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10 Things To Do When A Stranger Knocks On Your Door
10 Things To Do When A Stranger Knocks On Your Door 07/30/2013 | Updated 01/21/2018
Ken Jorgustin
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HUMLESS .COM
Here’s how to handle a situation when someone (a stranger) is knocking on your door. It happens to all of us, sometimes regularly depending on the neighborhood. That is, we hear an unexpected knock on our front door. The question is, what should we do?
OPEN THE DOOR? NOT the best idea (without doing other things first)… Some people blindly open the door to see who it is or what it is that they want. Don’t ‘automatically’ open the door. Obviously if you know-trust the person on the other side, that’s a different situation.
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LOOK OUT A WINDOW FIRST TO SEE WHO IS KNOCKING Avoid looking out the door’s window (if it has one), but instead look out from a different or adjacent window – away from the door (they won’t see you that way). If you don’t recognize the person, you could ask through the door who they are and what they want, or you could choose to ignore it completely. The main thing is, it’s best to look first, before blindly opening the door.
IGNORE THE KNOCK ON THE DOOR While ignoring the knock, you may simply decide to continue going about your normal activities inside – NOT pretending that you’re not home – not being particularly quiet. Reason being that IF the stranger is a burglar – that person may go ahead and break-in if they think no-one is home. By making some noise or turning on a light, the stranger will know someone is home. On the other hand the person may continue to knock hoping to get your attention.
READYMAN .COM
By the way, here are 21 Things That Your Burglar Won’t Tell You…
ASK WHAT THEY WANT (THROUGH THE DOOR) Ask who they are and what they want…and ‘interview’ the stranger through the door while you keep it closed. If you have installed a heavy duty security door – the kind with steel bars that install as a secondary door outside of your existing front door (replaces your ‘screen door’), then you could open your primary door to speak with the stranger while still being mostly secure inside.
SET THE DOOR CHAIN If you have a door chain, you could simply crack open the door to speak with the stranger through the gap. Be sure that your door chain mounting bracket is attached well with LONG screws into the door frame to help resist a ‘push in’. The standard screws that come with a door-chain are often too short for a good secure grip.
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DEFENSIVE POSTURE If you do not recognize or trust the stranger on the other side of the door, and especially if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about the circumstance – just in case, why not arm yourself? Consider pepper spray, or keep a baseball bat or golf club by the door, etc.. It’s your life – security is a form of ‘life insurance’. SABRE 3-IN-1 Pepper Spray – Police Strength
IF YOU ARE A WOMAN AT HOME ALONE, Let’s face it. Most women are not as physically strong as men, and may be vulnerable in that regard. Mention that your husband (or father, brother, etc.) is fixing the bathroom faucet and cannot be bothered right now (or something similarly indicating that a man is at home). This will deter a potentially bad situation.
HAVE AN INTERCOM SPEAKER SYSTEM An intercom mounted at the outside of the front door for 2-way communication is an inexpensive and effective way to talk with the stranger at the door without actually opening the door.
CAMPING SURVIVAL .COM
HAVE A SECURITY CAMERA A security camera will enable you to see who is at the door (and to deter a potential burglar who will also see it). A Fake security camera is also an effective deterrent, and an inexpensive solution. Having a sign indicating video surveillance, is also a good deterrent. Seriously… this very real looking “fake” security camera WILL be a burglar deterrent. Fake Security Camera
HAVE A DOG A barking do will deter a stranger who has bad motives. If the solicitor is a potential burglar ‘casing the place’, they will not want to deal with a dog and will move on to easier targets.
GUN MAG WAREHOUSE .COM
Tip: Placing a large dog bowl outside the front door is a deterrent to burglars! XLARGE Dog Bowl In today’s world, it is always better to be on the safe side and NOT blindly open the door for just anyone. The few thoughts listed above are just a sampling of many options for you when a stranger knocks on your door. The point is, think about your options BEFORE just opening the door, and be prepared with a plan of action. Remember that people can be dressed to impress but they may have ulterior motives. People may be wearing official looking uniforms while actually ‘casing the place’. You are NOT obligated to let anyone into your home (except for police with a search warrant).
AUGASON FARMS .COM
Use your head and be cautious and suspicious. It may save your life or property. Related Posts That You Might Like:
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READY MADE RESOURCES .COM
299 Comments Modern Survival Blog is a Top Prepper Website
762x51n8o 08/13/2012 3:27 PM I take a look out our door (the door has windows on both sides of it) from the front room, then if it’s someone I don’t know, I grab the dog and tell them, “wait 1 second” then I act like I’m doing something, as I go to my back office and grab my gun and conceal it. Then I answer the door (usually my dog is with me, too, as I answer the door.) Reply
Me 07/09/2013 11:38 AM I do the same! People get a little freaked out when I have my pink/black 9mm in one hand and I am struggling to hold back a 120 pound dog in the other. I also have Beware of Dog signs on both fence gates and my front door.
READY MADE RESOURCES .COM
Reply
Sophie 07/27/2013 6:09 AM Be careful with the signage because you’re admitting to a possible liability in case of a dog bite – I used to be an insurance agent Reply
R 05/06/2014 9:20 AM I’ll take that risk. My life/ family’s life > insurance fees Reply
Anonymous 05/12/2014 1:51 AM Me too, I’ll take that and not having a registered gun yada yada yada….Tickets fines felony misdemeanor, I’m alive and they aren’t able to hurt me.
Anonymous 10/25/2014 10:06 AM Not true about the sign. Its actually the other way around. If you don’t have a sign posted regarding a dog you are open to a greater liability risk.
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Lilly grace 08/05/2017 5:51 AM No it’s actually better to have signs it gets them scared
John 10/28/2014 2:36 PM Under Ohio state law, with signage posted warning of my dogs, they can legally kill somebody who is on the grounds illegally, like burglary or trespass. He wouldn’t though, but he would mess them up a bit. We have an alarm system, privacy fences, Beware of Dog signage, a bulldog mix with a deep angry bark, and firearms. Haven’t been robbed since doing all that. Burglary is inherently a lazy act, perpetrated by lazy people, and they will always avoid a hard mark in favor of an easier one.
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Tim 01/08/2015 5:54 AM Actually this signage is a good idea. This is not a liability issue either. You have issued the warning therefore anyone proceeding is at their own risk and assumes the liability. I am a former police officer and current Paralegal. Reply
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Joylovesherdogs 12/21/2015 8:44 PM Brilliant! Never considered that perspective. Do not want my dog destroyed, do not want to deal with low people with gouging lawsuits, do not want my homeowner’s cancelled. I had been considering putting signage up around my property. You have changed my mind. Thank you
SAFETY FIRST
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Mary 11/05/2016 3:19 PM By posting a sign beware of dog you are protecting yourself by giving a warning of a dog who could potentially bite them and therefore they should be aware and you are not liable as you did warn them. Just like posting a no trespassing sign protects you if someone comes on your property without permission and injures themselves. Reply
Cynthia 01/21/2017 1:45 AM I am a woman that works from home and I never answer the door to strangers and here recently I had a really bad experience and justified my reason! I had a neighbor that lives about 5 houses down come to my door at 8:30pm (never met him) knocking hard and ringing door bell. My dog was barking and after a few attempts to just ignore him I decided to speak through door. I asked how can I help you, he responded with an angry voice “I have been trying to give you your mail for the last 5 days” apparently was mailed to wrong address, I told him thank you to please leave by mat and I would get in a bit because I could not open the door because my dog would attack him.. He started yelling and cursing saying that he just wants to give me my mail, he was really angry he walked away and threw all my mail on my front lawn while cursing. He got in his car, stood parked for a bit then left making a U turn to go home.. I decided to go out to my lawn to pick up mail since I saw my brother outside parking (lives with me) and all of a sudden our neighbor is coming back and stops a yard away he was cursing saying that he was just trying to be a good neighbor and expected the same from us and cursed at us some more. I told him not sure what I said to offend him but I still will never open the door to any stranger I do not know him…. Anyway the point is although this was a neighbor and was trying to do the right thing and deliver my mail, he had no right to act this way, he was very angry. I have a no soliciting sign, he mentioned he kept coming to our house and no answer, I told him we appreciated his eagerness to give us mail but he should have just left at door or given to mailman why go through all this trouble and curse at us.. I felt bad that he was trying to be a good neighbor by giving us our mail BUT to become so angry and curse like a mad man is unjustifiable, in addition, luckily we are sane people, you just never know who you are messing with why risk your life.. Makes no sense!
