

Having someone break into your home can be a terrifying experience. It's important to know how to handle this situation calmly and effectively. Having a Frontpoint Home Security System is a great way to deter potential break-ins. But if someone does break-in to your home while you are there, it is important to be prepared and know what to do. Here are some steps to take if someone breaks into your house:
It's natural to feel scared and anxious, but try to stay as calm and quiet as possible. This will help you think clearly and make better decisions in the moment.
Take slow, deep breaths to help regulate your heart rate and keep your mind clear. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process to help calm your nerves.
If you are with others during the break-in, try to remain positive and reassuring to help keep everyone calm. Encourage each other to stay quiet and follow safety protocols while waiting for assistance.
Consider creating a safety plan for potential break-in scenarios ahead of time. Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you react more calmly and effectively if the situation arises. Practice your plan with your family members to ensure everyone is prepared.
Use your phone to call emergency services and call 911 as soon as you can. If you have access to a panic or safety button, activate it immediately. With a Frontpoint security system, our monitoring center will call immediately and dispatch if a sensor is compromised, saving you valuable time. If on the line with 911, inform the operator that someone has broken into your home and provide your address. Stay on the line with the operator and follow their instructions. Providing them with as much information as possible is the most helpful to the situation. Continue to stay on the line with the operator for guidance on how to stay safe until help arrives.
If possible, move to a secure location within your home where you can hide and avoid confrontation with the intruder. Stay quiet and try to remain as still as possible while you wait for help to arrive. Do this if you can do so safely and wait until help arrives. This could be a locked room with a sturdy door or a closet with a lock. Stay quiet and avoid confrontation with the intruder.
It's important not to confront the intruder yourself. Your safety is the top priority, so avoid any direct contact with the person who has broken into your home. Do not attempt to confront the burglar or take matters into your own hands. Your safety is the top priority, so it's best to avoid any direct interaction with the intruder. Focus on staying hidden and protected until help arrives.
If it is safe to do so, try to gather information about the intruder. This could include their physical description, any weapons they may have, or the direction they are heading if they leave your home.
Remember again, if you can, stay on the line with the 911 operator until help arrives. They can provide you with guidance on how to stay safe and secure until the authorities reach your location.
When the police arrive, follow their instructions carefully. Provide them with any information you have about the intruder and cooperate fully with their investigation.
Remember, your safety is the most important thing in this situation. Stay calm, follow these steps, and let the authorities handle the situation. It's always a good idea to have a plan in place for emergencies like this, so take the time to discuss safety measures with your family and loved ones.
Stay calm and quiet. If you're near a safe escape route, leave the house immediately and call 911 from a safe location. If escape isn’t possible, hide in a secure room, lock the door, silence your phone, and call 911 quietly.
No. Avoid any confrontation. Most burglars want to get in and out quickly. Confronting them increases the risk of violence.
Choose a lockable room with a solid door (like a bedroom or bathroom).
Stay out of sight, turn off lights, and keep quiet. Use furniture for cover if needed.
Give the dispatcher:
Your address
That there's a burglary in progress
Where you are hiding
Any description of the burglar (clothing, race, gender, voice)
Whether you're alone or with others
Stay on the line unless instructed otherwise.
If you’re discovered:
Try to remain calm
Do not make sudden moves
Don’t try to grab a weapon unless absolutely necessary
Comply if they demand items — your safety is more important than possessions
Only if you are trained and legally allowed to use them. Improper use can escalate the situation or result in harm to yourself or others.
Set up a home security system
Have a safe room plan
Keep a charged phone nearby at night
Discuss a safety plan with family members (especially kids)
Keep important items in a secure, hidden place
Call 911 if you haven't already
Don’t touch anything the burglar may have touched
Leave the home if you feel unsafe
Wait for law enforcement and give them a full report
Laws vary by state. Some have “castle doctrine” or “stand your ground” laws. Know your local laws before acting in self-defense. Always prioritize de-escalation and safety.
A home invasion is traumatic. Consider:
Talking to a therapist or counselor
Practicing self-care and stress relief
Rebuilding your sense of safety with added security measures
Frontpoint keeps homes safe whether families are there or not. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our products page. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 855-866-4409.