Forcible entry is the most common type of home invasion, accounting for 55.7 percent of incidents, followed by unlawful entry at 37.8 percent (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). Most of these incidents are reported to occur during daylight hours. To avoid victimization, you need to implement a solid home defense plan.
The “Get Off My Lawn” Mentality
Simply having a firearm in the home is not an action plan. A gun is only an equalizer if the end-user has been properly trained. Grabbing a gun to search out the threat is the worst mistake to make. The intruder may have more experience, better skills, or worse yet, there may be more than one. Additionally, most of us do not have stress inoculation training. The threat knows their intent when they enter a home. The residents are caught off guard, becoming reactionary versus not equipped to handle the situation.
Home Defense Training is Crucial
The proper reaction to a threat would be as follows.
- Obtain your firearm.
- Go to the designated safe room and lock the door.
- Situate in the furthest corner facing the door and point in at a low ready.
- Call 911.
This is a basic outline. Each action plan will be different and based on the individual’s needs. With much to learn, training and education are non-negotiable. I also recommend CQB training (close-quarter combat). Searching out an intruder is not recommended, but you may have children or other family members you need to reach. Understanding how to move through your home proficiently and safely is crucial.”
Once you have established a well-thought-out course of action, start practicing. Running timed drills with your family can be a fun way to commit to remembering what each person needs to do. It will also build confidence. Fear is paralyzing, leaving people helpless and confused. Executing a plan with confidence gives everyone in the home a better advantage.
What type of Gun for Home Defense Plan?
Choosing the best firearm for home defense is a subjective decision that varies based on individual preferences and circumstances. However, for most people, home defense involves securing themselves and their loved ones within the confines of their residence. This is especially relevant as approximately 80% of Americans live in urban or suburban areas, where defense situations are likely to occur indoors, at close range—often just across a hallway.
With this short-range reality in mind, let’s explore some of the top firearm options for home defense. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of effective choices available to suit different needs and preferences.
Don’t forget that you’re going to need some ammunition and mags with enough capacity. Running out of ammunition can be problematic. Check out ETS’ Omega Mags and Carbon Smoke AR mags.
In the video below, Steve Behnke, provides some great insights into the best guns for home defense.
Prevention is Key
We can prevent a home invasion by becoming a hard target. The first step is to use deterrents to make entering your home difficult. Here are some basic ideas for preventative tactics.
- Doors and Windows – Ensure that all entry points to your home are secure. Windows and doors should have a locking mechanism that is not easily accessible.
- Lighting – A well-lit home has a better chance of not being targeted. Lights for all entryways, landscaping, and flood lights with motion detection are valuable prevention measures. The more light surrounding your home, the less coverage an intruder will have.
- Security Alarm – Statistics state that most intruders avoid any home with a security system. From high-tech to budget-friendly, there are many systems to choose from. If you cannot afford a system, obtaining signs and window stickers showing “this home is protected by…” is better than nothing. A threat could be scared off just by the notion that there is a system in place.
- Landscaping – This is probably one of the biggest preventative measures that is overlooked. Entryways and windows should not be easily accessible. By planting bushes, hedges, and foliage, especially anything large, you’re setting up a parameter that makes accessing your home a little more difficult. Well-thought-out landscaping can be a great addition to your home defense plan.
- Dogs – A large dog with a deep bark is a great warning signal for you and tells an intruder they will encounter danger if they enter. It also takes away their element of surprise, letting them know they’ve been detected before they enter. A trained protection dog is a wonderful addition, but even a smaller dog is good to have for a warning indicator.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and a brief introduction to begin your education and journey in creating your home defense plan. Continued training, education, and implementing a solid plan should be a necessity for every home. Any type of dwelling from an apartment to a free-standing home can have a home defense plan. The goal is to avoid an encounter utilizing every technique possible to make use of your firearm the last resort.
