It can be frightening to hear a knock on the door and not know who is there.It's difficult to know what to do in that situation, and you might want to open the door and see who it is.It's important that you take precautions when someone knocks at your door.You can keep yourself and anyone else at home safe if you check to see who is there and verify their story before you open the door.
Step 1: Do you know who could be knocking on your door?
Try to remember if anyone was going to stop by.If you made an appointment for someone to come work on your plumbing, electric, or maintenance issue, you should check your calendar.It's possible that you're forgetting about the plans you made with someone.
Step 2: You can look through the peephole.
Try to see who's knocking.Don't open the door until you know who the person is on the other side of it.
Step 3: If you don't have a peephole, look through a window.
If you can make out who's knocking, go up to the window.If you're not sure, don't open the door.If you can't see their car, try to get a glimpse of them.It could have the name of a utility company on it, or it could be a friend's car.
Step 4: Ask who is there.
If you don't know who the person is knocking on your door, or you cannot see them through a window, you should ask.Stand close to the door.You should not open the door if you don't know who they are or if they're telling you something.You can ask the person at the door "Who is it?" or "Can I help you?" if you have an intercom system hooked up to your front door.
Step 5: Ignore them if you're not sure.
If you're not sure who the person on the other side is, don't answer the door.Ignore the knock until the person leaves.If someone you know needs to get in touch with you, they will call you on the phone.
Step 6: You can call the police.
If you feel like you're in danger, call the police.Don't answer the door until the police arrive.Let the person on the other side of the door know that you contacted the police and they're on their way.
Step 7: If you have a chain lock, open the door.
If you have something that separates you from the person knocking, don't open the door and let them in.
Step 8: If you want to see their credentials, ask.
If a person knocks on your door and claims to be a police officer or utility worker, you should ask them to show you their credentials.If you want to see if they're valid, take their credentials through the crack in the door or the security door.
Step 9: Look for signs that they aren't who they say they are.
Don't trust wrinkled or dirty uniforms.If a person is claiming to be a police officer, make sure they have the proper police gear, like a hat, radio, and utility belt.If you see something that doesn't look right, call the company the person claims to be with or contact the police.
Step 10: If someone is hurt or their car is broken down, offer to call for help.
Don't open the door if you have them wait outside.Don't feel pressured to let them in while you're on the phone.You can tell the person that you called for an ambulance.They will be here to help you.
Step 11: You should open the door if you're sure it's safe.
Go ahead and open the door if you know the person has a valid reason to be there.If they need to come inside, let them in, but keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
Step 12: If you feel like you're in danger, leave immediately.
If you feel uncomfortable after letting someone in your home, you should leave immediately.Call the police if you want to go to your neighbor's house.