Ways to Protect your Family and Home from an Armed Robbery

Home is a place of refuge, a place where families can be together and feel safe. But what happens if someone breaks in, or attempts an armed robber? Your peaceful little world can get flipped upside down in a matter of seconds. Sadly it’s a reality that every family needs to prepare for.

Armed robbery is one of the most serious theft crimes, and the number one goal of your planning should be to best ensure the safety of all family members. Knowing where to start, however, in preparing your family in case of an emergency can be stressful. Here are a few ideas on how you can protect your family:

• Plan for the Worst- It is a great idea to sit down as a family and come up with a plan in case of an emergency. Just as you would plan an escape route in case of a fire you need to make sure that you have plan ahead of time to cut down on confusion during an emergency. It is advised that if someone breaks into your house that you get into a closet or bathroom where you can lock the door and call 911. You should stay in there until the police arrive. If you’re a parent you should consider the quickest way to get your children rounded up into a lockable room. You may need to put older children in charge of some younger siblings depending on your circumstances.
• Invest in an Alarm- A good home alarm is a great way to warn your family of unwanted intruders. There is also a great sense of security that comes with a home alarm. If you can’t afford an alarm you may want to consider getting a sign to post in a front window or perhaps in the yard that says you have an alarm. Sometimes the advertisement for an alarm is enough to keep burglars away.
• Set up a Neighborhood Watch- Getting the neighbors involved in your commitment to safety is an excellent way to protect your home and family. It is as simple as paying attention to what cars you see parked on the street. If you see the same car parked in different spots on the street over the course of a couple days you may want to notify to police of the suspicious behavior. Or for example, if you forget to close your garage at night a neighbor might notice it and notify you so that you can close it.