Devin Jacobs
Hearing an intruder when you’re home alone is unsettling, but knowing the best actions to take can keep you protected. The goal is to stay safe while avoiding unnecessary risks, focusing on steps that allow you to remain hidden until help arrives. Here are the practical, calm strategies that will help you remain secure.
Stay Calm and Control Your Breathing
Try to keep your breathing steady. Take slow, steady breaths to help control your heart rate and avoid making noise. This keeps your mind clear and reduces the chance of any accidental sounds that could reveal your location. Remember, your focus is to stay as silent as possible.
Quietly Lock Doors and Windows Nearby
If you’re close to any unlocked doors or windows, lock them carefully. Each locked door makes it harder for someone to get in. Every small action counts here—anything that puts a barrier between you and the intruder will help.
Call 911 Immediately and Stay on the Line
Once you’re in a safe spot, call 911 immediately and explain the situation. Make sure to stay on the line so dispatchers can hear what’s happening. If you’re unable to speak, just leave the line open; they can listen in and send assistance based on the sounds they hear.
Move to a Safe Room Nearby, if Possible
Move to a secure room nearby and lock the door, only if possible. An interior room without windows is ideal, as it limits visibility and access points. By staying in a secured area, you reduce your exposure to high-risk areas and can feel more protected as you await help.
Keep a Self-Defense Tool Within Reach, Just in Case
Grab something you could use for protection and self-defense, like pepper spray or a heavy object. Avoid holding it in plain sight, as unexpected movement could draw attention. Think of it as a last option. Knowing it’s there can help you feel safer.
Use Furniture to Block the Door if You Can
If there’s a heavy piece of furniture nearby, consider moving it in front of the door. Adding a barrier makes it harder for anyone to get in and gives you more security. With this, you can save your time and reinforce your sense of safety.
Turn Your Phone to Silent Mode
Silence your phone, including vibrations, to prevent accidental noises that might give away your location. Check your volume and notifications—anything that makes noise should be turned off. This will help you maintain your position undetected.
Stay Out of Sight to Avoid Detection
Avoid windows and open spaces. If an intruder is nearby, they might look through windows for any movement, and being out of sight minimizes your chances of detection. Find a secure, concealed place where you’re out of view but still able to hear what’s going on around you.
Listen for Sounds to Gauge the Intruder’s Position
Staying aware of their location can be an important factor in avoiding detection. Keep your ears alert to any sounds, like footsteps or doors, that might indicate the intruder’s movements. Know where they are to help you decide whether it’s safer to stay put or, if necessary, move.
Do Not Attempt to Confront the Intruder
While it may be tempting to investigate, avoiding confrontation is safest. Confronting an intruder risks escalating the situation, potentially putting you in harm’s way. Instead, focus on staying secure and out of sight and leave it to authorities to handle once they arrive.
Silently Alert a Neighbor or Family Member if Possible
If you can text safely, let your trusted neighbor or family member know about the situation. Share your location and that you’ve already called 911. They might be able to assist by guiding the police or offering extra support, especially if they live nearby.
Consider Escaping Only if It’s Completely Safe
Consider an escape only if there’s a clear path and you’re certain it’s safe; also avoid detection. For example, when they’re downstairs, leaving quietly from an upstairs window could work. But don’t risk it if there’s any chance you might be seen.
Turn Off Lights to Help Conceal Yourself
Turning off lights can work to your advantage, given the intruder is unfamiliar with the layout of your home. Darkness can make it harder for them to spot you and gives you the benefit of staying hidden while staying in place.
Tell 911 Dispatchers Where You’re Located in the Home
When you talk to 911, be specific. Say exactly where you’re hiding, like “upstairs bathroom” or “basement storage room.” Precise information helps first responders locate you faster, especially in larger homes, so they reach you as quickly and safely as possible.
Stay Ready for Self-Defense if Necessary
Even though it’s a last resort, being ready to defend yourself can help you feel more secure. Think through possible actions in your mind. This mental prep doesn’t mean you’ll need to act, but it can help you feel prepared if the situation calls for it.
Move Quietly if You Must Relocate to Stay Safe
If you must change hiding spots, keep low and move carefully. Slow, silent steps make you less likely to be noticed. It’s about finding another safe place if your first choice becomes risky. The quiet movement also helps you stay calm and focused.
Consider Creating Noise or Setting Off an Alarm
In situations where the intruder is nearby, and you have no other options, create noise or set off an alarm to startle them. This can sometimes lead to them leaving immediately, providing you a chance to escape or giving neighbors a signal of trouble.
Wait for Police Confirmation Before Leaving Hiding
Remain hidden until you receive official confirmation that it’s safe to leave. Even if everything goes quiet, only come out when you get an official signal. Waiting patiently gives them the time they need to secure the area and ensure that it’s completely safe before you move.
Activate Any Security Systems You Have Available
If you can safely do so, activate your home’s alarm or surveillance systems. Loud alarms may scare off intruders and alert neighbors, while cameras provide valuable information for authorities. Use home security systems to add another layer of protection in critical moments.
Prioritize Your Safety Over Belongings
Your safety is irreplaceable, while possessions can be replaced. In a situation like this, trust your instincts to prioritize self-preservation over any material items. Focus on staying secure and unharmed, as your well-being matters most in any emergency.