Rapid Response: Home Invasions While Sleeping

Arm yourself with knowledge and training for every type of disaster. Increase your physical security tactics, medical prep, and food/water skills..

11/5/20244 min read

Ready for Anything: Protecting Yourself from a Home Invasion While Sleeping

A home invasion is one of the most terrifying scenarios anyone could face, especially when it happens during the vulnerable hours of the night. Being prepared for such an event can make all the difference in your safety and peace of mind. This article will explore essential tactics, tools, and strategies for handling a potential home invasion, focusing on practical steps that provide security without sacrificing a restful night's sleep.

1. Set Up a Plate Carrier for Immediate Protection

If you’re serious about personal protection, consider keeping a plate carrier equipped with Level III+ armor next to your bed. This type of armor is designed to stop most rifle and handgun rounds, providing a solid level of defense if you need to move through your home during a break-in. Ensure your plate carrier is ready to throw on quickly, with adjustable straps for a snug fit.

To enhance functionality, consider attaching a MOLLE-compatible phone holder to the carrier. Your phone becomes an essential tool during an emergency, allowing you to call 911 without juggling devices. With the phone secure and accessible on your carrier, you’ll have both hands free for other tasks.

2. Securely Store Your Firearms for Fast Access

In any self-defense scenario, quick access to a reliable weapon can be a life-saver. However, leaving firearms unsecured poses safety risks, especially if there are children or other family members in the home. The solution is to invest in quick-access gun safes for both a rifle and a pistol. These safes use biometric, keypad, or RFID locking mechanisms to open almost instantly, while preventing unauthorized access.

Place the rifle and pistol safes within arm’s reach of your bed so you can retrieve them within seconds. Training with these safes regularly will help you access your firearms calmly and efficiently under pressure. For added peace of mind, mount a small flashlight on each firearm, providing immediate illumination and target identification in low-light conditions.

3. Install a Bedroom Panic Switch for Exterior Flood Lights

Illuminating your property in the event of an intrusion can provide a psychological deterrent to intruders and improve your situational awareness. Installing a panic switch that controls your exterior flood lights is an excellent addition to any home security system. This switch, ideally located within reach of your bed, can instantly flood your property with bright light, potentially startling intruders and giving you a better view of the area around your home.

Consider using motion-activated flood lights as a backup so your property is always illuminated in response to movement. This added layer of protection could give you extra time to react by either escaping the area, calling for help, or preparing to defend yourself if necessary.

4. Establish a Safe Room with Essential Supplies

A secure safe room within your bedroom can serve as a last line of defense if an intruder breaches your home and you need a few critical minutes to wait for help. This room should have a solid-core door, reinforced locks, and a backup communication method in case your phone is damaged or unreachable.

In addition to your plate carrier and quick-access firearms, consider keeping a basic kit of essentials in your safe room. This kit could include:

A first-aid kit with trauma supplies.
A portable phone charger.
Extra magazines or ammunition.
Pepper spray or another non-lethal defense option.
A loud personal alarm to disorient intruders if they enter.

Training your family members on the protocol to follow if you need to retreat to the safe room is essential. Ensure everyone understands that their priority is to secure themselves in the safe room and avoid confrontation until help arrives.

5. Set Up Surveillance Cameras with Remote Access

Surveillance cameras can be your eyes when you’re asleep, allowing you to quickly assess the situation from the safety of your bedroom. Place cameras in key entry points, such as front and back doors, ground-floor windows, and the hallway outside your bedroom. Look for cameras that offer remote access and send real-time alerts to your smartphone.

With remote access, you can monitor live feeds from your phone to see if the threat is real and make informed decisions about your next steps. In addition, this footage can serve as valuable evidence for law enforcement and your insurance company if needed.

6. Use Reinforced Doors and Windows for Extra Security

While it’s critical to prepare for a worst-case scenario, a strong defense begins with physical barriers that make it difficult for intruders to enter in the first place. Consider installing reinforced doors with heavy-duty deadbolt locks for all main entry points. Security films applied to windows can help prevent glass from shattering, slowing down intruders and providing you with precious time to respond.

Adding a quality security system with door and window sensors will alert you to any unauthorized entry, increasing your awareness and giving you the time to prepare.

7. Build Muscle Memory with Regular Training

Owning self-defense equipment is only half the battle; you must be ready to use it efficiently under stress. Conduct regular drills to practice putting on your plate carrier, retrieving your firearms, and moving through your home. Include simulated scenarios that mimic a home invasion at night to build muscle memory for these critical actions.

If possible, seek professional training on defensive tactics within a home environment. This training will help you understand how to best position yourself and make informed decisions during high-stakes situations.

Conclusion

While the thought of a home invasion is unnerving, knowing you have taken every precaution to protect yourself and your family can provide considerable peace of mind. By setting up your bedroom as a defensive hub with the right equipment, lighting controls, and secure firearms access, you’re equipped to handle a crisis confidently. Taking the time to establish these protections and practicing regularly ensures that if the unthinkable happens, you’ll be prepared to safeguard yourself and your loved ones.