How To Safely Answer The Door
Statistics show that home invasions are becoming more frequent during both the night and day time hours. The criminals – who will look like normal people – will come to your home and the minute you open the door to them will force themselves inside. They are successful because so many of us and our children do not know the proper way to answer the door and to keep people like this from coming in.
Identify Them
Whether or not you are expecting someone to come over you need to have them identify themselves. Try to inconspicuously look outside the nearest window and try to identify the person at the door and the car they came in. Windows are not always safe to look through because the persons standing just outside may see you. If you can use the peephole on your door or install a security chain or security door camera.
If you are a teenager who is babysitting or at home alone do not open the door under any circumstance when you do not recognize them. If you are an adult try to speak through the door or use the safety door chain to ask them who they are and what they want. If they are with a business or a police officer make them show you their ID. You can never be too trusting and take them by their word.
Hold The Phone
On your way to the door to identify the person keep your home phone or cell phone in your hand with your finger on the speed dial for 911. Do NOT push this unless it is necessary.
Photos
Many people have been surprised to know that the stranger that came to their door trying to sell things turned out to be robbing their neighbors. If they sound suspicious or are trying to go door to door to sell things do not let them in. On their way out try to take a picture of them and write down the tag number on their vehicle.
Leave The Home
If you have let someone into your home and were uncomfortable over it then leave immediately after they do. Some criminals will use the time inside to take note of the layout of your home and the valuable items lying around before coming back with help to steal it all. You need to be away from the house if this should happen.
Also leave the home if you have followed all the steps and have let them in – but feel very uncomfortable. Try to make a viable excuse and run to your neighbor’s house to call the police.