.
Back To Top