How to react/defend in emergencies?

THIS IS A TRUE STORY

Okay I'll try to describe the situation as accurate as possible.

Not long ago robbers were able to go past our door. My mother and I were upstairs and our maid was at the first floor. Two people were able to smash the locks of our door and then my maid shouted "Don't kill me!" I was hearing some loud noises before they were able to go inside. but I didn't expect it was what I was thinking. I was about to go downstairs when this happened because I felt something was amiss and had brought weapons with me Modern Arnis. I know a little Judo. I was attacked by fear because I thought they had guns and I assumed they were training their guns at her. So I decided not to go down and lock inside my room. Such a shame that I didn't have any numbers for the police station. I guess I lack preparation for cases like this. And the windows were locked in my room too, now I have my keys with me. I also have a knife here, and got some heavy things to serve as projectiles just in case. The front dogs were useless, so I guess we'll have to bring out the other dog which was caged and is aggressive towards people.

I think they were amateur ones, cause they didn't use any weapons or maybe they lack one. They had a getaway car and so we weren't able to chase them, and I was stuck inside my room thinking of a better solution. Good thing my mom was here, and called for police/people or else I might be dead by now.

So I want to ask people here for advice. If any of you had dealt with these situations realistically, or any tips/help would be much appreciated. I want to be able to survive at the least.

well, in my opinion, the first step is assessing the situation (how many of them, are they armed, etc) and then I'd think of the proper course of action to take. although I've never been in that situation before so I'd probably sh*t my pants

I don't know if I'm lucky that I was holed up inside my room upstairs. But really, when you hear your maid shouting I thought of guns immediately. There was no way I could have assessed the situation :(

that is true, but usually that is the first step. but I guess breaking through the fear barrier can be counted as a step.

Man, this is horrible to hear.

Well in this situation there is very little one could do. Assessing if they have guns or not is one thing but assessing if they have a weapon at all is another. Either way, they have an implement of hurt of some form. You don't break into someones home without one. So unless you can handle men with knives or blunt weapons (Or even makeshift) then your best bet is to probably stay safe.

Escape is an option. Escape and get help. Yes your window is locked in that situation but is there any way you could sneak away from them?

If you really have to attack them then assess first. Who seems most dangerous? Take that person out first and then go after the other guy. Heavy objects and a knife is what you have? I don't know how well you'll do against the other guy in that case if he has a gun of some form, but if the guy you just took out (assuming you hit him hard enough to knock him out with heavy object) then you could use a gun against as a weapon.

There's very little more I can advise atm. I'm a bit tired and I keep thinking up anime esque and action movie type scenarios where you could be a one man army. I think I may have written this post around the idea that you are a young Solid Snake.

Personally, I'd run. Run and get help. Or even call a friend and get them to call for help.

Yeah, I was pretty helpless because I didn't know anything about the enemy. If they did have guns it would be futile even if I knocked out/killed one of them. I have police station numbers now, knife with me and keys to get out of my window just in case. I'm not sure if I can handle people with knives/blunt weapons but certainly I am not afraid against those, unless they can throw them like projectiles. I have no actual fighting experience by the way, I just know a little pain cause sometimes when we sparred in Judo I got hit in the back of my head (that's got to hurt) so somehow I can tolerate pain to an extent.

Well, First you should always have a weapon that can have range, A stun gun, a gun, or a weapon that can swiftly and efficiently take them out. Second always know what's where such as the valuables because that's where they will eventually go to and people who are involved. Thirdly, if you can try to set up a system or breach and clear options you can do if they break in. [Also, it helps to do this from different locations and where they could break in because you never know when or where you will be]. Fourth, Protection. You might never know what weapon they may have, but it helps for you to have cover. So set up things that can help you just in case of whatever weapon they may have! Ex. If they have a gun, use furniture as a cover or something to help against that particular weapon. Fifth! Location of the driveway! Often times, they will have a parked car or some form of escape! So it is important to observe cars that always appear in your neighborhood to differentiate those from ones that are new to the area.To tell which one is the escape vehicle, often look for cars with illuminated lights, running engines, etc. [Write down or memorize as many features of the car for identification later]. Sixth! Mental Preparations! Now often the shock of people breaking in or the fear of pain or possibly death is common, but it helps to train yourself should the situation turn for the worse.

