As a news Reporter for several years, I have covered home invasion stories time and time again.

One thing that I have learned is that it doesn't matter where you live, home invasions can happen anytime and anywhere.  No one is untouchable.  Most of the time, home invasions are violent.  It is of course, a very terrifying situation that is becoming more common.  Each year, about 16 % of households in the U.S. fall victim to a property crime.  In some scenarios a criminal breaks in while some one is at home, this is called a home invasion and here's how to survive one.

          First, experts say if you can get out of the house, then do it.  This is especially true if the burglar has not found you yet.  If this is not the case and you can't escape you should be very quiet and listen.  The trainers at Citizen Defense Training say to then figure out how many intruders are in the house and are they making their way towards you.  If you are not alone and hiding with a family member, it is important not to argue about what to do.  You should try and find the safest room in the house.  Your best bet is a room with a back door.  If this is the case, get to it and run.  If this is not the case then you should find a room and hide in the closet.  If you have a cell phone with you then get it and call 911.  It is important when making the call not to panic and to be specific with the dispatcher.  Tell them the situation and your address.

          If the intruder finds you, experts say how you behave in the first 30 seconds will influence how the intruder will act towards you.  First, you should speak as normal as you can, make no sudden moves, and tell the culprit that you will cooperate.  Again, the trainers at  Citizen Defense Training say to avoid eye contact.  If the situation gets worst and you feel even more trapped it is important that you do not get angry and take aggressive action.  The only exception is if you think you are about to die.  If you do decide to fight back, then look for an opportunity where the intruder lets his guard down.  If you do not have a gun within reach, use a large object and swing towards his throat.  Don't let go of the weapon and run.  Start yelling for help and find an exit.

          Many home invasions can be avoided.  Police estimate that 90 % of all home invasion are preventable.  Police say it's important to begin your precaution with strong doors.  Most burglaries and break-ins occur through the front door (34%) or the back door (22%).  It's best to install steel covered solid wood doors that are at least 1.75 inches thick.  To avoid a home invasion having a neighborhood plan and family plan is essential.  Also, alarms can prevent a crime.  Sirens will discourage a would be intruder from entering.  Then there is automatic phone dialers that can call 911.  You can program your phone for direct dial or a dial in speaker mode which allows the dispatcher to listen in to what is happening.

          It is important to realize that when a home invasion occurs you can take matters into your own hands by keeping a cool head and keeping control.  As I mentioned, I've reported on may home invasions throughout the years, and although most are violent, I've know more victims to survive than not