Yesterday I was loading my car in my garage. My garage and door to my home were both open when I heard a man say hello. When I walked to the door he said he lived down the street and there were shots fired at his house and asked to come in to call the cops. I told him I would call and quickly closed the garage. The good news is he was apprehended and we are safe. While the interaction was brief I learned some really important lesson.
It took me 10 mins to get on the phone with the local Police Department. I called from my cell which took me to the County 911 of the next county, I did not realize until she asked for my city. She transferred me to the right county who finally transferred me to the local PD. The phone rang 5-10 times before they answered. One of the 1st two 911 operators asked me not to leave the house and stay on the phone with them. The local operator took my phone number and address and said the police were dispatched. While on the phone I watched the same man try and get into my neighbors yard. It made me so nervous what if the man was in my house. What if my daughter was home, she would have either been strapped in the car seat, alone in the garage or would have ran out to say hi.
After over 30 minutes I had my husband call the non emergency number. They shared with him that the man had been apprehended. I was disappointed and upset that no one called me or came by the house. I was freaking out pacing my house and did not know it was safe to leave my house.
What did I learn?
- Even if you live in a safe neighborhood you need to be heads up and aware.
- Don't leave your garage door open. I should have waited to open it until I had fully loaded the car,
- Always have your cell phone with you. Mine was already in the car. If he had forced his way into my home I don't know what I would have done. We don't have a house phone.
- Time to teach Bailey after stranger danger.
- When calling 911 from your cell share your city information to ensure you have gotten to the right location.
- Tell the 911 operator what you need. When she took my address and number I assumed they would call me or come by with an update. They did not. I should have requested this so I knew it was safe.
Any other tips I have missed?
smilingawayfoodallergies says
Wow that is so scary and definitely a necessary reminder that this can happen anywhere. I am so happy that you are all safe but find it frustrating that you did not easily get the assistance you deserved. Those are definitely excellent tips. Thank you for sharing ?
HappyFamily says
Thank you. It still has me freaked out. Thankful for the police. Eye opening experience and still shocked how while nothing happened I feel violated.
tontaybla says
This was a really good read, an eye opener. Situations like this happen all the time, but they don't happen often to everyone (if that makes sense), so not everyone is prepared or knows what to do when something like this happens, or we start to get too into the daily routine that we forget to be aware of our surroundings. I liked this information and hope that if I am in a similar situation I can handle it calmly and keep this post in mind.
HappyFamily says
You are too kind. I totally agree. I struggle with finding a balance between being kind/ friendly and being safe. Better safe than sorry every time.
Laura says
Very scary! I'm glad everyone is all right. I've had to call a few times. Sometimes it's been a longer process. Good tips!
HappyFamily says
Thank you for reading and commenting. Crazy and scary how long the process can be.
Lynz Real Cooking says
So glad you are ok! very scary!
HappyFamily says
Thank you. I am still freaked out
Lynz Real Cooking says
I don't blame you!
cynthiamvoss says
Scary story, but thanks for sharing! Good info here. I would have been shaken up too. Glad you are all OK.
HappyFamily says
Thank you for reading and commenting. Still a little freaked out.
Meg says
Well done! So scary!
HappyFamily says
Thank you. I am still freaked out. Hope all is well. Was just thinking about you yesterday.