Of Special Concern: Home Security for Seniors
No matter what age, socioeconomic status, race, or gender, a home invasion can be a very scary experience. Any time your family’s physical safety is threatened, your protective instincts kick in and serve to fuel the courage you need to do all you can to get out of the situation safely. What happens, though, when you are at a particular physical disadvantage such as our senior citizens? If unarmed and physically threatened, the odds are against an elderly homeowner surviving an attacker unscathed. Even if immediate physical threats are not present, the fear and stress of the situation could induce a heart attack or stroke.
For our beloved senior friends and family, how can we ensure they are safe? If they are untrained or uncomfortable with a firearm, how can they best survive a home invasion?
The most certain method of protection is prevention. In our area in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., there are numerous retirement communities which offer a certain level of security and protection; but if your loved ones live on their own, there are many DIY projects you can help with to fortify their home. Be conscientious to give the appearance of a lived in, well cared for, and secured home so as to ward off any criminals scoping the neighborhood. Chances are, if you are able to take good care of your home and yard, you are able to put up a fight – and they know it!
Seniors should also be reminded not to open the door for strangers or to invite anyone they do not know into their homes. Even if they have company with them already in the home and it’s broad daylight, a potential thief may use this opportunity to scope out the inside of the home for valuables to see if it’s worth coming back to later. This could also be a chance for them to see if there is a home security system and to get a feel for the layout of the home to make their plan for entry faster and easier.
Unfortunately, though, sometimes this isn’t enough. If senior citizens do find themselves face to face with a home intruder, there are certain creative household items they can use to defend themselves. They should also have a fully charged cell phone by their bed so they can immediately phone the police at the first sound of something suspicious. If sirens come blaring through the neighborhood quickly, the intruder will most likely run before any further harm comes. Staying on the line with emergency personnel will also help should a medical concern arise such as a heart attack or stroke in order to send an ambulance, as well.
We here at Watch Guard highly recommend a complete home security system in order to most effectively prevent a home invasion. Simply seeing a home security system in place will oftentimes be enough to scare off your average intruder; but if not, it will automatically send authorities coming to your rescue more quickly than any other methods. Consider speaking with your elderly loved ones about this investment in their safety. Give us a call, and we will be happy to answer any questions they may have and help install a system designed uniquely for their home.