If someone broke in, middle of the night,is it better for bedroom doors to be open or closed? Kids and adults?

[Anonymous]

We have taught our kids to hide in their closets if something like this were to happen and they were not able to get to us. My husband and I would try to escape to call 911 once we reach a safe distance.

It’s better to allow the criminals to take material things than to confront them or escalate the situation. They are only breaking in to steal things which can be replaced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just a question for anyone who has pondered this or sadly, experienced it. What was best?

There’s really no point in worrying about whether doors are open or closed. If someone breaks in, you’re totally at their mercy. Do NOT try to defend yourself, that will only expose you to more danger. Just beg them for mercy and plead for your life and the lives of your family. It might not work, but it’s better than hurting them.

Best advice of the whole thread.

Just try to deescalate the situation and if that’s not possible, submit and make yourself nonthreatening and plead for mercy.

You will never be able to prevail against a criminal. They are already amped up and prepared for confrontation. And they have experience with violence. I dare say no one on this thread does.

[Anonymous]

My grandpa was a hostage negotiator and he always taught me to make yourself human to them if you are confronted in that situation. Start saying things like "my name is Larla. I'm 35 and my kids are 6 and 3. I love being a mom and am also a nurse and help people all the time. I'm not angry with you, you are welcome to take anything you want as long as we can leave..."

Not sure if this is up to date but I've always remembered it.

[Anonymous]

I grew up with doors closed at night so that's what I've continued to do at night while I sleep. Most bedroom doors are so cheap and hollow the locks on them are merely for privacy. I am a petite female cop and kick one of those doors open without much effort.
As others have mentioned, loud dogs, good lighting, and nosy neighbors make great deterrents to most criminals. Your house is far more likely to be robbed during the work day than it would be at night. Burglars don't want company when going through your stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s your plan for run, hide, fight? There is no one size fits all response. But it sounds like you’ve experienced some really serious trauma to be asking this question. Personally I’d be working on my middle of the night fire plan before this.

You dont' need to experience past trauma to understand what happening now. I read Fairfax police reports and breaking are up in the last year, some of them are armed. You better have a good plan and your kids should be prepared to follow your plan. Oh, and don't rely on police, they are not very quick to respond due to the stuffing issues.

How many of those have included physical attacks on people by strangers?

[Anonymous]

It’s very very rare for random burglars to break in at night when you’re home. Those are usually targeted and personal.
We all sleep with our doors open. I don’t like being in a room with the door closed, makes me claustrophobic. The dog likes to wander in and out of the rooms too so all the doors are open.
We have a ring camera, the dog, motion lights, a fenced yard, and always check doors are locked at night. I don’t feel scared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a question for anyone who has pondered this or sadly, experienced it. What was best?

It's better to install a burglar alarm. Once someone has broken in then nowhere in the house is safe unless you have a special safe room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fire more likely than robbery. Shut bedroom doors. Get dog.

+1. THIS

[Anonymous]

LL Cool J actually woke up in middle of a night and a robber was in his house. He cold cocked him one swing with a punch to
The face and knocked him out and called the police to come and take him away.

That’s how a real man does it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a question for anyone who has pondered this or sadly, experienced it. What was best?

You’re more likely to experience a house fire (where doors closed is safer) than a break in where the intruder intends harm. Even if an intruder intended harm, you standard bedroom door won’t protect the room’s occupants much or even really slow the intruder down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LL Cool J actually woke up in middle of a night and a robber was in his house. He cold cocked him one swing with a punch to
The face and knocked him out and called the police to come and take him away.

That’s how a real man does it.

If my H punched someone I’d be on the phone to a divorce lawyer.

Although punching a fascist in the face would be ok.