Home defense during the daytime can be something we overlook, so we put together some thoughts on ways to be prepared for your benefit.

We only see a few scenarios where you’d need to defend your home or neighborhood during the day; these include a daytime burglary, a neighborhood domestic disturbance or an active shooter in your community. No matter what the situation, it’s crucial to be prepared.

Daytime Burglary or Forcible Entry

We often imagine home break-ins taking place in the middle of the night while everyone is asleep. But in fact, a prime time for burglars looking to make a quick score is during the day while everyone is at work or while they think everyone is at work.

Plus, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice, 12% of violent burglaries included the home's occupants being faced with a firearm. Being prepared to protect your home before law enforcement can arrive is essential.

A Neighbor's Domestic Violence Situation

I have some family members whose next-door neighbors opened fire on each other. The husband shot the wife as she was fleeing from the house, and she ran to my family members’ home for shelter.

My family pulled her inside as the woman bled, not knowing if the crazed husband would kick their door in to finish off his wife for good.

Domestic disturbances can turn ugly, and just because it’s between the husband and wife next door doesn’t mean it won’t make its way to your home either.

An Active Shooter in Your Neighborhood

The third least likely daytime defense scenario would be that of an active shooter.

This scenario would be an armed madman who just starts firing rounds into houses with a death wish. These types either intended to kill themselves or commit suicide by cop.

Carrying your firearm and being prepared for an active shooter could save many lives.

All-Day Protection: Concealed Carry for Home Defense

In any of these scenarios, carrying a gun at home is the best way to help yourself and your community. Yes, even at home, while you garden, mow the yard, rake leaves or powerwash your house. You should carry your concealed firearm.

This means you have immediate access to respond to a threat; it’s also the safest place for it to be on your belt. Throughout most of the United States, laws protect anyone who faces a threat on their private property to avoid dealing with a criminal charge. However, it's important to check the gun laws in your state.

Remember, in situations like this around the home, your loaded firearm is only to be used if necessary, and most often, your pistol is just to fight your way to your rifle.

Rifles take down targets with fewer rounds, and we are all better shots with our rifles. But just in case the action starts and you have to engage an immediate threat, keeping your concealed weapon on you is the best move. We encourage you not to leave your handgun in the gun safe during the day and not put it in the refrigerator. Instead, we urge you to carry it safely, concealed, and ready for action.