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lady jane 06/03/2017 9:17 PM If I receive mail for a neighbor I know I will give it to them. If I don’t know them I just put it in the community mailbox outgoing mail slot so that the mail carrier can put it in the correct slot. If I get mail for the former owner who has moved I just write ‘moved’ and put it in the outgoing slot. I don’t engage strangers and find this person’s behavior quite odd.
smartalek 01/14/2017 11:20 PM Does NOT having a warning sign decrease your potential liability if the dog does bite someone? I realise the law doesn’t always match common sense, but I’d have thought that having the warning sign up would be an appropriate defense. If someone chooses to trespass, having been duly warned of the threat, they willingly incurred the risk, no? Any lawyers out there, or anyone who’s been involved in such a legal action, able to share an informed comment? (We promise not to shoot any lawyers on sight, if you’re here to answer in good faith.) I wouldn’t be surprised if the answers varied from one jurisdiction to another, either. Reply
Tiffany James 03/22/2017 1:37 AM If you have a Guard Dog On Duty sign your admitting No liability get one of those instead Reply
Beware of Dog 10/28/2014 5:09 PM My friends learned the hard way. They had two good dogs which attacked a man who was crawling into their bathroom window one night when they were out. The man sued and consequently my friends had to destroy their dogs. They learned that a BEWARE OF DOG sign is worthless . . telling people there is a mean dog on premises. Instead you are supposed to post a sign that reads: DOG ON PREMISES . . telling people that the dog may or may not be mean. Reply
Tim 01/08/2015 5:56 AM Then your friends had a crappy lawyer! This is not the case normally! Reply
CookiesnCream 11/15/2013 5:14 PM So like, it says not to answer the door if you’re a woman (cause women are totally weak and helpless right?), but I’m pretty sure most women are 10x stronger than my weak male arse, and I’d probably get killed by an unarmed person in under 15 seconds of opening the door. But I mean, hey, gender roles and what-not. Reply
Person 11/22/2013 8:06 AM You are awesome CookiesnCream for pointing that out. Very true. People come in all shapes and sizes, just because someone’s a male or female doesn’t automatically make them stronger or weaker than the other. There are a lot of factors to consider in people like health or muscle mass or smarts when it comes to strength and protection, all things that have nothing to do with oldfashioned stereotypes of gender roles. Reply
Think a bit 12/21/2013 1:45 AM It’s not that a woman isn’t strong enough. The fact is that psychologically, we associate men with more strength, as do the potential criminals. If they think there’s a man in the house, they might be deterred, and look for an easier prey. The criminals on the other side of the door don’t know that the man is a sissy or that the woman is a weightlifter, it’s a simple woman = weak, man = strong. You want to deter crime, not defend against it. Reply
Alex 04/13/2014 8:00 AM Actually, you’re wrong. Women are, for the most part, considerably weaker then men. Saying it’s social is like saying it’s the same to have a hen trying to attack you as it is having a rooster trying to attack you.
Ma Kettle 06/18/2014 4:50 PM The bad guy will go with the probability that a woman can be more easily overpowered than a man unless there’s evidence otherwise. Big or small, be smart; be prepared.
lady jane 06/03/2017 9:23 PM True, also based on age. As I get older I am more likely to say ‘my son’ vs ‘my husband’ as the 20 to 30 year old is a lot stronger and has more endurance in general than those over 50. Strength decreases at 75 plus also. By then I will say ‘my grandson’.
Kassandra 08/21/2014 10:43 AM IT SAYS MOST WOMEN!! NOT ALL! Reply
Reply 10/24/2014 7:47 PM You can just call the cops Reply
Ashlee 10/24/2014 9:15 PM Call the cops and wait 10 minutes for them to maybe drive by? Yeah, right. Arm yourself and defend your own property and livelihood. Reply
Warrior9mm 01/29/2015 10:08 AM We keep a 12 Ga with 20 inch barrel by our front door. Wife has Taraus Public Defender (fires 410 shotgun shells) under her bed. Amen for the 2nd amendant
Anonymous 02/23/2015 9:23 AM You rock!
ADoer 01/09/2015 4:01 PM LOL!! call the cops….I agree with Ashlee; give the intruder 10 minutes (or more) to have their way with you and your family or arm yourself. Yes, arm yourself, be smart, protective and don’t just trust anyone. Not in this crazy world we live in today. Reply
JustReadTheComment 04/03/2016 6:10 PM Sadly, men GENERALLY are stronger than women. Neither ones fault. It’s all thanks to the joys of puberty where men are usually given more muscles and strength. Women have to work to get it. Not being stereotypical, just saying guys usually have an advantage… NOT FAIR. Reply
Anonymous 03/12/2014 11:49 AM this never happened to me, but I’ll still be aware Reply
Anonymous 06/08/2014 8:03 AM As a kid I remember people knocking on our door all the time; it was common. These days if someone knocks on your door- people get freaked out! what a sad commentary on our society. Reply
ADoer 01/09/2015 3:57 PM Getting freaked out is regarding strangers/those you don’t know. Like it says, if you know them, open the door Reply
Harvey 01/16/2016 11:51 AM Those days are gone because of the reality of danger in blindly opening your door, a reality learned when, in those days, people opened their doors blindly. That’s why this doesn’t happen as much anymore. Reply
person with binder and an earbud ??? 06/24/2016 3:24 PM Yesterday I was doing some work up in my attic when my Yorkie stated freaking out barking. More than usual, I kind of heard her cry wolf far to many times at the mail man and even dogs walking by the house, so no big deal. Anyway. When I finally came down I noticed a black car backing out of my driveway, I could not make out the plate as an official plate issued by the state. So I watched him drive next door and go up to my neighbors door who happens to be a State Police. He let him in his house for a couple minutes and then he went back to his car then parked in front of the State Police house. Wrote something on his binder/ notebook then left . He did not leave any type of letter or memo telling me who he was or why he was ringing my doorbell off the wall and knocking on my door so long that my dog was clearly upset. I went over to ask the state Police who he was and the state police’s wife told me he was not home when I asked for him. You would think since we have been neighbors since 2011 he would have conveyed the message or advised me as to whom this stranger was. My family is extremely curious as to why. That stranger did not return today, and I have been unable to get in touch with my neighbor ( THE POLICE ) Through his wife, as she continues to tell me he is not home. I live in Haverhill Ma and the news is filled with suspicious acts like this. One would think living next door to a state cop would help. Not in this case. I will not open the door for any stranger, I had a bad experience last year, and in 2011. So unless the cops bang my door down. I’m not answering. That is my best defense. And I will be ready !!!! DoN’T TRUST NOBODY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Reply
Oddly Weird 06/24/2016 4:47 PM person with binder and an earbud???? it surely does sound odd…. I would be concerned… something else I myself would keep an eye out for, folks you do not know/recognise apparently walking their dogs, sometimes at odd hours. I have seen this, and wondered…someone just wanting change of walking route? someone casing the houses? someone more “official” trying to blend in and checking out “certain” houses? keep us updated if you find out more… Reply
Anonymous 10/04/2016 5:01 PM neanea Reply
Mortimer 08/13/2012 9:32 PM Kinda surprised that the door in the picture doesn’t have a peephole. They only cost about $5 for the round fish eye lens type. A good drill bit might cost more. Be well. Reply
762x51n8o 08/16/2012 4:09 PM It doesn’t really need a peephole with 2 windows, 1 on either side, of the door. That’s probably why it doesn’t have a peephole. I have the same configuration. Reply
MamaBear 10/28/2014 11:00 PM Please keep in mind that having a sidelight on the lock-side of the door isn’t such a great idea, as glass can be cut/broken. Also, I have a peephole that gives an un-distorted image (instead of backwards, etc.) in a 2²x3² rectangle so my eye does not have to be pressed to the door viewer. Simply FYI…no condemnation or judgement here. Reply
don'tknockonmydoor 03/31/2015 4:55 PM My front door doesn’t have a peephole, but does have one window right next to it. I do look through the window sometimes (it’s covered with fabric) but then figure the person outside can see that I’m inside! I had a Police Officer say to not open the door, but to let the person know someone is home in the event that they are looking for an empty house to break into. I do have a “No soliciting” sign next to my door, which people seem to just ignore. I just had someone come to my door and knock and I could see they were holding pamphlets in their hand, but that’s it. I think they were trying to stick one in my door knob, but it could have also been that they were trying to open my door that was locked. So, I yelled, “Excuse me!” And the guy said, “Hello?” I said, “I don’t open my door for strangers.” He said that was fine, he was just going to leave a flyer on my porch inviting me to some Easter event. From now on, I think I’ll just yell, “Who is it?” Or “How Can I help you?” to let them know someone is home and to not think they can break into an empty home. I personally don’t think it makes sense to call the Cops just because a stranger is at your door. I agree that it will take too long for them to arrive if there really is going to be a problem and also, what a waste of the time for the Police if it truly was just a solicitor and I didn’t take the time to find out myself (by yelling through the door). Reply
Tiffany 08/27/2012 5:30 PM Have you ever seen the movie where someone takes a drill and drills through the peep hole as the person looks through it? No, thanks. I won’t be looking through any peep holes. Besides, they’re not the safest thing seeing as it contorts the person’s features. Reply
Ken 08/27/2012 10:30 PM It’s interesting that you say that, because from the outside you can often tell when a person is looking through the peep hole. Sitting duck, so to speak. I would rather look through a window further away in the room. Reply
Sean 12/30/2012 11:39 AM Have you ever seen the movie where the kids are killed on summer vacation? I won’t be going on any vacations ever again! Have you seen the movie where the woman gets in the shower and is stabbed? I won’t be taking any showers again! It’s a movie. Did you believe Avatar was a documentary? Reply
smartalek 01/14/2017 11:27 PM Wait, what? Avatar is NOT a documentary??? But I just bought my ticket to Pandora! Awwwwww….. Reply
Nick 01/20/2016 10:23 PM That’s so funny. That’s one of my biggest fears as well with a peep hole. Reply
Anonymous 08/30/2012 5:54 PM However with the peep hole its easy for someone to put their hand over the hole or any object over the hole for that matter. Reply
Laura S. 09/22/2012 8:59 PM Yeah, Well…in that case, the door definitely isn’t going to open. Reply
Laura S. 09/23/2012 10:36 PM Yep. Like you, we live remotely and in the woods. No one comes up to my door by mistake. If there is someone coming up to my door that I don’t know, I’m armed. (we also have a sign I love hanging by the door…trespassers will be shot. Survivors will be shot again :-)… love it. lol Generally though, no one comes to my door unless it’s family or UPS. As a Christian I’m sometimes castigated by others with… “Don’t you trust God with your safety then?”…. My favorite reply is… Prov 21:31, “The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord.” We both have our part. Reply
Anonymous 04/09/2013 6:57 PM What the hell? I agree with Anonymous. What is it with firearms and guns in America? Reply
wtf Canada! 06/02/2013 10:28 PM Seriously! In America we have the right to bear arms… and if some homicidal maniac comes to your door your going to want protection… so stop whining and grow up you big babies!
