Just when all seems to be going well, sometimes life becomes chaotic in very scary ways. A quiet night can turn into a mess when a stranger tries to enter your home or when an ex will not leave you alone. When you are being threatened in any way, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself, your family and your home. No one should have to live in fear. Read on to find out what to do if you are being threatened, and do not become a victim of someone else`s problems. It is possible to protect yourself without moving or living with boarded up windows and doors.
Take All Threats Very Seriously
First and foremost, when you are being threatened by a stranger, an ex or even a family member, take the situation very seriously. Do not assume they did not mean any harm. Take all threats very seriously, and do not just forgive and forget. If you are being threatened, follow the next steps very carefully to insure the safety of all concerned.
Report Being Threatened Immediately
Do not wait to report being threatened by anyone. It is very important to report being threatened immediately, even if the situation is confusing. Call 911 or your local police station, and ask to have an officer come to your location. If you are being threatened, press charges without hesitation. Do not feel sorry for the person making the threats, and do not try to rationalize the situation in a positive way. Threats are threats, and when anyone is being threatened they must take action without hesitation. This will stop the problem before it really starts.
Do Not Give in to Intimidation
People that have been threatened and have pressed charges against someone are sometimes intimidated by that person’s friends or family members. Intimidation is a crime. After being threatened and taking care of the problem in a lawful manner, do not allow yourself to be bullied by anyone else. Push back by getting the police involved. If anything happens to your property, yourself or your family, the police will know where to go first. They can relay this information to anyone throwing flames on the fire, and they will likely think twice before causing more trouble. Do not victimize yourself by giving in to these types of people. If you have been threatened, you are the victim, and the perpetrator(s) should be dealt with accordingly.
Become Lawfully Armed – if Properly Trained
Citizens of the United States of America still have the right to bear arms, and this is an excellent method of protection – but only if you are properly trained and are fully able to handle a weapon. If you have been threatened, decide if you are physically able to handle a gun before taking this route. It is also vital to know how to properly use and safely store the weapon. Without this knowledge, it could fall into the wrong hands in more ways than one.
Keep your Phone at Hand
One of the most effective weapons a person has is their phone. Unlike a baseball bat or another potentially lethal weapon, it cannot be turned and used against them. After being threatened and involving the police, keep your phone at hand at all times, and be prepared to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Use All Available Security Measures after Being Threatened
Last but not least, use all available security measures after being threatened. Pay very close attention to your surroundings when exiting and entering your home. Also, immediately install high-quality deadbolt locks, keep windows closed and locked and install security lighting. A trap camera or a security camera is also a great idea and an excellent deterrent. A home does not have to become a prison, especially when you are the victim, but commonsense measures will make it safe and secure.