By now I hope every serious defensive shooter has established a safe room in his house as part of his family's home-defense plan. In addition, he has worked out the best and quickest way to get all of the family gathered in that room and he has figured out what equipment needs to be stored in that room. But, I wonder how many have worked out a plan for escaping from that room, and the house, should such action become necessary.
In theory, we move to the safe room and become ensconced until the police can arrive and put things in order. In the event that the home invaders get into the room before the cavalry gets there, we have the advantage of being the defenders and can generally hold our own. As a rule, one doesn't like the idea of leaving the house and turning it over to criminals.
However, a fight is going to be what it is, not what we imagine or hope it to be. If we have children in the safe room, it might be the better part of valor to get the family out of the house before the bullets start flying indiscriminately. Should the invaders set the house on fire, it would certainly be a good idea to make a quick exit. I am sure you can think of several other scenarios that might require an orderly retreat.
"Orderly Retreat" are the key words to consider. Did you put external bars on all of the windows? If so, how do you plan to get past them? Does the family know to go to a certain neighbor's house in the event of a home invasion? Have you discussed this possibility with that neighbor? Do you have some other safe meeting place in mind? Is everyone in the family well versed as to where that place is and how to get there?
Having an orderly retreat plan should be a part of everyone's home-defense strategy. It is important to evaluate your particular situation and location, and then develop a plan customized to fit your needs. It's the smart thing to do.
