5. Preparedness

Preparedness is the final but extremely important element of your home security system. This level focuses on mental and physical preparation for critical situations, in our case, a burglary. Our health and safety, as well as the safety of our loved ones, is the number one priority, and in the event of a theft or robbery, especially when it happens in your presence, it is important to know how to respond to such situations while maintaining both physical and mental well-being.

​

Key elements of preparedness:

​

1. Psychological preparation:

   • Understanding stressful situations: A burglary, especially when you are at home, is a major stress factor. Psychological readiness helps mitigate the consequences of such situations. Knowing possible scenarios, developing a plan of action, and mental rehearsals can significantly increase your confidence and ability to act rationally.

   • Calmness and control: In the event of a break-in, it is important to remain calm and act according to a pre-planned strategy. Mental and physical preparedness helps prevent panic and ensures an effective response.

2. Physical preparation:

   • Physical fitness: Good physical condition not only improves overall health but also helps you react faster in dangerous situations, whether it’s avoiding an attack or quickly exiting a danger zone.

   • Self-defense: If confrontation with the intruder is unavoidable, knowing basic self-defense techniques can be the last line of protection. However, it’s important to know and respect the legal boundaries of self-defense to avoid accusations of excessive force.

   • Legal right to defense: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to remember the legal framework of self-defense. Your actions in protecting property and yourself should be proportional to the threat to avoid accusations of exceeding permissible defense measures. This is a delicate topic that I will discuss in a separate article.

3. Communication and interaction skills:

   • Communicating in extreme situations: Clear and calm communication with family members or the police during a critical moment can save lives. Practice stress communication skills and develop code words or phrases that can quickly relay important information.

   • Family drills: Conduct regular training with family members so that everyone knows their role and actions in the event of a burglary or other emergency situation.

4. Preparation of children and loved ones:

   • Teaching children: Explain to children how to behave in extreme situations—where to run, how to hide, and whom to call. Children can also be taught basic self-defense and first aid skills.

   • Supporting loved ones: The stress from a burglary can affect all family members. Discussing possible scenarios and supporting one another is important for maintaining family well-being and quick recovery after the incident.

5. First aid:

   • First aid training: Not to be alarmist, but to be prepared for worst-case scenarios, it’s important to know how to provide first aid to yourself or others in case of injury, shock, or other traumas that may arise from an encounter with an intruder. Basic skills such as stopping bleeding, applying bandages, or performing CPR can save lives before medical help arrives. In France, you can sign up for free first aid courses through this link (check with a driving school).

   • First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit with basic medications and first-aid tools should be available in the safe room and in easily accessible locations around the house.

6. Planning and regular training:

   • Action plan: Develop a clear action plan in case of a burglary, including evacuation routes, safe rooms, communication methods, and alarm systems.

   • Instructions for all family members: Ensure that all family members know how to act if an intruder enters. This includes knowing the location of safe zones, how to call the police, and how to behave in contact with the intruder.

   • Rehearsals: Periodically conduct drills so that everyone knows their roles and is ready to act in a critical situation.

   • Updating and improving the plan: Regularly review and update the plan, considering changes in the house, family composition, or neighborhood situation. It’s important that your plan remains relevant and suits the current circumstances.

7. Recovery after the incident:

   • Post-event support: After a burglary, it’s important to focus on restoring mental and physical health. Seeking professional psychological help can assist in coping with the emotions and fears that arise after such a stressful event.

   • Incident analysis: Reviewing the event and understanding what worked and what can be improved will help you prepare better in the future and strengthen your security system.

​

Conclusion.

The fifth level is not just the completion of the security system, it is the foundation of your safety and well-being in any critical situation. Psychological and physical preparation, planning, knowledge of first aid, and coordination with loved ones help maintain control and health in the event of a burglary. Regardless of the precautions you’ve taken, being ready to act and staying calm and composed is key to minimizing the consequences and protecting the most valuable things you have—yourself and your loved ones.