Unexpected Home Defense Request

Unexpected Home Defense Request

Recently, I received a call from a close friend who lives ten minutes away from me.  He had just returned home and had noticed lights on in his house even though he had turned them off before he left.  Since he had checked the first floor and everything was in place, he was worried that an intruder could be waiting for him upstairs.  He was aware that I have tools for self defense and wanted me to clear the second floor of his house. 

I did consider accepting his request, but my judgment dictated that it would be better for him contact law enforcement with this serious concern.  In the end, he searched the house himself (without something to defend himself) and was fortunate that there was no intruder to be found.  He may have just forgotten about the lights, but his fear was genuine, and I completely understand him wanting to completely secure his home.       

This potentially dangerous situation made me consider how I would respond to a similar threat, if I would come home and find significant evidence of a possible intruder.  Logically, I would want to contact law enforcement first since they have the training to handle such situations.  If the intruder was still in my house and threatening a family member or had the potential to, I would equip myself adequately and await the local authorities.

For preparedness sake, I would recommend being able to defend yourself on every floor of your house with these items:

A cell phone or other method to contact law enforcement – Hopefully, the sooner you make contact, the sooner they will arrive.

A home defense tool (and ammunition) that you have been trained to use

A flashlight – Obtain a powerful one if your budget allows so you can be reassured during a quick search if you are entering the house to contact law enforcement.  Hopefully your already have one in your car and several in your home for other emergencies.  Should the intruder attempt to cause harm, blinding them is another valuable source of protection for you and your family.