My wife and I were talking the other day and she asked if the house were broken into, how would you get the kids and get back to the closet where the gun is stored because we have a small, one story house. I told her if you know what woke you up was someone coming in the house, the gun is the first thing I would get because you then take a defensive position in the hall outside of the kids bedroom doors. They can stay in their rooms while you call the police and take up a protection position as you can't come down the hall to their rooms without coming straight at you. Would you agree with that?

It also got me thinking about how you would handle the police when you call them. We live in a safe neighborhood. There have been some minor thefts, wheels off a car once, a cleaning crew broke into the home of a customer and only took jewelry, but by-in-large, there have not been any major thefts here. However, we do have security doors on all three exit doors. This is so we can have the doors open and get the fresh air in the house without having the fear of the boys getting out. So we lock the deadbolts on the security doors and the key is high and within reach for our quick departure when needed. To break in through the doors, you would need a plasma cutter, the jaws of life or something to rip a lot of non-removable bolts right out of the door frame. So you pretty much have to get the garage door up or come through a window. But the police are in the same boat. If you call them saying you have someone in your house and you are in the back bedroom, how do the cops gain entrance?

The first thought is you tell them where you are located and have them come through the window at that location. Problem is, if you are in a defensive position, you can't go and open that window and with small children, they probably can't do it on their own. Second, you give them the garage door code (we have a keypad outside the garage door for access) and they come through the garage door and enter through the laundry room door into the kitchen area. I also told her to let the 911 operator know you are armed and your position and to ask for the name of the officer making entry so he can identify himself before coming around the corner, for his protection and ours obviously. You never know, the bad guy can figure out you are armed and try to imitate a policeman which leads to bad news for everyone.

It may sound strange to some, running scenarios through your head like this, but I've always thought ahead to what do I do if things. It's served me well twice. The first was when we had our first child and at about 6 months old. We had talked about what to do if we were walking around the neighborhood and a dog, belonging to a neighbor attacked. Sure enough, that happened. Pregnant wife pushing a 6 month old has little defenses she could use. We were together and she did exactly what I told her. She had 2 choices, climb on the hood of a car with the stroller or run into the open garage and into a home that was obviously accessible and yell for help. She did the second and I told her to go straight into that garage and in the house. She did, the owner ran out to help and came down while I was "fighting" the dog. It was more like distracting it and trying to not get bit.

The second was when I witnessed a bad car wreck and I had run the scenario on what to do, how to get help, etc. While they didn't go exactly as planned, the end result was positive and everyone was safe.

So what about you guys, how do you handle the police gaining access question and do you run scenarios in your mind?

Thanks!

My input would be to take a home invasion class many of the gun ranges or Gander Mountain Shop hunting, fishing, camping, and outgear gear and equipment. Shipped Free from Gander Mountain. or cabelas Cabela's: Cabela's Official Website - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear at competitive prices. or find a gun range near you, it would be great if you and your wife could take the class then the both of you are on the same page right away, If that is not a option then I would have a worse case scenario plan and practice it because when you are under pressure your body reverts back to what it knows and trained to know. I hope this helps and please let me know how this ends up. Cheers

Strange as it may sound, my wife and I talk about this alot. We have even walked through and practiced our response to certain scenarios. Its probably because we are old foggies and worry about stuff and because we are both gun enthusiasts and just want to be safe in our home and left the heck alone.

The Pincus DVD's are very good and well presented. I have alway's been a believer that you respond to your level of training and knowledge in these kinds of situations. The response must be instinctive and decisive in order to come out on top.