You might be surprised to learn that there are an estimated 3.7 million burglaries annually in the US. Even scarier, in 28% of those instances, the home invasion happened while a member of the family was home.

Are you worried that your home might not be secure? If so, read on. We’ve compiled a list of 5 simple steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a home invasion or burglary. 

1. Designate a home invasion safe room

If it’s not possible for you to exit the house immediately in a home invasion situation, it’s important to have a designated safe room—it’s absolutely worth it to invest in a sturdy, high-quality door that can resist attempted break-ins. It’s best for this to be a room that all members of the family can get to in case of emergency. 

2. Make a home invasion plan with your family

When someone enters your house, you’ll probably be too frazzled to think clearly. That’s why it’s important to create (and practice) your home invasion safety plan ahead of time. Determine the nearest exits, the safest hiding places, and anything else you need to ensure your family’s safety. 

3. Keep a flashlight with you

In the case of a home invasion, you likely won’t want to attract attention to yourself as you try to escape. In order to avoid turning on all your home lights, it’s important to have a flashlight around. Although most cell phones have a flashlight feature, it might be worth it for you to invest in a quality flashlight with a focused beam—this makes your light beam less detectable, which in turn makes you safer. 

4. Invest in motion and glass break sensors

It’s a good idea to invest in a home security system with motion and glass break sensors. Windows provide an ideal entry point for home invasion, as people are much more likely to have unlocked windows than unlocked doors. Window sensors bring peace of mind and ensure protection at every possible entrance to your home. 

5. Keep your home security system yard sign out front!

After you get your home security system, it’s a good idea to keep your system’s yard sign out front. Most burglars want to find the easiest target possible. So, they’ll be a lot less likely to enter a home with an alarm system installed. And, while it might sound tempting to just buy a yard sign without getting an actual home security system, smart burglars are typically able to tell when you’re bluffing. They’ll scan the perimeter of your home for cameras and check the windows for sensors before entering. If they don’t see anything to ward them off, there’s a good chance they’ll still consider choosing your home as a target.