Situations :: Dealing with the Intruder

A number of options are open to you. You are the best judge to choose the course of action suitable to the situation.

	You may continue to be where you are and hope that the intrusion may pass without your being noticed.
	You may lock yourself in safely (though safety is not guaranteed). This could avoid injury to you but could mean loss of valuables.
	You may ring up the police or neighbors for help.
	You may decide to scare away the intruder by: - Making noise and shouting for help - switching on lights - waking up other members of the family - Fictitiously calling male occupants of the house by name to indicate to the intruder that he will be out numbered if he does not escape.
	You may decide to physically confront the intruder if you feel up to it.
	Use of Home Security Solutions like Panic Switches(s102), Neighborhood Alert Systems (s14), CCTV(s20) , Autodialer(s45) etc. are very helpful.

Be mentally prepared as to the action that you intend to take if you face an intruder. Most people will be too scared to act or even shout when face to face with the intruder. Remember that most of the times, the intruder will also be equally scared, but will be better prepared mentally.

REMEMBER TO:

	Draw up your plans of dealing with security threats likely to arise at home. Consult other family members and practice these plans periodically. This will give you confidence as also an opportunity to test the plans. You will be amazed to find out as to how unprepared you and your family members are in face of an emergency. (and you may have to face it when you are half asleep in middle of the night)
	Keep a good working torch and a weapon for self-defense within easy reach at night, preferably close to the bed but not visible to the intruder as he can use the same on you if he intrudes in your bed room. Remember that you shall have to locate it when you would still be half asleep in middle of night - so it is important that it is kept handy.
	If you have mobile phone, keep it handy especially at night as the main telephone line may be cut by the criminal.
	Make reciprocal arrangements with immediate neighbors for mutual help and work out its modalities.
	Use electronic equipment e.g. Intruder alarm system(,s12), Neighborhood alert systems (s14), CCTV (s20) etc. to help you deal with such situations.