A security system is your first line of defense—but no system is 100% foolproof. In the rare but frightening case that a burglar bypasses your alarm and enters your home while you're there, your safety plan becomes critical.
Here's how to stay safe, what to do during a break-in, and what safety measures you should already have in place to prepare for the unthinkable.
First: If You Hear a Break-In — Stay Calm, Stay Quiet, Stay Safe
If you believe someone has entered your home:
- Do not confront the intruder.
- Avoid making noise or moving quickly.
- Silence your phone if it makes noise when receiving alerts.
- Call 911 immediately from a safe, quiet location if possible.
- Whisper, or use the text-to-911 feature if available in your area.
- Stay hidden until law enforcement arrives and gives the all-clear.
Before It Happens: Safety Measures That Should Already Be in Place
Preparation is your best protection. These measures help reduce danger even if your security system is compromised.
1. Create a Safe Room or Exit Plan
- Know in advance where you'll go in your home to hide or escape.
- Choose a room with a locking door, a phone charger, and preferably a second exit or window.
- Teach everyone in the household how to get to safety and call for help.
2. Keep Your Phone Near You at Night
- Always have a charged phone at your bedside or on your person—especially at night.
- Consider keeping a personal safety alarm or panic button within reach.
3. Have a Monitored Security System with Backup
- Choose a system like Ackerman Security's 24/7 professional monitoring, which:
- Detects tampering
- Sends emergency alerts even if alarms are disabled
- Allows you to use a duress code to discreetly alert dispatchers
- Combine alarm systems with door/window sensors, motion detectors, surveillance cameras, and smart locks.
- Install reinforced doors and strike plates to make forced entry more difficult.
- Motion-activated floodlights outside and smart light routines inside can deter burglars and help you navigate in the dark.
- To freeze and listen before reacting
- Where to hide and how to call 911
- What to say to a dispatcher
- Quietly exit through the nearest door or window.
- Run to a neighbor's house or safe location and call 911.
- Lock yourself in a room (bathrooms or closets can work).
- Stay low, silent, and call or text emergency services.
- Many Ackerman Security systems include panic buttons, mobile alerts, or medical emergency pendants—press and hold to signal distress immediately.
- Cooperate fully with police and provide any security footage or relevant details.
- Contact your security provider to assess how the system was bypassed.
- Work with professionals to reinforce weak points and upgrade your system.
4. Use Layered Security
5. Set Up Smart Lighting
Mental Preparation: Train for Calm, Not Combat
You don't need to be a hero—you need to stay safe. Mentally preparing yourself and your family for what to do can make all the difference.
Teach your family:
Practice home safety drills the same way you would for fire safety. Preparation saves lives.
During a Break-In: Your Options
If a break-in occurs while you're home:
✅ If You Can Safely Escape: Do It
✅ If You Cannot Escape: Hide & Call for Help
✅ Use Panic Devices If You Have Them
After the Incident: What to Do Next
Safety First, Always
Being home during a burglary is rare—but terrifying. With the right preparation, smart technology, and calm decision-making, you greatly increase your odds of staying safe.
Ackerman Security is here to help you prevent break-ins before they happen—and respond swiftly if they ever do.
Call 800.552.1111 or get a free security consultation online to customize a home protection plan that includes panic buttons, duress codes, 24/7 monitoring, and more.
