How to Answer the Door Safely

Co-authored by Saul Jaeger, MS and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: July 25, 2022 References

It can be scary when you hear a sudden knock on your door and you aren't expecting anyone. It's hard to know what to do in that situation, and your instinct might be to just open the door and see who it is. But for your safety, it's important you take a few precautions when an unknown visitor comes knocking at your door. By checking to see who's there and verifying their story before you open the door, you can keep yourself and anyone else at home with you safe.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Determining Who's Knocking

1
Ask yourself who could be knocking on your door. Try to remember if any friends or family were scheduled to stop by. Check your calendar to see if you made an appointment for someone to come work on your plumbing, electric, or some other maintenance issue. You might be forgetting about plans you made with someone.
2
Look through the peephole. Try to get a glimpse of whoever's knocking. If you don't recognize the person on the other side of the door, don't open it yet.^{[1]
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3
Look through a window if you don't have a peephole. Go up to a window near the door and see if you can make out whoever's knocking. Don't open the door if you're not confident you know the person.^{[2]
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- If you can't see the person knocking through a window, try to get a glimpse of their car. You might recognize it as a friend's or family member's vehicle, or it could have the name of a utility company or other business on it.
4
Ask who's there. If you don't recognize the person knocking on your door, or you don't have a peephole and you can't see them through a window, ask who's knocking. Stand close to the door so you can hear their response clearly. If you don't recognize their voice or you're still not sure who they are after they tell you, don't open the door.^{[3]
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- For example, you can go up to the door and ask: “Who is it?” or “Can I help you?”
- If you have an intercom system hooked up to your front door, use it to talk to the person knocking so you can hear them more clearly.
5
Ignore them if you're unsure. Don't answer the door unless you're confident the person on the other side is who they say they are. If you're not sure, ignore the knocking until the person leaves.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.} Don't worry about accidentally ignoring a friend or neighbor -- if it's someone you know that needs to get in touch with you, they'll call you on the phone.
6
Call the police if they won't stop knocking. If the knocking persists or you feel like you're in danger, call the police.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.} Don't answer the door until the police arrive. Let the person on the other side of the door know that you've contacted the police and they're on their way.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Answering the Door

1
Open the door a crack if you have a security door or chain lock. Don't do this unless you have something separating you from the person knocking, as they could forcefully push themselves in once you've unlocked and opened the door.
2
Ask to see their credentials. If the person knocking is someone you don't recognize and they're claiming to be a police officer or utility worker, ask them to show you the proper badge or paperwork to prove their identity. Grab their credentials through the crack in your door or examine them closely through the security door to see if they're valid.^{[6]
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3
Look for signs that they aren't who they say they are. Be skeptical of wrinkled or dirty uniforms. If someone is claiming to be a police officer, check to see that their police badge isn't a fake and that they have the proper police gear like a hat, radio, and utility belt. If you see anything that looks off, call the company the person claims to be with or contact the police and ask them to verify their identity.^{[7]
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4
Offer to call for help if someone is hurt or their car is broken down. Have them wait outside while you make the call and don't open the door. Don't feel pressured to let them inside while you place the call.^{[8]
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- You can say to the person outside: “I just called for an ambulance/tow truck. They'll be here any minute to help you.”
5
Open the door once you're confident it's safe. If you've determined the person outside has a valid reason for being there, go ahead and open the door. Let them in if they need to come inside, but keep an eye out for any suspicious activity once they're in your home.
6
Leave immediately if you feel like you're in danger. If you notice something suspicious or your feel uncomfortable at any time after you let someone in your home, leave immediately. Go to your neighbor's house or a safe public place and call the police.