But these tips are vague and I can go into more details. But this is like a sampler of my tips. Message me if you want more detail. :D

I see. Well yeah I haven't had any problems like this so I was scared to death. I'm trying to prepare myself mentally right now. Yes I would like it if you gave me more tips, these are helpful. I'll set up covers then. Too bad I don't have any long range weapons at my disposal aside from throwing things D:

That sounds horrible Freezing, well I would suggest of course to know/stash/memorize the police dept.'s number(I know for myself its usually 911 here and similiar quick dials in other countries so it should be that much of a problem). Second although you said you do have some experience in self defence you have to take in part the fact that one,they are probably better armed,two, they would come prepared for this situtation or atleast are not in fear of such,and three, you would probably be shitting your pants should you actually have to take into use your judo and experience and in doing so forget how to defend yourself and put even more people in danger.Another point these others have suggested was escape,yes you have a locked window and it would be unsafe to attempt another means of escape but you should find a way, try to avoid loud sounds/make it to the nearest neighbor/extra person as quick as possible as if they find you and your in no position to get help you will put yourself in danger but if your getting help, chance are that they will run as well. Anyways lets just hope that you never have to face this again to consider these measures

Thanks a lot guys. I was pretty messed up today, I even forgot to eat Lunch because of this :( I'll take note of your advice especially the mental things.

Since the guys above already said the thing that must do ill skip that part (cant really say anything to begin to with :D)Well it good to see your that your quite ok.
Ohh one thing does your family maid recognize the culprits face?

Only one of them sadly. :(

Thats ok if that one is caught he can point the others whereabouts!

Why do you need the number for police? Every country should have an easy to remember emergency number.
Here, it's 911. Tell them about the situation and they'll walk you through what to do.

But first, I would pocket my knife and sneak over to be with my family. Quickly analyze their behaviour...ie they didn't shoot the maid immediately, which means they just want to steal shit. There is no point in increasing the risk by fighting/chasing them.

If your maid got killed, do anything you can to get out...smash the window if you have to, climb out and run with your family.

Fighting is only for situations where it can increase your chances of survival. So if you can't get away and they have the intention to kill...which shouldn't come up.

Speaking as someone who has experience in this field, first and fore most you should have a plan - when the sh*t actually hits the fan is not the time to start thinking about what to do.

I do NOT necessarily advocate weapons for all people. The introduction of an armed homer owner or occupant can and will escalate the situation - usually for the worst. It can also result in the previously unarmed intruders becoming armed ones. Use of weapons (and when to use or even display them) requires training and for thought. Some folks simply could never use them - even for self-defense and if thats the case you will simply end up being disarmed or worse yet causing the intruders to make rash decisions and escalating the situation.

Most folks are simply oblivious to their surroundings and stumble into bad situations - making them worse - because they are unprepared or unwilling to accept the obvious - in this case that something bad is happening. Not falling into that trap is the first and most import thing you can do.

Damn man that some heavy shit. Quite honestly I probably would have done the exact same thing as you did...umm maybe get a gun or something, I live in a small town and am lower middle class, so I don't see myself getting robbed in the near future. But either way, glad you're okay.

The best thing you could have done is remain calm and asses the situation. Knowing how to defend yourself is all good and all, but locking yourself in your room and calling the cops was the best option in reality. What would you have done if you gone to help your maid? Were they armed with anything? What outcomes can happen if you did one action over another? Their are so many variables to account for, but the safest on your part is to call the police and lock yourself in to keep yourself safe and to not add on to the problem at hand. Keep in mind what could happen if you were caught or worse, killed.

One should really stick to FLIGHT, not FIGHT, in dire straits.

And if that isn't possible, get help or call for it. Rationalize in your head briefly so you don't freak out, then try to keep calm as you make your way to safety or some means of acquiring it.

Oh wow ya what gizgal said. They break into your home and its not your goddamn fault these bastards decided to skip into your home and steal your shit. The average security measures should be taken like a house alarm. Focusing on getting help is the best option aka 911 and keeping yourself protected as well like getting somethin to bash there head in just in case but obviously robbers or whatever may have a weapon and if its a gun I suggest you put ur hands up and do what they say. Dont beat yourself up. Most of us would probably just sh*t our pants like kei said and do what they say or hide like you did.

Sigh if only we had something like 911 here ; _ ; anyways thanks for the advice guys, didn't actually think many will reply. So the best train of thought should be keeping myself safe and calling for help right? Okay I'll do that. So self-defense should be done only in dire straits I see. Had a little trauma and couldn't sleep much last night.