Home Invasion

Most people consider the "what ifs..." regarding self defense and have some type of plan "just in case."  What about you?  Have you ever scenarioized a break in in your home in the middle of the night?  Would you reach for a the Colt .45 under the pillow, the Louisville Slugger behind the door or pull the covers over your head? 

From the time we were small kids we've practiced what to do incase of a fire, but what if some one breaks into your home?  Here are some simple tips to keep in mind. 

Self Defense Options

• Communication - Even cops tell the dispatcher what's going on.  Call 911 if you think some one has broken into your house. 
• Don't be a hero - If you really think someone is in your home there is a chance they armed better than you (not half asleep like you are) and significantly more determined.
• Barricade yourself - The only time you should leave your bedroom is if you have small children that you believe are in danger (even then, most burglars aren't looking for kids).  Use the concept of tactical angles to pick your hiding place.  Most people will enter you room and immediately look at the bed.  I suggest that you hide away from your bed and preferably along the same wall that the door is on.  Make the person turn 90+ degrees to find you.  By then you will be ready to attack them.  Another thought is to leave the hall lights on and close your bedroom door.  This will force any one who enters to adjust their eyes before attacking you.  Yours will be good to go (once you wipe the sleep out f them)
• Move tactically - If you must leave your room (and I suggest you don't) do it as tactically as possible.  It's a little easier to show you what I mean, but suffice to say don't walk through your house like your an extra on a cheesy cop show during a raid scene.  Stay low (walk softly on bent knees), keep elbows tucked in and your hands at about your throat level (if you don't have a gun - in that case your gun needs to be close to your strong side hip pointed down slightly and your week hand is up by your throat).  STAY QUIET!
• Identify your target - Whether your squeezing a trigger on you Desert Eagle or swingin' for a homer with baseball bat - identify the person your hitting.  This will save you some trouble with the judge.  Besides that if you have kids you know as well as I do that they do some crazy stuff.  The last thing you want your child to remember is mom or dad drawing down in beautiful stance shouting that you'll put two in their body and one in their head if the so much as sneeze.  IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET!

Now, should you walk through the house or barricade yourself empty handed?  That's up to you.  As for me - no.  Like most men - I have been awoke to the gasp of "did you hear that?", and of course I didn't - I was asleep!  But regardless I have to check it (my wife won't let me take my own advice).  I personally don't grab the gun every time.  My wife knows where it is and if I'm in enough trouble she can shoot the guy.  I usually carry my Kubotan. 

General Considerations

• Open Hands (and feet) - Of course these will always remain an option whether your carrying a weapon or not.  Remember strike with your most devastating strikes against your attackers weakest points = hammer fist to the throat, supine kick to the groin, finger strike to the eyes...
• Pepper Spray - By now you know me and what I think of OC Spray.  I love the stuff!  For most attackers and apprehensions.  However, in your own home with a fast close quarters / dynamic attacker???  OC takes a second to work.  Remember you have to keep your distance before, during and after you spray.  Also the closed environment will become contaminated very quickly and you'll get a strong level 3 exposure.
• Stun Guns - Stun guns are OK, most attackers know that they only hurt for a second and then you can fight through them.  They are good for show though.  These are great devices for your car or purse.  Use stun guns when you have the ability to escape, and your not trying to drive your attacker out.
• Tasers - Now these babies on the other hand are perfect for your home.  One of the most common arguments against Tasers is the "You only get one shot" argument.  Folks, I am living proof that they work as stun guns too.  During my Taser Instructor Certification I was hit with a "Drive Stun" after one of the probes missed me.  For 7 seconds I thought I was going to die!  These look like pistols so you have the intimidation factor.  They are safer than a pistol if a child finds it and more than that - they work!
• Batons - Again, I carry a Kubotan.  With the options provided by ASP and others there is no reason not to own a baton!   The only drawback is the limited space in your home to get a full swing.  However, these are effective weapons even when they are closed.
• Dogs - They don't have to be attack Pit Bulls - just protective!  One of the best animals I ever owned was a lab/retriever mix.  She would go the end of the earth to protect her family - and she was fun to play fetch with....
• Knives - I also carry a knife.  Whether it's a Gins from the kitchen or the Benchmade you you carry every day.  Knives work in a life or death fight.  I would strongly suggest not carrying a knife as your only source of self defense. 
• Guns - Handguns are the best for clearing your house with.  They corner well and are accurate at Close Quarters ranges.  Shot guns are very intimidating and effective if you know how to carry them from room to room quietly.  Rifles are a bad idea for this.  The rounds tend to overpenatrate and you can't clear with them.
• Improvised weapons - These can be anything from an iron to a fork.  Pencils, pens, screw drivers, scissors, light furniture such as chairs.