My local range has courses on home defense, and I hope to join those when I can afford them. Meanwhile, I’m looking for reliable online resources to learn. I know there are many things to consider, but I want to start small. Right now, I’m focused on the best tactics to get my family into the master bedroom and protect that space. Any tips or resources?
It really depends on how your house is laid out and where the bedrooms are. If all the bedrooms are upstairs, you could hold the staircase. If they’re down one hallway on a single floor, you could defend the hallway. If the rooms are more spread out, you might have to go through the house to get everyone or head straight for the source of noise.
Keep in mind, it’s pretty rare to deal with an actual tactical team unless you’re in an extreme situation. If you ever face a break-in, it’s usually a small group, and they often panic once shots are fired. Most videos show intruders running away as soon as there’s resistance.
@Oak
The room should be easy to defend since the door is in a corner, and you have to come around a corner to see the whole room. My main worry is getting my son to safety. An intruder might reach his room before he can get to ours or before I reach him. I’m starting to think it might be better for him to stay low in his room while I cover the hallway from our bedroom.
@Reilly
That could work. It all comes down to your home’s layout. You might be able to cover the hallway from inside your room or maybe need to do it from a doorway. But if needed, you could always go get him.
You do have the advantage since it’s your home, and it’s unlikely someone will head straight for your son’s room unless you’re living a Harry Potter story and Voldemort is coming after him.
@Oak
Haha! True, it’s not likely, but I like the idea of staying ready for anything (within reason, of course).
The best plan is to gather your family in one secure spot, lock the door, and take a position where you have a clear view of the entrance. Stay ready to defend if someone breaks in. Have someone behind you call the police, and maybe put a bright flashlight facing the door to confuse any intruder.
Room clearing is risky, even for trained people. It’s smart to know how to handle a gun safely and maybe take a basic trauma class to be prepared.
@Zion
That’s pretty much what I’m aiming for. I’ve thought about the flashlight trick—it could throw them off and mess up their vision. I’m not planning on trying anything fancy, just keeping the family safe.
I’ve been shooting since I was a kid and have been brushing up on my skills for home defense. My local range offers a lot of classes I’d like to take when I can. I did take a trauma class, which has been useful beyond self-defense, especially since I work in a machine shop.
@Reilly
Good thinking. And yeah, placing the flashlight to the side could make them shoot at it instead of you. Also, adding a deadbolt to the door is a cheap but effective upgrade.
I don’t know if there’s a single go-to source, but there are a lot of videos online. Be careful with the ones that focus on room clearing—those tactics can be risky for the average person.
The main goal should be to keep your family safe and avoid a fight if possible. The best approach is usually to fortify one room, have everyone go there, and practice it so everyone knows what to do when stressed. Make sure someone not holding a gun calls 911 and communicates clearly. It’s important to have a plan that won’t put your neighbors in danger if shots are fired.
My plan at home is to have my wife call 911 while barricading with the kids in our master bedroom. I position myself just outside the room aiming down the stairs. If someone comes up, I’ll shout, ‘If you come up the stairs, I will shoot.’ This way, everyone is together, and the intruders know it’s not worth it to come any closer.