Home Invasions: How Securing Your Home Can Save Lives | By Jordan Frankel

When you think of a hero, you might picture someone fighting off attackers and saving lives. In real-life home invasions, however, attempting to confront an intruder can lead to tragic outcomes for you and your loved ones. The best way to be a hero in these situations is to secure your home, preventing intruders from entering in the first place.

Consider the heartbreaking case of a young mother in North Carolina. According to People, two intruders broke into her home. In an attempt to protect her five children, she confronted them and was tragically shot and killed. Stories like this underscore the importance of proactively protecting your home to avoid such devastating outcomes.

Many people believe these crimes only occur in unsafe neighborhoods, but that’s a myth. Crime can happen anywhere, and intruders don’t discriminate. If your home isn’t secure, you’re at risk. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to significantly improve your home’s security and protect your loved ones.

How to Reinforce Your Home Against Intruders

To safeguard your home and family, you need to implement several layers of home security. Focus on materials and devices designed to prevent forcible entry. Here are some of the most effective ways to secure your home:

1. Strengthen Your Entry Doors

Many home invasions occur when intruders force their way through a door. To make your doors more secure:

• Install a heavy-duty deadbolt. A high-quality deadbolt adds a significant barrier against forced entry.
• Replace hollow doors. Use solid wood or metal doors for enhanced durability.
• Upgrade screws in the hinges. Replace standard screws with 3-inch to 3.5-inch steel screws to reinforce the door frame.
• Add a security door brace. A high-quality security door brace like the OnGARD can combine the strength of your door, frame, and floor to prevent it from being forced open. These devices are highly effective and can withstand substantial pressure. To see for yourself just how effective this device is at preventing a forcible entry, watch this video demonstration of the OnGARD security door brace. 

2. Apply Window Security Film

Ground-level windows and sliding glass doors are common entry points for intruders. Window security film strengthens these surfaces, making them much harder to break. While not impenetrable, this film can delay an intruder by several minutes, buying you precious time to call 911 and get to safety.

3. Install a Home Surveillance and Alarm System

Home surveillance systems and alarms are essential for deterring intruders. To maximize their effectiveness:

• Choose a wireless surveillance system with multiple cameras, a DVR for recording footage, and a portable LED monitoring device.
• Select a reliable alarm system with features like a loud siren, glass breakage sensors, and a panic button.
• Keep systems active 24/7. An inactive system is useless, so ensure these devices are always on, especially when you’re home.
• Display warning signs. Place alarm system signs prominently around your property to deter criminals.

4. Use Motion-Activated Security Lights

While lights won’t stop an intruder, they can act as a deterrent. Invest in motion-activated LED lights that illuminate your home’s perimeter. Bright lights can startle potential intruders and discourage them from proceeding with their plans.

5. Never Open the Door to Strangers

Intruders often use deception to gain entry. They may pose as delivery workers, solicitors, or even law enforcement officers. To stay safe:

• Adopt a strict rule: never open your door to strangers.
• Teach children not to answer the door and to alert an adult if someone knocks.
• Use a peephole or doorbell camera to verify who is outside before opening the door.

The Psychological Impact of Home Invasions

Even if no one is physically harmed during a home invasion, the emotional trauma can have long-lasting effects. Victims often experience anxiety, insomnia, and a diminished sense of safety. By taking preventive measures, you can protect not only your physical safety but also your family’s peace of mind.

Be a Home Security Hero

You don’t need to fight off intruders to be a hero. Real heroism lies in prevention. By putting a comprehensive home security plan in place, you can save lives and spare your loved ones the devastating consequences of a home invasion. Take action today to secure your home and protect what matters most.