Neosimian Sapiens 08/19/2013 12:35 PM “… if some homicidal maniac comes to your door your going to want protection …” Oh, I don’t worry about that. I always call through the door, “Are you a homicidal maniac?” If ever somebody says they are, I’ll say, “Sorry, but I’m busy right now.” Problem solved!
R 05/06/2014 9:28 AM Are you serious?!? Why wouldn’t you want the only thing that is certainly going to protect you? We have rights to own guns and use them for our protection. Do you think the rapist came unarmed?
Freddie c. 09/13/2016 12:46 PM I’ll tell you! It’s our 2nd amendment and when u take away guns only criminals will have them and WORSE only the gov and then you are in an Orwell book! Check out the well done documentary called WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SANDYHOOK. It’s free on YouTube and all over online. It’s evidence that it was staged by our gov to pass gun control . REAL physical proof not some crazy theory. I never looked at things the same after I watched it. It should be required watching in all schools!
Anonymous 06/27/2013 6:39 AM So with all these guns in America, why is violent crime still sky high? I live in one of the world’s most regulated countries (you can’t even piss without a permit), and we have almost no crime. Reply
wildbill 06/27/2013 8:03 AM You said that a house was destroyed by a grenade last week? Then you say we have no crime here? I live in America and granted we have crime but I don’t EVER recall hearing about houses being destroyed by grenades or bombs being planted or “snipers awaiting you to walk outside’. I guess to YOU that isn’t crime. At least we don’t have to worry about that kind of ” none crime” actions. As far as WHY there is crime in America that’s because there are a lot of desperate people in America that lost their jobs to illegal immigrants, gangs and just thieves that steal for a living. At least we don’t go around sniping folks or throwing grenades in homes! You say what you want. I have weapons to defend myself and I will use them no questions asked and no worries about the “law”. You say what you want about America, just stay where your at and don’t come here as we don’t need that kind of stupid action. You talk about crime in America being so bad then you turn around and say homes are being destroyed and snipers killing folks. I think I will keep our “crime” and leave you to your daily killing lives. What is worse? A bomb in your home or someone wanting to steal your lawnmower? What an idiot!
judg724 01/02/2014 4:26 AM That’s actually not true. Canada has 963 violent crimes per 100,000 people, the U.S. has 420 per 100,000. You obviously haven’t traveled around much of the population centers of your country, because it is a far cry from “no crime”. There are plenty of areas of the U.S. that could claim that too, Canada just has more non-urban open spaces, that’s all. Plus, when you understand that our right to self preservation comes from God, and guns make that possible, none of your ignorant reasoning can refute that. We have a RIGHT to protect ourselves with guns, and if everyone did so, we would be much kinder and more polite. “An armed society is a polite society.”
justme 01/14/2014 7:55 AM well said judg724. criminals will exist with or without the right to bear arms and criminals will obtain weapons regardless as well. Taking weapons from law-abiding citizens only serves to promote criminal activity and give criminals an advantage over citizens unable to lawfully bear arms for self defence. and our world today is a scary one. trustworthy people are not the majority anymore, they are the minority. you never know who is knocking at your door, and it only takes a split second for someone with ill intentions to gain entry by force if your not on gaurd. I would rather be prepared than not, and cautious rather than invincible. most ppl with ill intentions on a door step will not come right out and bully or intimidate you at first. they will dress the part of a delivery person, pizza driver etc.. and with a gun tucked safely out of sight on your person, when or if the situation reaches a point where you feel threatened or fearful in any way, it may very well be the only thing that saves your life. =)
Anonymous 04/24/2016 12:22 AM Very well put
KT 08/08/2013 2:49 PM I live in Canada, and I always grab my knife when someone knocks at the door. Can never be too safe! Reply
R 05/06/2014 9:34 AM Knives are not the safest thing to grab, it could be easily used against you especially if you’re a female and the creep is a male because they have greater upper body strength.
Anonymous 02/23/2015 9:26 AM Unless you know how to throw knives at long distances.
Neosimian Sapiens 08/19/2013 12:31 PM Now, that’s not entirely fair to Americans. I’m originally Canadian but I’ve lived in Kentucky for 6 years and I can assure you that the USA does, in fact, have rainbows and sunshine. In fact, it also has a few people who DON’T have ulterior motives! Maybe your experience of the USA is different than mine. If you live in Los Angeles, I understand your position. Reply
poorman 08/06/2013 11:29 AM That’s when you just shoot through the door LOL Reply
Mark 04/28/2014 11:56 PM If he does, it is probably a potential crook and a hint to immediately act!! Reply
Don'tBeTooTrusting 01/02/2016 2:22 PM Peep holes can be installed backwards. We stayed at a major hotel chain in a poolside room. When our pizza was delivered, the guy told me he could see into our room. I just figured I couldn’t see out because of the humidity in the pool area. I always check the peep holes now as soon as I check in. Reply
bozo 08/15/2013 4:06 PM One thing to consider – readily available to the public – Google “reverse peephole viewer”. Reply
Out2Sea 08/19/2013 8:54 AM Thanks for the info, I had never heard of a reverse peephole device (I did Google it). I was going to install a peephole in my new house, not sure now. Again, thanks for the heads up. Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 11:37 AM Word to the wise: ALWAYS keep your peephole covered, and never use it. It’s for display only. Use other means to suss out the situation outside – other windows, cameras, etc. Even calling a neighbor that can see your door. Never stand directly behind the front door – it can become a kill zone if the visitors are really bad folks. Reply
Anonymous2 01/14/2015 9:11 PM Wow. I had no idea this existed. Reply
PEEPHOLE WORKS BOTH WAYS 09/20/2014 2:11 PM The Iceman always waited to see a shadow behind the peephole, and then he would shoot through the door. These suck. Get a shotgun. Reply
HalfKin 08/14/2012 12:26 AM This is a totally cool article! Having raised four, count them FOUR, children into and through their teen aged years – It was name, rank, serial number, parents name, are you in school, what do your parents do for a living, where do you live, or do you have a job? Every one that I scared that came back could visit. They usually became adoptive extended family. As the years passed, I grabbed my staff or Boken and asked who it is before I answer the door. If I can’t hear you or recognise you, the door doesn’t usually open. I have unintentionally scarred some local church folk and Jehovah Witnesses, but they still talked to me. Reply
Ann 02/15/2014 9:41 AM Why on earth should anyone open a door for anyone that they don’t know or expect? Curiosity kills the cat. Reply
Chris 05/20/2015 9:18 PM You do know there is more to that quote. “Curiosity killed the cat. BUT satisfaction brought it back” Which means you could have died cause you went to the door but when you know who it actually was you don’t die. Reply
Rob 08/14/2012 4:17 PM On the “Arm yourself” point, for people who are uncomfortable with having a firearm, I recommend they keep a can of wasp killer handy. It’ll totally ruin the bad guy’s day and can give the defender 20+ feet of defensible distance. Virtually superior than pepper spray…. Reply
Willow 08/14/2012 8:08 PM That can get you into bigger trouble than shooting them, as its premeditated use of toxic chemical- use pepper spray (not bear spray). Talk with any law enforcement offices, self defense trainer, etc. dont use wasp spray. Reply
justme 01/14/2014 8:36 AM hi willow. If someone seriously makes you feel fearful for your own safety and you spray them with wasp spray, first of all, i would say you successfully defended yourself without taking anyone’s life, BRAVO. and second, the idea that spraying an attacker with wasp spray is premeditated is absurd. how does a victim of an attacker act in any premeditated way? Your telling me it is not ok to have a plan in place to protect yourself in case you are ever placed in that position because it would be premeditated? so when someone comes at you with the intentions to do you bodily harm, your suppose to do what ? ask them to stop? in texas we shoot someone, forget the hornet killer, and pepper spray is a joke. If everyone adopted this stance, people would think twice before attackingANYONE, and its my belief that folks with your opinion on this matter are a big part of the reason so many violent attacks happen to begin with. Reply
