How to Stay Safe During a Home Invasion: Real Home Defense Tips

More than 2 million burglaries occur each year in the U.S., and most happen in residential homes. While we all want to believe our home is a safe haven, the reality is that a break-in can happen anytime — even when we think we’re prepared.

Whether you're a first-time homeowner or already thinking about home defense tools, here’s what to do if someone breaks into your house — and how to increase your odds of staying safe.

1. Stay Calm and Stay Put

If you hear something in the middle of the night — footsteps, glass breaking, or muffled voices — don’t panic. Panic leads to poor decisions. Your best asset in a crisis is your ability to think clearly.

Listen closely. Try to determine:

• Where the sounds are coming from

• How many people might be involved

• Whether it could be a pet, roommate, or actual intruder

2. Do Not Make Noise or Engage

Once you're sure someone is in your home and it’s not a false alarm, stay quiet. Avoid yelling or trying to scare them off. Confronting an intruder could escalate the situation — and most aren’t afraid to fight back.

3. Call the Police Immediately

Use your cell phone to call 911. If you're in an area where that doesn’t connect quickly, call your local police department’s emergency line (you should have it saved).

What to say:

• State your name and exact address

• Mention nearby landmarks if you're in a complex or hard-to-find area

• Describe what you’re hearing (e.g., “I hear glass breaking downstairs,” “It sounds like one person,” etc.)

Stay on the line and follow their instructions.

4. Arm Yourself — If It's Safe to Do So

This is where home invasion defense shifts from passive to proactive.

If you own a firearm and can safely access it, do so. If not, grab anything solid or sharp: a bat, a metal flashlight, a knife, or even a heavy lamp.

⚠️ Important: Only use force if absolutely necessary — and know your local laws. In California, for example, the legal use of lethal force in your home depends on the perceived threat and whether retreat was an option.

If you're unsure about laws or gear, we’re happy to help walk you through it at our shop.

5. Find a Safe Hiding Spot or Escape Route

If you're near a safe exit and can get out without being seen — do it. Your goal is survival, not confrontation.

If escape isn’t an option:

• Lock yourself in a room (preferably your bedroom)

• Stay away from direct line of sight to the door

• Use furniture for concealment and position yourself where you can react if needed

Experts recommend positioning yourself on the same side as the door but hidden, so you’re not in the immediate line of fire if they enter.

6. Wait for Help — But Stay Alert

Police response times can vary, but in most urban areas, help arrives within 10–15 minutes. In the meantime:

• Stay on the phone if you're still connected

• Listen for changes in movement or voices

• Be ready to defend yourself only if your life is in danger

?️ Bonus: Tips to Prepare Before a Break-In Happens

• Install motion-activated lights and alarms

• Reinforce doors and windows

• Consider a home defense firearm — and train with it

• Create a family safety plan with drills

? Want to Feel More Prepared?

We help everyday homeowners pick the right home defense guns, lights, safes, and accessories. Whether you're new to firearms or just need to get better equipped, we’ve got your back.

? Visit our shop in Huntington Beach.