Broken window at night: securing your home

A broken window at night is alarming, but panicking can lead to poor decisions. Your priority is the safety of everyone inside. Follow these steps to assess the situation and secure your home without putting yourself in danger.

What to do first

1. Stay calm and listen. Pause and listen for sounds of breaking glass, footsteps, or voices. If you hear someone inside, do not confront them.
2. Get to safety. If you suspect an intruder, gather everyone in a room with a door you can lock, and call your local emergency number immediately. Do not go looking for the source of the noise.
3. Turn on lights. If you believe it's safe, turn on exterior and interior lights. This can deter someone from approaching and help you see better.
4. Make noise. Yell or turn on a TV or radio to signal that someone is home. This may discourage an intruder.
5. Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt by glass, treat minor cuts by cleaning with soap and water and applying pressure with a clean cloth. For deep cuts, heavy bleeding, or glass embedded in the skin, call emergency services.

Securing the window

Once you are sure no one is inside and everyone is safe, you can temporarily secure the broken window. Do not touch broken glass with bare hands. Wear thick gloves and closed-toe shoes. Carefully remove large shards and place them in a sturdy container. Use a vacuum to clean up small pieces, and dispose of the bag or contents safely.

To cover the opening, use a piece of plywood cut slightly larger than the window frame, or heavy cardboard if plywood is not available. Secure it with nails or screws into the frame, not the glass. A tarp can also be used for a quick fix. If the window is on an upper floor, do not attempt to cover it from the outside; wait until morning or call a professional.

What NOT to do

• Do not confront an intruder. Your safety is more important than property.
• Do not walk barefoot near broken glass.
• Do not use a vacuum to clean up large shards; they can damage the vacuum and cause injury.
• Do not leave the window uncovered overnight if it's accessible from the ground; this invites intrusion.
• Do not ignore the possibility of a break-in; even if nothing is missing, report it to the police.

When to call for help

Call emergency services if you see or hear someone inside, if anyone is injured, or if you feel threatened. If the breakage appears accidental (e.g., a tree branch or a thrown object), you can call the non-emergency police line to file a report. For property damage, contact your insurer only after ensuring everyone's safety.

Prevention tips

• Keep windows locked, even on upper floors.
• Use motion-sensor lights around the exterior.
• Trim bushes near windows to eliminate hiding spots.
• Consider installing a home security system or reinforced glass.

After securing the window, arrange for permanent repairs with a professional glazier. Keep the area clear until the glass is replaced.

This is general information and not a substitute for professional advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services.