762x51n8o 08/16/2012 4:17 PM I’m always interested in hearing when people are “uncomfortable” with a gun. Is it because of hurting someone? Then they go on to say they’ll use a hammer or bat or “wasp spray.” Is hurting or killing someone with another tool different than hurting or killing someone with a gun? At least with the gun you have the intimidation factor, that could possibly prevent injury. Is it because you’re concerned because you have small children? Because having a HIGHLY POISONOUS chemical such as wasp spray “Handy” means that your kids have access to that, too. I haven’t looked it up, but I wonder how many children die each year from injecting household poisons, than from firearms. Anything that can hurt an intruder can also hurt your children, so whether a gun or wasp spray, or bat, it should be put up where safe. Reply
don'tknockonmydoor 03/31/2015 6:07 PM There’s also the possibility that a person living with you could use the weapon on you in the heat of an argument, etc. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 7:47 AM Then your problem is not about the “weapon” , your problem is you are living with some kind of enemy. That person could also poison you or smash your head with a bat or stab you with one of many kitchen knives in your house. My advice is “get away from such person!!!! Reply
wildbill 06/27/2013 8:08 AM You keep your ‘wasp spray” and I hope it works for you. Me, I’m not trying to give them a sore eye. If they come into MY house they will not leave with a sore eye that’s for sure. No, your playing with your life and whoever in is the house. If they DO enter your home I’m glad I’m not there for you to “defend me” with some dam bug spray. Its your life and your families life and you want to defend it with BUG Spray? Good luck! Reply
Hillbilly advice gets you incarcerated, or killed. 09/20/2014 2:13 PM If you can legally own a firearm, buy one, train with it, and defend yourself like a man (r woman) instead of like some sort of moron. Reply
Warrior9mm 01/29/2015 10:22 AM My ex wife wouldn’t allow a gun of ay kind, in the house, UNTILL the night she was raped. She now sleeps with a 12 hunting knife under her pillow. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 7:51 AM dang it! horrible to hear and I hope the best for her and you all Reply
don'tknockonmydoor 03/31/2015 6:06 PM *like* to Rediculous reply about people who don’t feel comfortable with guns Reply
Val 08/14/2012 8:33 PM 2 dogs, 1 .38, 1 SKS, and a sign stating German Shepherd on guard. I never stand in front of the door but yell from top of staircase if Someone approaches the door. Have a section of 2×4 that is cut and that I can lay on the floor between the door bottom and the bottom step on the latching side so the door can’t be forced open. Windows in top of door are 4×6 and too hight to look into from outside but can see through to driveway from top steps inside. All windows have sections of broomstick cut to fit in the track to keep them from sliding upper than 3². Reply
Jake 01/05/2018 9:13 AM Someone did that and I’m 8 years old so I was scared and he never left Reply
mama7464s 08/15/2012 4:58 AM I have a sign right above our doorbell, informing people that unless they are expected, or if they’re selling something, we DO NOT want any, and the door will NOT be answered, so they’re wasting their time. I also include a blurb beneath that stating that if they’re here for the purpose of converting us to their religion to forget it, because we only take our teaching from Hebrew scholars, so we rather doubt they’d qualify. I look out the peep hole and if it’s a delivery person, I make sure they actually have a package and the electronic signature box they now carry, and if they’re in a police uniform, I ask to see their badge. I like the advice to make some noise, as when I choose to ignore a knock, or ring, I try to keep quiet. I never gave any thought that someone might be checking if someone is home or not. THANKS for this article! Reply
Jake 01/05/2018 9:14 AM Someone did that and I’m 8 years old so I was scared and he never left Reply
Tammy 08/15/2012 12:44 PM I think it’s important to keep your doors locked even when you are at home during the day. That way, when you don’t want to open up to someone suspicious or just unwanted, they can’t walk in anyways. There isn’t any way for me to see who might be knocking on my front door so I put a sign next to it saying “Please use other door”. You can only get from front to back one direction in my yard (I built my fence with this in mind) so a visitor must pass by 3 windows that I can see from most of my house. Another advantage of having a small home. My office is in my kitchen, about 5 feet from my back door, which does have a sliding window in it. I’ve sat here many times typing away while the Witnesses etc. stand there looking at me and knocking repeatedly. That door has a steel security door on it with good deadbolts. My refrigerator sits next to the kitchen door, and I keep wasp spray on top of it (we DO have use for it for wasps, they’re everywhere) and behind I have better weaponry. So I have a choice in defense at the door if I need it. Reply
LD 08/16/2012 12:35 PM Thank goodness I live in the UK! Reply
Ken 08/16/2012 12:49 PM …and no one knocks on your door in the UK? Reply
BM 08/16/2012 9:22 PM Yeah, I wonder a bit about this too. I dont live in the US, so the idea that you need to answer the door armed just leaves me with the thought ‘failed state’. How much of this is just armchair warrior stuff? How many people ‘like’ to answer the door armed, rather than need to? I’m not saying there arent places in the world where all of this advice is valuable. Ferfal’s description of Argentia springs to mind. But to claim America is one of them…. If so, well, your country is a shithole too then. Reply
BM 08/17/2012 8:10 AM And my point is: While its cool and all to be able to answer your door armed, dont you want to live in a place where you dont? Right now, I feel safe answering the door for 99.99% of the time. If that ever drops down to non decimal places, then maybe I will want to start answering the door ready for a home invasion. And you know what I’ll think – “what the hell happened to this country”. Just like you apparently already have. Reply
Tammy 08/17/2012 11:52 AM @BM; I feel safe answering my door 99.99% of the time too. It’s that pesky .o1% that worries me. It doesn’t matter what country or part of the world you live in, there are bad people everywhere. It eases my mind knowing that I can defend myself against them if I have to. Being disabled, I have no other way to defend myself BUT with a weapon. Reply
Ken 08/17/2012 12:52 PM That’s a good way of putting it… he seems to be misunderstanding the motivation in that there must be so much crime that we need to do this… instead, it’s a simple matter of having the freedom to choose whether or not to arm one’s self for the unlikely event that the person on the other side may be one of the ‘bad guys’. It’s a very small chance (in today’s relatively orderly world), however if there ever is a major societal collapse (seeming more likely these days [economic]) then having that choice to arm yourself with a firearm is a very good thing if you value your property or life.
BM 08/18/2012 1:29 AM Well, thats basically answered what I wanted to know here. Its not that you (all) feel at risk, its knowing that its one more option up your sleeve. Each to their own. I own guns, I’ve done 10+ years in the army, but EDC to me is a pain in the arse. Much prefer not having to do it.
Katherine 08/20/2012 11:30 AM I’ve lived just outside of Boston, MA my whole life. And as a woman have never felt the need to answer the door with a weapon. I’m not saying I don’t take precautions when and if I answer the door. The crime rate in my town is basically zero. Not everyone in the US is as trigger happy as this thread would lead you to believe.
Ken 08/20/2012 11:57 AM Good point. The demographic and niche of this blog may lead you to believe that it’s all doom and gloom, but it’s not. We’re mostly a community of somewhat like-minded people with varying degrees of risk tolerance, which is all affected by an individuals location and life circumstances… to name a few.
