So, you suspect there’s an intruder in your home. It’s a nightmare scenario, but before you go all Rambo, let’s get one thing straight: clearing a house is not something you should be doing alone unless there are absolutely no other options. This isn’t a game, and it’s not as easy as Hollywood makes it look. In real life, close quarter battle (CQB) professionals clear buildings in teams for a reason. They rely on each other for 360-degree coverage because without it, you’re vulnerable to attacks from your blind spots.

If you’re home alone and think there’s an intruder, your best move is to stay put, lock the door, get in a corner with your firearm pointed towards the door and call the police. But if your loved ones are in another part of the house, and you have no choice but to act, here’s how to approach it with caution.