We all have those times when then is a knock at the door. Not all that long ago many of us wouldn’t think twice about just opening the door to greet the visitor. Not giving much thought as to the potential danger we could be facing.
Probably the worse case scenario is opening the door to a home invasion. This can occur quickly and take place day or night. Then following this is the scam artists. The list goes on as to the potential dangers of answering the door.
The best protection you can have in place is an intercom system that not only allows you to see who is at the door but converse with them as well. Next to this would be a peephole that at least lets you identify that it is a stranger on the other side and not a familiar face.
Then there are driveway alerts that will warn you in many cases that someone may soon be approaching your door.
If as yet you don’t have these security measures in place you can still put some caution in place.
Don’t open the door but converse with them through the locked door. Ignoring them might be your first thought, but often criminals will knock on the door prior to attempting to gain entry. If they know someone is inside they may not attempt this.
Even when you are conversing through the closed and locked door do not give any indications that you are alone in the house.
If they sound sincere and you are sure they are just a salesperson that wants to leave you some promo material, you can ask them to put it in your mailbox. Or, if you feel comfortable opening the door with your chain lock in place then this is an option.
If you are feeling nervous try not to display this. If the stranger at the door seems insistent on lingering even though you have tried to get rid of them, you may want to call a neighbor and advise them that someone is at your door and you don’t feel comfortable.
You have every right to feel safe in your home and the more security protection you have in place, and using common sense when strangers are about will help you to feel more confident, especially if you live alone or nobody is home at the moment.