Just Sayin' 02/21/2018 9:29 AM Everyone doesn’t answer their door armed….in rural areas , people not expecting company- DO. When help is hours away one may have seconds to preserve the life of themselves or a family member.. ..ie.. There are people who would rater shoot you, rob, or rape you in every society. Having protection initiates their desire to be somewhere else. Soft targets invite crime. Hardening potential targets repel crime and those who would do injury to all others. Reply
Anon 01/13/2013 9:40 PM “beat out by Sweden and Switzerland” Swiss houses are universally armed. The government gives AR-15s to adults. There’s a reason Nazi Germany didn’t invade Switzerland. Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 12:39 PM Not AR-15s, but selective fire M-16s. The Swiss train their men, and they know how to use their weapons well. Crime is low. Reply
Anonymous 04/09/2013 7:08 PM Yeah, isn’t it great? Reply
Tammy 08/16/2012 2:41 PM So, what is to be done if you are outside (in your yard, garage, whatever) when someone arrives at your door? I’ve thought about this a lot because when I go outside I don’t usually lock the door. It’s very difficult to get back inside for me in a chair to go up the ramp and get the door unlocked again (and I can’t lock it on the way out unless I go out backwards, or go out and turn around). So I don’t lock up if I’m not leaving the property. I do carry my phone with me when I’m outside. It’s a good idea to plan what to do in that case. I’ve arranged things in outdoor areas that I spend most of my time in, like the chicken yard, garden etc., so that I have the advantage if I’m caught out. Reply
Ken 08/16/2012 2:53 PM One idea would be to ‘carry’… then you’re pretty much covered while you’re out and about in the yard. Problem is, I don’t know if that would be difficult in your situation due to your chair, etc. Reply
762x51n8o 08/16/2012 4:19 PM can you attach a micro gun vault to your chair? I’m usually carrying, even when around the house and out in the yard. Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 12:43 PM Set up a remote control, like a garage door opener, that opens an electric jamb. A good locksmith should be able to set this up. The door is always locked and you just press a button to get in. A button that you carry. There’s always a key if the system fails. Just make sure it’s set up to “fail secure”. Reply
Tammy 08/16/2012 11:35 PM I do carry most times I’m outside. Depends what I’m doing and what area of the property I’m in. I don’t need to carry when I’m tending the chickens because just inside the door of the shed is an ammo box with all I need in it(I can also just pull the door shut and lock it from inside). A couple other areas are set up similar. Like the mailbox inside my garden gate that faces inside and my mail lady has never seen. I’m still looking around at the property to see where I can make improvements. One thing I have changed recently is to stop using my manual chair outside, instead I use my electric scooter, it’s faster and easier to maneuver (it can be driven with one hand as opposed to both with the manual chair)in my deep sand yard. It also has cargo bags and baskets to keep things in. It just won’t fit in my small house. Reply
Colleen 08/20/2012 10:18 AM I live in the country and have no near neighbors.We are at least 50 minutes from the nearest sheriffs office. Under these circumstances, I am certainly armed at home with my 9mm in a holster(and yes when I answer the door). When I am in my car and when I go into the city, I am also armed.I took the time to get my concealed carry permit, and train once a week at my local gun range on ladies day. We also have coyotes in our area, so when I take the dog out after dark, I must be armed. With the dry weather, their food supply is dwindling, and I don’t want to meet a hungry pack. Reply
Ken 08/20/2012 10:43 AM @Colleen …very wise. Good point about the coyotes too – a pack mentality, especially when very hungry, could become very dangerous. Reply
Bill 09/29/2012 10:38 AM You talking about the mentality of hungry packs of 2 or 4 legged critters? Each poses different, but very real, threats. Reply
Ken 09/29/2012 6:06 PM @Bill, You sure got that right… BOTH for sure, especially the 2 legged variety. Reply
DT 08/22/2012 2:25 PM Tell me what to do when you made a mistake when younger and committed a felony and now not allowed to possess any weapons. How does a woman alone protect herself? Reply
Chelsea 09/05/2012 2:29 PM My family lives out in the middle of nowhere county and while it’s generally pretty quiet around here you never know… we have the occasional knock on the door. My husband was working nights last summer and this truck comes creeping up the driveway. I was close to going to bed and the only light on was the glow of the TV. The family room is in the front of the house and the headlights shined in the window. The truck stopped and these two yahoos got out and started walking towards the front door so I flip on the porch light and arm myself. We keep a .45 and a shotgun near the front door. About this time the dogs (an Australian Shepherd & a Doberman) are aware somebody is at the house and they’re going bananas. Before Yahoo #1 gets to the steps I shout to him that I’m well armed, that they’re on security video, and 2 large guard dogs and what the **** do they want? He says “We sell meat and had some extra and I could sell it to you at a really good price!” Seriously? It’s 10:00 at night… my response was that they had 10 seconds to get in that truck and hit the driveway or I was calling the police, one more step towards the door and I’d shoot. They left. That was the only time that I’ve ever had anything suspicious happen at my house and I’ve never seen those guys before. I probably would not have been so hostile if it wasn’t so shady but I felt very threatened and my intuition had kicked in. That night I was glad for my gun ownership and shooting experience. I have been shooting and hunting since I was a little girl with my dad and I’ve never in my life had to use a gun for self defense but it’s reassuring as a women to know that I have the knowledge and skills to save my own life if I have to. Reply
Ken 09/05/2012 2:40 PM Chelsea, You did the EXACT RIGHT THING. Good for you. IF those men had truly bad intentions, you may have been in a world of trouble otherwise. Thanks for sharing your experience. Reply
Teresa Chadwick 01/01/2017 7:58 PM This afternoon, I was headed out the door for church when as I opened my front door, a man was approaching my front porch. I pointed out the. “No Soliciting” sign I have at my front door. He then tries to tell me that he wasn’t selling anything, but wanted to know if I wanted my leaves raked. What set the red flag off was that he had NO lawn tools or supplies in his possession. I was adamant that I would take care of it myself and he yelled that I didn’t have to be so nasty about it. Well, I said no and when I say no, you don’t ask again! He then proceeded to yell at me utilizing racial slurs and sounding threatening enough where my next door neighbor could hear him. Yes the police were called, my home alarm was set and I stayed home quite shaken up. Reply
Ken 09/05/2012 2:44 PM Annette, Yes it sounds like that given your issue, you could be a danger to yourself. I would be getting professional help if I were you (based on the story regarding the knife and your opinion that you wouldn’t trust yourself with a firearm). Also, apart from other people who leave comments who ‘may’ be pushy at times, we at this site try to present common sense and logic regarding risk awareness and solutions thereof. Feel free to change the channel lol Reply
Tracie 09/06/2012 5:12 AM What an interesting discussion board, I appreciate the freedom of thought and expression that allows such diverse views. I was working late at our church after a wedding reception and happened to be the only person on the property. I am 40 years old and five feet tall, so I’m not much of a threat to anybody. I was cleaning up our hall at 10:00pm (with all the doors open, of course)and a man appeared in the doorway; he said, “Are you alone here?” I pretended to not be bothered and said, “No, our janitors are just in the kitchen, do you need something?” I started walking back toward the kitchen calling out our male janitor’s name and the man left quickly. I pretended to be in a conversation with the janitor and quickly locked all the doors, terrified. I phoned a friend to come down and walk me to my car. Needless to say, I don’t stay there alone at night anymore. I live in California, so conceal and carry is not really an option for me. Sometimes quick thinking and a well placed illusions are all we have (along with an assortment of knives in the kitchen.) Reply
martie 09/09/2012 11:01 AM we have a mirror mounted near our front porch (ours is on one of the post) that is fixed to see our front door that we can look out of our window on the same side as the door and see who is there. we also have wooden pieces in the upper part of our windows so they cannot be raised, with a orange sticker on them so that they can be seen. we also have security cameras going, and a sign on the door letting them know that if you have not called ahead of time letting us know you are coming, then you need to call us and let us know that you are here, otherwise, you’re not getting the door opened, and we do let them know that we are inside,…..on the very back door that goes into the utility room we have a small 2×4 (about 12² long nailed to the floor that braces a large wooden T that is push up under the door knob, if our home gets on fire then we can just kick the bottom of the T and it will break loose,that being said, our home was broken into, they watched me leave, just went about 3 blocks, through a drive to get a morning biscuit, when i got back they were in the house, i walked in on them and they flew out the back window,must have been some one from the neighborhood because there was no car. after this i have put up a mirror in my back yard that when i drive up i can see my back door,the police told me after our break-in that you don’t ever want the best looking house on the block, and if it will take them a while to get in, generally they will move on to another house, they want fast in and out,if they want in my house bad enough, they will get in, but by golly, i am not making it easy for them. Reply
