You generally become aware of such a situation when there is unexpected noise in the house as if:
 Some one is moving about in the house
Some one has tripped over an article or a piece of furniture
Some thing has fallen down
A light/torch has been switched on
There is banging at unexpected hour
There are noises on the rooftop
 Use of Home Security Solutions like
CCTV (s20), Intruder
Alarm (s12) can warn in
advance & pinpoint the problem area.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
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Do not think it is a dream, be alert and try to listen carefully.
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Do not be complacent
- Last time it happened it turned out to be rat.
- It must be a family member.
- It is in the adjoining house or on the floor above.
- Someone else will get up and see.
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Do not charge out of the bed to check without any idea or mental preparation to deal with the
situation. |
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Do not make noise or switch on lights that will disclose your position. |
Every situation has its own solutions and it varies vastly depending upon your physical & mental
strength. Following suggestions are of general application: -.
WHAT TO DO:
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Listen to the noise carefully or try to understand what is happening.
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Alert the near most member of the family - consult if necessary.
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Even if you decide to investigate on your own, ensure someone in the family knows what are you
up to, specially if the other family members are sleeping in closed rooms or using coolers. This is
important as the noise of AC or coolers will not allow your shouts to reach them. |
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Make some preliminary preparations e.g. torch, cane, knife, or a firearm as per availability. |
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One person should then investigate while the other(s), if available, should keep an eye and act
as per the situation. |
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During investigation, move very quietly and without being seen. Remain under dark as far as possible.
If you are stepping out from a dark to lighted area, be very alert as there are chances of your being
spotted and attacked by an intruder. |
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If you enter into a room or area, first try to peep into the room /area from outside to sense if
there is any danger. |
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If an intruder becomes aware of your movements, he may hide himself behind the door and pounce on you
as you pass through the door. It is always desirable to jump across the door into the room and quickly turn
back to face the door from inside to avoid a surprise attack. |
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If you have access to devices like a Panic Button (s102)
then do carry it with yourself. |
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Be prepared to shout for help in case you do detect someone. You will be surprised that in such
situations, you may loose control over voice, momentarily, in case you are not mentally prepared. |
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