Family Security Plan: The Key to Surviving a Home Invasion | By Jordan Frankel

What would you do if a home intruder burst through your door one evening? It’s a situation most of us would rather not imagine. But when it comes to your family’s safety, having a family security plan in place is essential.

Creating a family security plan and rehearsing it regularly can greatly improve your chances of survival should the unthinkable ever happen. 

What is a Family Security Plan?

A family security plan is a written plan that covers the steps you and members of your family should take in a variety of dangerous situations. For example, if a home intruder breaks into your residence while you’re home, your security plan would outline what you and your family should do in such a situation. 

Without a family security plan in place, you and your loved ones will rely solely on the natural “fight or flight” response. Though people consider this a protective mechanism, it may be the wrong response in certain crime scenarios.

Such was the case in the home invasion that occurred in Sleepy Hollow, Illinois, when a knife-wielding man entered an unlocked door to a home of two teenage siblings. During the assault of the 19-year-old female, her 17-year-old brother was also stabbed as he tried to intervene. 

Neither of the victims of that tragic home invasion expected such a crime to happen to them. Though this horrible crime is not their fault, had they had a family security plan in place, the outcome might have been better. This is especially true had their plan included ways to reduce the risk of such crimes, such as keeping the front door locked when inside. A simple home security device such as the OnGARD security door brace also could have helped prevent this home invasion.

An Important First Step in Creating a Family Security Plan

When creating a security plan for your family, it’s important to think about the various crime scenarios that you and your family could be faced with both at home and away from home. Developing a comprehensive family security plan for each potential crime scenario can better protect you and your loved ones should any of those potentially dangerous scenarios ever happen in real life.

Just as important is including your family in on the discussion. With everyone’s input, you can better explore the various crime scenarios you and your family might be faced with and the steps you should take in any given situation. 

The following are some examples of important crime scenarios you and your family should explore together:

• A home intruder breaks into your residence while you and/or other family members are home. What steps should each family member take?

• Someone walks up to you and/or your spouse in a public parking lot, shows you a weapon, then demands you give them your wallet, purse, or car keys? How should you or your spouse respond?

• Your teenager arrives home after school and finds the house has been ransacked. What should he or she do?

• Your child is playing with friends at a park and a stranger begins talking to them about a lost dog. How should your child respond?

Many people make the mistake of believing that robberies, kidnappings, home invasions, rape, and murder only happen to other people. But as home security expert and Founder of Global Security Experts knows, CRIMINALS DON’T DISCRIMINATE.  It’s up to you to consider the ‘what ifs’ and decide on the best plan for your family.

Life-Saving Components of a Security Plan

What does a family security plan look like? According to home security expert Jordan Frankel, a solid plan includes several key components:

1. Write it Down: Outline specific steps for each family member in various crime scenarios. Discuss the plan with your family, covering both home and public safety.
2. Preventative Measures: Identify vulnerable areas of your home and install security devices. Tools like the OnGARD security door brace and BurglarGARD glass protection can help prevent intruders.
3. Emergency Contacts: List important phone numbers, including local law enforcement, 911, neighbors, and family members.
4. Escape Routes: Map out an escape plan, especially for home-related crimes. Identify which doors or windows to use and ensure everyone knows how to access the safe room if you have one.
5. Practice Scenarios: Act out mock crime situations regularly so everyone knows what to do. Rehearsing can make all the difference in an emergency.
6. Involve Others: Share your plan with neighbors and family members who don’t live with you. Ensure they understand their roles in case of an emergency.
7. Review Annually: Update your plan each year, especially if you have children. Their roles in the plan may change as they grow older.

By following these steps, you can build a strong family security plan that prepares everyone for dangerous situations.

Your Family’s Security is Just a Plan Away

Most people don’t think about crimes that could affect their family, let alone create a security plan. It’s hard to imagine yourself or a loved one in a home invasion, robbery, or carjacking. However, thinking about these scenarios is the only way to create a solid family security plan.

But don’t stop there. Once your plan is in place, remember to rehearse it regularly. Rehearsing could save your life or the life of someone you love.