Jenna 09/19/2012 9:37 AM Great idea from one of the commenters to keep doors locked while you are at home. I learned this one the hard way. My husband went out golfing one afternoon and we have a closed in front porch so I can’t always hear someone knocking on the front door. So evidently someone knocked and when I didn’t answer walked in the front porch. In the middle of the day! I didn’t notice until our Great Pyrenees growled and then charged at the guy coming in the front door. Luckily my brother happened to be visiting because even as in shape as I am I could not hold that dog back by myself if my life had depended on it. When confronted with the large angry dog and myself and my brother questioning why he was in my house he tried to back track saying he was from the gas company and he had to check carbon offsets for the “units of the apartment”. I told him if he was really from a gas company he would know this wasn’t an apartment, it’s a single family home. He responded that he would come back later on. I told him if he decided to that my husband would be home waiting for him, “I’ll get him to stay home from target practice tonight.” He never came back. We had another one a few weeks ago. We woke up to the dog making a whole lot of angry racket at 3am. Went back to bed thinking the neighbors were just making noise that he didn’t like. When we woke up at 7, the front door which had been locked was wide open and the lock had been tampered with. Somebody came in, probably heard and saw the big angry dog on the otherside of the porch door and booked it. Best dog ever. Reply
martie 09/19/2012 1:57 PM i heard a great tip. most car key/remotes has the beeping alarm on them, when you go to bed at night lay the key/remote by your bed. if you just think you heard anyone outside, reach over and push the alarm button, this should draw enough attention that they will move out of the area Reply
Magpie 09/26/2012 7:26 AM I always get a friend on the phone while I answer the door. I make sure the person at the door knows someone is aware of what is going on. Often I answer from the upstairs window. Reply
Laura 09/29/2012 9:26 PM Wow. This thread was definitely an eye opener, but maybe not in the way you would think. I think there are some great tips included in this article about how to stay safe. I think for me, the eye opener was how quickly people offered up a firearm as being the best way to protect yourself. I am a Parole Officer who lives and works in Canada. I work in a federal jail. We do not carry weapons or wear any protection while at work, and I would never even think of having a firearm in my home. I do not feel unsafe at work, or at home. I am of the firm belief that guns cause unnecessary deaths each year. Perhaps this view is just a product of my living in quite a different society than many areas in the US. I believe that if you take the necessary precautions, a firearm is not needed. I do offer up a tip for your consideration – has anyone thought of installing a lock that requires a key for both sides, instead of a deadbolt? Many people have windows next to their doors. If someone were to break the glass, they could easily reach in and unlock the deadbolt. Having a key lock on both sides prevents this. This has been shown to be particularly useful in domestic violence cases when women have been worried about their ex partner breaking in. Reply
anonymous 05/01/2013 11:18 PM canada is nothing like the us. if i lived in canada i would feel safe too. the fact is, i live in kind of a sketchy area with many drug users and kind of a high crime rate. honestly, i am very happy for you, but that doesn’t put me in your shoes. it seems like most people on this forum are like minded and want to be prepared for a worst case scenario. i, for one, am very happy that other people think the same way that i do. the bad guys in the us are rolling the dice every time they commit a crime at another persons home. they have to ask them self if what they intend to do is worth their life. ‘Merica, home of the brave, land of the free. Reply
tjd 05/27/2013 12:13 PM The only problem with this is knowing exactly where the key is in an emergency such as a fire – there’s a risk you won’t be able to get yourself out of the house. Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 1:13 PM If it’s that bad, you throw a chair through a window and follow. Most windows and frames are not that strong. Reply
don'tknockonmydoor 03/31/2015 8:26 PM We do exactly what is suggested as far as the dead bolt that must be opened with a key on both sides. In the event of a fire, we have several keys to it, in various parts of the house (none of which can be reached by someone breaking the window to try and unlock the door themselves). Reply
Just Sayin' 02/21/2018 9:44 AM Guns do not kill people of any population . PEOPLE kill others. If a violent person does not have a shooting peice, they will use another object such as a knife, hammer, crow-bar, baseball bat. Much domestic violence is initiated with these common objects. Volence begins and ends in the home. Teach respect to receive respect. Expect it., but prepare not to recieve it at every turn.. this begins with your reaction Each of us is not responsible for others actions but we are responsible for our reactions. Meausre your responses carefully and well – thought thru in all aspects. Reply
Anonymous 10/17/2012 12:21 AM We had a shooting on my road a few weeks ago. The shooter escaped into the woods behind my house (two miles long and a mile deep). I stayed up most of the night waiting for him to try to get in. If I hadn’t had a gun, I would have been compelled to get my family and leave my house because we weren’t safe there without protection. I live in a small community with a very low crime rate. Things can happen anywhere. You need to be prepared for the worst. It’s better to have been ready and never needed to act than to become a sad lesson for someone else to learn from. I’ve had my guns for over 40 years and have never had to use them. But they are there if I need them. Reply
Gigs 10/20/2012 2:11 AM Always be aware of your surroundings is probably the best of all. I know by heart the neighborhood sounds – the engine sounds from the neighbor’s cars, their schedules (not in a nosy way), the way they slam their car doors, who comes to visit them, etc. I am home a lot so I also am aware of the meter readers and other people who are supposed or not supposed to be around. I am downright mean to everyone who comes to sell me stuff. If I’m inside, I tell them to go away without even opening the door, but if I’m outside gardening or reading a book on the front porch, I am as intimidating as a woman can be. I ask them for permits ( as you need to go to city hall and get one if you want to go door to door), I advice them to keep away from my property, and if they happen to be alarm salesmen and start asking me what kind I have (none as I can’t afford it), I tell them it’s none of their business and let them know I have a gun. Some of them are really pesky and ask why is it i don’t have a sign in my yard indicating I have alarm system, to which I reply because I’m not required to and it also clashes with the color of my flower beds. The key is to be firm and intimidating, yet respectful. I don’t want to have some psycho come back at night for revenge. Reply
JM 11/17/2012 11:11 AM I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion but some of you shouldn’t voice it! If you’ve never been left battered and bruised by someone bigger, raped and abused, watched your child recuperate from being attacked, watched your (husband , bf, father, brother) try to defend the ones they love, or some similar experience you have NO RIGHT to say anything to someone for carrying firearms! Reply
Ken (Admin) 11/17/2012 11:38 AM JM, Are you directing your comment at someone in particular within this comment-thread? Apart from that, generally speaking, the inclusion of firearms as a discussion point in this particular post is relevant. And you are correct in that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and opinions are as variable as the population itself… Reply
jaebug 11/17/2012 3:09 PM My house has a window in the middle of the door instead of 1 or 2 on the sides. We thought that if someone wanted, they could bust the glass and reach in so we installed dead bolt door knobs. Reply
don'tknockonmydoor 03/31/2015 5:58 PM Our window is next to the door, but we also installed a dead bolt that requires a key (which we DON’T leave in the lock) to open the door, in the event that someone broke the window and tried to let themselves in. Reply
angelcopter 11/17/2012 6:27 PM both my doors have large windows like that and only one has a deadbolt i’v hated them since the day we moved in for the same reason you mentioned cant wait till we can afford new doors that dont have windows in them Reply
nowaspspray 11/23/2012 11:00 PM Wasp spray is a myth. Aquanet and a cigarette lighter will set them on fire pretty fast. Trust me , if you’re trying to put your butt out, you’ll pretty much “abort” the operation. That, or an electric cattle prod. ZAP! Reply
dave 11/24/2012 10:52 PM Last Tuesday night I heard voices near our driveway about 1:30 am.. at first I thought it was the neighbors.. but hen realized it was 2 males talking. I got up with the dog, the cat, and the .38 cal. as I got downstairs to invesigate – the cat jumped into the window through the venician blinds, startling the persons outside who ran to a running vehicle. I opened the door, with my dog giving out a big dog howl. They entered into their vehicle yelling..”sorry, wrong house!”… and drove away.. didn’t get the plate cuz my eyes were still sleepy… but they’re right.. they choose the wrong house. Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 1:22 PM GOOD cameras can really help with vehicle descriptions and plate numbers. I like the idea of 1/4 mile of curvy driveway with a locked gate at the far end. ANY vehicle near the house is immediately defined as hostile. Reply
tam 11/28/2012 8:59 AM It’s always good to be cautious, but where do you draw the line before you consider yourself paranoid? My girlfriend is afraid to answer the door for anyone, leaving many neighbors and deliverymen standing around confused. Websites like this only validate her fears. Once again, it’s always good to be cautious but you can’t scare yourself into becoming a shut-in. Reply
Ken (Admin) 11/28/2012 9:24 AM @tam, I agree whole-heatedly regarding a fine line before one enters into paranoia (and that paranoia is not a good thing). Over the years I have discovered that there are some types of people who are just plain paranoid. There are others who are easily ‘shaken’ and become easily paranoid or afraid. There are still others who are not at all (and all sorts of in-between). Having said that, the only way to accommodate is to lower to the least common denominator (so to speak), and only present ‘fluff’. Unfortunately our society has far far too much fluff woven into its fabric, and sites like this (hopefully) present more reality, truths, and risk awareness. While we cannot vouch for what others have said in the article’s comment string, as they are independent opinion, we can say that it is a good thing to look at the hard things in life. For most people, after awhile, the hard things then become easier to deal with… Reply
