In a home invasion, what do you think you would do? Are you the type of person to courageously jump on your invader immediately, using surprise and a home ground to your advantage? Or, are you likely to engage some clever strategy, perhaps following them sneakily before locking them in the basement once they come too far into your house, cutting off their escape and calling the police? Whatever your choice, even if it is to just get away quietly and seek help, it is much better to have considered what you will do beforehand, so that you do not react with shock or pure instinct.
There are advantages of imagining these sorts of scenario beforehand. You can organise preventative measures to make such a situation less likely in the first place. You can plan an escape route, for you (if you are alone) or your family which will increase your chances of surviving unhurt. You can consider the skills you might need to successfully fight off an attacker. You are more likely to have the emotional strength to recover afterward, and you are more likely to see justice done to the invader if you have kept a clear head through some simple planning.
A quick google of what to do in a home invasion gave this excellent article:
http://www.crimedoctor.com/home2.htm
Here are a few simple tips that I think would be helpful:
Even if the worst possible scenario arises, and you are not able to protect your loved ones or yourself, it may be helpful to remember that the intruder will have to face God on Judgment Day, just like everyone else. You might like to remind them of this if you find yourself in an un-winnable situation. You never know, it might just cause them to reconsider!
Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (19) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (20) To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
[emphasis in verse 19 is added]
There are advantages of imagining these sorts of scenario beforehand. You can organise preventative measures to make such a situation less likely in the first place. You can plan an escape route, for you (if you are alone) or your family which will increase your chances of surviving unhurt. You can consider the skills you might need to successfully fight off an attacker. You are more likely to have the emotional strength to recover afterward, and you are more likely to see justice done to the invader if you have kept a clear head through some simple planning.
A quick google of what to do in a home invasion gave this excellent article:
http://www.crimedoctor.com/home2.htm
Here are a few simple tips that I think would be helpful:
- Try and keep physically fit and active - this is more of a deterrent for anyone weighing up breaking in while you might be home, but it can be useful in a combat or escape situation.
- Make it hard for someone to forcefully enter your house by being aware of weak points in security and scam strategies to make you answer your door.
- Learn a few nasty places on the human body where one strong blow can cause considerable damage, e.g. eyes, nose, throat.
- Learn a few simple martial art skills, e.g. basic punches and kicks.
- Have escape strategies planned with your family.
- Leave a couple of BIG dog bones lying around, even if you don’t have a dog.
- Make sure you don’t leave yourself open by being unaware of your surroundings and strange noises. Try to know what all of the usual noises on your property and in your neighbourhood are so that you can identify something out of the ordinary.
- Get to know your neighbours so that they will be more likely to know if there is something wrong.
- Consider in advance how to use simple things as weapons, e.g. cups of hot coffee as projectiles, or tables as obstacles that might aid your escape.
- Learn to keep a clear head so that you can make decisions under pressure. You might have to follow the instructions of an armed intruder and you might have to be able to take any instant of opportunity to save your life or others.
Even if the worst possible scenario arises, and you are not able to protect your loved ones or yourself, it may be helpful to remember that the intruder will have to face God on Judgment Day, just like everyone else. You might like to remind them of this if you find yourself in an un-winnable situation. You never know, it might just cause them to reconsider!
Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (19) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (20) To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
[emphasis in verse 19 is added]