TRIPJ 12/14/2012 11:44 AM Im glad I stumbled upon this site.. I was curious about finding out why would someone remove my peephole from my door. I live in an apartment complex. Although, it’s a very nice area (no high crime) but u can NEVER be too safe.. I live on the backside where alot cant be seen and some very suspicious things has been goin on.. A little over a month or so ago I got a knock at my door i didnt recognize the person so I didnt answer the word nor did I say a word and they continued to knock anyway byt they knew Me and my child were home because all of the noise we were making before i heard the knock! I was told by fam and friends I need to get a firearm (even a police officer has told me that) I was bit uncomfortable doing so but after that and NOW the peephole thingy!! I think I better get pretty comfortable with purchasing one and getting proper training to use it! sad but safety for my family comes first! Reply
Ken (MSB) 12/14/2012 1:14 PM I cannot overemphasize the benefit of getting training to use your firearm. Regardless, you will be required to get some sort of minimal training to get your permit in the first place (depending on where you live). Another thing is to find yourself a range and practice shooting so that you become comfortable with your firearm. Don’t just buy one and think that you will be protecting yourself with it. You will need to do more on your part to REALLY be able to protect yourself with it. Reply
Just Sayin' 02/21/2018 10:05 AM TRIPJ, Good move,.. ..Another thing those who would harm you will do to your home/outside entry area is to unscrew your light bulb, especially if you often come in after dark Had this happen to daughter when she was in “big city”. ..There are limited things that can be done to prevent injury if someone is observing you that closely… be observant for blind spots, know where they are and be able to anticipate where any attack could come from,, part of situational awareness… Some things are to sprint for the door, and have your keys out and ready. Have a neighbor/friend to see you in, IF you are not armed, or are prevented from having weapons. Reply
Jan D. 12/25/2012 5:23 PM Alot of excellent advice and points made here for folks. Glad to see a blog here like this. I think one of the problems with some of the ladies is they have a feeling to be “polite” to people. DON’T!!!! And I tell many, if you aren’t comfortable with a firearm… PLEASE DON’T HAVE ONE!!!! Or at least try to take one on one lessons to see if its right for you first, them decide. Don’t just get one and think that you “may” need it. PLEASE BE COMFORTABLE WITH IT AND KNOW IN YOUR HEART OF HEARTS THAT YOU WOULD USE IT TO SAVE YOUR LIFE AND/ OR OTHERS IF YOU NEEDED TO! It’s not a showpiece, not a toy…it’s a life saving tool! Serious stuff… I’m not against other methods of protection… Pepper spray, wasp spray, knives… I’ve purchased sprays for my teen nieces and grandmother. Of course I don’t want teens or am 88 year old with a firearm. But, far too many people don’t keep up their skills… AND… I also have my German shepherd sidekicks. That’s always a great deterrent. As are other things that I have. But good common sense people! DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU MEED TO BE POLITE!!! Even if you don’t have a dog… Put a sign up… And also a no trespassing sign!!! Then you have all the right I’m the world to be rude!!!! READ THE SIGN JERK!!!!! Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 1:28 PM Just what’s wrong with an 88 year old with a firearm? Many older folks can handle them just fine, and we need to get rid of this agism myth. The older folks actually can benefit more from firearms, since their options to run or fight may be more limited. The teens should be trained to use and understand firearms. They my have to jump through more hoops to get to them in an emergency, but they need the responsibility too. Kids take too much time growing up in the USA. Reply
Lupin 12/26/2012 7:58 PM I live in the Canadian north, we have plenty of guns here for hunting and the like. It wouldn’t even cross anyone’s mind to answer the door armed. You would be considered insane and dangerous for that here. I have not even locked my door for 40 years- not even when I went away on holidays for months at a time (how would my neighbors get in to help if there was a problem?)and you all might think we’re crazy for this attitude, but I think we’re a lot less crazy than you. Reply
Ken (MSB) 12/27/2012 8:34 AM @Lupin, well it’s not really that bad down here in most places. I believe that discussing the circumstance of a stranger knocking on your door is a good thing though… it gets people to think about it and take an inward look at their own unique situation. There are some areas that are certainly more dangerous than others, which is simply logical… places with higher population density simply have greater odds of including ‘bad’ people. The Canadian north is probably not so populated as many regions down here, and possess a different lifestyle where people depend on each other for more things (that is a good thing). Unfortunately today’s modern society has changed that to a great extent, and with it comes more risk. Reply
Carol 05/08/2013 11:51 PM Boy, am I glad I live in Canada…most of you folks and your gun toting shoot-em-up attitudes kind of make me sick. Like someone said before me, I have NEVER locked my doors except for once when my family was out of the country for 5 weeks. Unlike the other person however, I do not live way up north…I live quite near to Toronto the second largest city in our country. I am never afraid. I would HATE to have to live like you all seem to think you must. Under NO circumstances would I ever live in the USA!!!! Reply
Just Sayin' 02/21/2018 10:20 AM We are glad you are in a place fo Comfort. We are as well. and some of us feel the same way about Canada, for various reasons. I,’m from the south and could not handle the cold. ..after reading your post and the one above, from other Canadian, glad, Glad I am not there.! Reply
Just Sayin' 02/21/2018 10:16 AM Lupin, It was that way here , no locked doors,answerng doors at all hours of the day and night with no worry for safety…., with my family in this rural area until my Uncle was shot in the chest with a shot gun blast.in the early 70’s…, on answering the door @1 am. to “help someone with a car issue”. Our family and our community was forever changed. . My neighbors I trust have a KEY to my house…. If I don’t trust , they do not enter for any reason. We do almost every repair our selves..We live a quiet life and want to keep it that way. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 5:10 PM You live your door unlocked???! I can’t believe it. Even when you go away on vacation for several days so that your neighbor can come in? You probably have not been around much crime at all. If you or a loved one was victim of a crime, murder, home invasion, rape, etc. then you would have a different opinion. I know several people who have been victims of crimes, and they take precautions now. I know others around me who feel very safe, they have not been exposed to much crime, and answer the door to anyone, sometimes without even asking who it is. Reply
Breeandfree 02/02/2013 3:00 AM This morning I got an email alert from the loval sheriff letting me know that a registered sex offender had cut off his ankle bracelet and was on the run. Tonight he tried to come in my front door. He just tried the handle and it was locked and my dogs started barking So i grabbed the gun and looked out the peep hole and there is the giy they were looking for just standing there. I ran and called 911 and he took off and they didnt catch him so Im feeling very uneasy now. But glad i disnt just open imup the door to a stranger at 9:30 at night Reply
Alex 02/04/2013 9:27 PM Fake. And learn to proofread before you post. Reply
jktheaa 02/10/2013 5:25 PM Today a stranger knocked on my door in the afternoon saying that he was having an asthma attack (clearly he was, or was a good actor) and needed a ride to the town next door to get a pump. Was it wrong of me to say call 911 and get off my property? We live next door to a motel and have been interrupted with knocks on the door from a variety of strange people since we moved in. Last month, someone staying at the motel knocked on my door at night looking for the phone number to a Chinese food place 1.5 miles down the road. What about calling information? He had a cell phone. I just won’t answer the door anymore. I have also hung up “private property keep out” signs on the porches today. Reply
Ken 02/10/2013 7:10 PM It sounds like you are in a vulnerable location. Regarding your incident example, ANY health emergency, you should first call 911. That said, you did the right thing to say that. Reply
Anonymous Jones 06/19/2014 12:59 AM Possibly a set-up, but more likely a scam to get a free ride to the next town. Of course if you’d fallen for their scam then you’d have been looked at as vulnerable and possibly targeted in the future. Reply
Vereniz 02/25/2013 7:31 PM If someone is knocking on the door,I would check who it is by looking on the window.If it’s someone I do not know I would get a knife from the kitchen, get a purse,and put the knife inside it then put the purse on the couch or somewhere close so when she/he wants to attack you can get the knife. Reply
zbob 03/08/2013 10:11 AM Wow… paranoid much? This article’s kinda sad. And lol: “If you are a woman at home alone, …mention that your husband (or father, if you are young) is fixing the bathroom faucet and cannot be bothered right now (or something similarly indicating that a man is at home).” As though men arn’t equally at risk, as though a woman always needs someone to protect her. Maybe some do yeah, probably because to grew up sheltered, but damn glad the women I know are strong and capable. Reply
Ms.Conservative 03/09/2013 1:27 PM Why do you have to be all feminist on here? Go somewhere else. Reply
mtgirl 08/24/2013 7:31 PM It’s not a matter of the woman being able to defend herself. These kind of people are looking for someone to take advantage off, and often look for someone who is home alone. Also even giving the impression that there is a man in the house is a deterrant. Similar to the concept of having a dog (no I am not comparing men to dogs so don’t go there), you can have a great dane who is as much of a coward as Scooby Doo, but most criminals will back away just because it’s there. If a criminal comes in and sees a huge pair of men’s shoes at the door, he may back away so he doesn’t have to deal with him. I was fortunate enough to have my husband and brother at the house when a drunk was demanding for the previous tenant, and my brother immediately started talking loud with my husband about guns (something our dad, a former cop, advised us to do to passively aggressively intimidate a potential intruder) while he went to grab them. I could tell that the drunk was spooked enough and left us alone. So it is handy because they aren’t looking for a fight, and at being obviously pregnant I wouln’t put up much of one, but they could, and that was all we needed. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 5:24 PM Criminals can attack anyone, but they want the easiest target if it’s possible. A woman is usually physically weaker than a man, and the criminal could overpower her more easily. Also there are less women who know about fighting than men. An able bodied man could defend himself way better against the criminal in a physical fight, so a woman is an easier target, although not always of course. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 5:25 PM Prepared woman are not an easy target Reply
Ms.Conservative 03/09/2013 1:26 PM Just a few minutes ago, I was sitting on my couch and some guy (I assume it was a guy) knocked on my door. He left, then came back a few minutes later and knocked again. Then he tried the door (tried to open it), and then felt the perimeter of the door. Now he’s doing all kinds of stuff to the door (he’s been banging on it, wiggling it, etc.). I don’t really care anymore, its been a while now, but I have my Ruger 10/.22 next to me, just in case. Reply
susan cross 03/14/2013 1:10 AM a .22 will go right through a person. he will be able to come at you for minutes after being shot. you need another weapon. Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 1:32 PM A .22 with the right ammo can be lethal at close or long range. It’s not ideal, but the best gun is often the closest one. Reply
susan cross 03/14/2013 1:08 AM i keep a shotgun behind the door. before opening the door i find the sound of shucking a shell into the chamber….is a great deterrent. Reply
cher 03/22/2013 11:54 AM Where the hell do all you people live , scared shit like that ? Reply
zedsdead 02/16/2017 4:27 AM California! I personally am in Kern county. ITS AWFUL!!! I have a .40, a 12 guage, a few knives, couple dogs, and i still feel vulnerable haha. Applying for my ccw soon. As a mother (and clearly a woman) I always feel safer with a man in the house or by my side while out. Its a well known fact that women are more likely to be targeted than men and especially people who are alone. That in no way makes me feel inferior. Just more aware. Personally, i have a live-in bf who must have moved from canada shortly before we met because the donkey has no qualms in leaving the security screen or door unlocked for any period of time or even while napping. UUUGGGHHHH!!!!!! Very much considering kicking him out due to all the vulnerability he subjects myself and my belongings to. Reply
Erica 03/24/2013 12:53 AM This past summer I moved 3 hours away from home to go to college. My roommate was gone for the summer, so I was there alone. I felt pretty safe because there’s a security gate that checks every car and keeps record of all visitors (name, tag number, etc.) and my building was the closest to the gate. One day around noon, I heard a knock on the door. I don’t have any windows where I can see who’s at the door, so I ask who it was, no answer. I look through the peephole and the person has their finger over the peephole. I don’t have a gun or anything, so I grabbed a big knife from the kitchen and said if they don’t leave I’m calling the cops. And then I hear my mom on the other side of the door. Luckily, after the summer I moved to a different complex that allowed me to have my dog, who tends to hear EVERYTHING (even people in the parking lot when I’m on the 3rd floor) and bark at it. Reply
Anonymous 08/01/2014 3:21 PM Why in the hell did your mother cover the peephole? Reply
Hannah 04/02/2013 3:46 AM Always, always, ALWAYS keep your doors locked when you are at home. A few years ago, my dad was working from home (alone) one morning. The doorbell rang, he looked through the peephole, didn’t recognize the guy, so he didn’t open the door. We gad trained our dogs not to bark when the doorbell rang, as we didn’t want them doing so if a friend was at the door. About 45 minutes later the doorbell rings again. Same guy. My dad looked out the for t window and noticed that the guy never got in his car or left, and it occurred to him that this guy could be going around to the back. Dad had been letting our dogs in and out of the backyard all morning, so the back door was unlocked. He walked into the kitchen to find the guy standing inside. Luckily, upon seeing my dad and being startled by his question, “What the f*** do you think you’re doing?” the guy scampered. We now lock the door every time we shut it, even if we open it 30 seconds later to let the dogs back in. We encourage their barking too. And we never open the door if it’s someone we don’t recognize. I personally like to keep the television on in the living room and/or kitchen, too. Reply
Anonymous 04/26/2013 3:50 PM Having personally lived in a rough neighborhood where break ins happened especially to cars. I had a baseball bat and security cameras installed. And having a gun and using aren’t the same thing, hell it could be unloaded but whoever was at the door would know you we’re to be taken seriously. Maybe you don’t have that problem in Canada but its safer to expect the unexpected living in an area where breaking and being held hostage in your own home happens from time to time. But I really thing self defense is a spur of the moment thing. Reply
anonymous 05/01/2013 11:03 PM I live 20 miles from a police station, so basically a 15 minute drive if the police are in the area and the 911 operator takes the call seriously. If a bad situation actually goes down, the police would basically be showing up to collect evidence and bag and tag my body. Guns are kind of like Condoms, better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it. ‘Merica. Reply
Barry 05/02/2013 7:57 PM I guess I’m coming a little late to the party here, but I read a lot of comments on here and of course the good old gun debate came up. I want to start by saying that I respect people that do not have guns in their homes and do not believe they need them. That is your choice and your right, furthermore. But it is also my right to have them, so please don’t take the harsh stance that we are just a bunch of “ignorant Americans” or otherwise. Along with owning a gun though comes a great deal of responsibility. You need to responsibly use your firearms as well. While there isn’t any harm in having a gun at hand, just remember that you don’t need to fling the door open and shove the business end in their face. There are many reputable gun ranges that also provide training in many facets of gun usage. My local range actually has classes in home defense tactics, taught by local police and other qualified individuals. They teach you the local laws so that you are in accordance with them and they teach you how to safely use your gun in a self defense situation. Remember, you are a law abiding citizen, and so is the individual on the other side of the door until they prove to be otherwise. There’s a lot of good stuff in this article. You can usually handle a situation like this (stranger at your door) simply by not opening the door for them. Look out a window, and see who they are, if you need to talk to them kindly ask who it is and let them know to state their purpose for being there. If they are selling something, kindly say you are not interested and ask that they leave. If they persist, then escalate the situation, but don’t open the door. Whether you do or don’t have some sort of weapon tell them to leave or you will call the police, again if they persist, escalate the situation. Call the police, tell them you’re calling the police, state that they are trespassing and that they need to leave NOW. But never under any circumstances open your door. If you are armed, be ready to defend yourself if they try to force their way in, but at the end of the day, it’s best not to use ANY force, whether it be lethal or non-lethal. I know the old adage “it’s better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.” But it’s always best to stay on the right side of the law. Let the police diffuse the situation so long as they can’t get in. Just remember folks, if you have any type of weapon, be trained on how to use it, practice using it, and be prepared to use it. Just remember, so long as they are not in your house and they can’t get in, it’s best to let the pros handle it. That’s why we have police. Using force should always be your last resort. Reply
Lilmir 06/14/2013 9:13 AM Some paranoid people out there. Reply
SilentNoMore 01/01/2014 11:06 AM It’s only paranoia until you become a victim. Reply
Another Canadian 06/16/2013 10:15 PM I think all this paranoia is just crazy! There’s no reason to greet people at the door with guns! I usually look out the kitchen window, see who it is and then go answer the door and greet the person with a smile, no matter who it is.I wonder what’s happened to some of you that’s made you so nervous about everyone! Reply
get away 02/21/2018 5:38 PM You open the door to anyone? Maybe there’s zero crime in your area. Reply
I Too Am a Canadian 06/16/2013 11:12 PM have to tell you, if you have never lived anywhere that caution, even paranoia was was warranted, you are fortunate. have lived in small towns and cities and farm, and always, for the past fifty some years found it to be good judgement. back on the farm, as a youngster, nearly every farm had a longish drive, and a large dog. Large dog was a fair warning someone was approaching, and a fair safety net. Even fifty plus years ago, can recal instances when it was warranted. Now live in a city, and large dog, and few instances large dog was helpful. Once he was laying out in (fenced and gated) back yard. Son looked out window, and large dog was on hind feet, standing up like person, litterly circling a man. Went out and he begged me with tears in his eyes not to let the dog eat him. (on hind feet he was about seven feet tall…) Man admitted to breaking latch on gate to get in, and I told him to get the hebb out of there, and then called the police. Also, had a lovely young woman (20?) come to my door, claiming to be selling children’s books..(I did not like something about her). Then she begged me to come in out of the rain. I said no. Then she begged me to use my bathroom. I said no. My neighbour allowed her to use the bathroom. Two days later they were broken in to. I really could go on. If you wonder what has made people nervous? I am not nervous. I am realistic. Reply
hello 06/25/2013 12:18 PM Not all of us live in Canada where people are actually nice to each other. Someone is probably getting beaten and robbed in my city this very second I’m typing. I can’t greet everyone at the door with a smile and a hello. If an unexpected visitor knocks on my door, I tell em to get the hell off my property before my dog tears em in half. If you think that’s rude, good. That’s why I don’t have visitors. And that’s why when I do, I know they’re up to no good. there’s not a lot of sounds that would make a robber stop in their tracks faster than the sound of racking a pump action 12 gauge loaded with 00 buckshot. That is a loud, unmistakable sound. Get a dog people. Most robbers will pass a house with a loud dog. All the headache and chewed shoes will mean nothing when the dog barks away a life threatening situation in the middle of the night. Reply
Viking 07/16/2013 8:43 AM I live in Norway and barely anyone got legal guns here. I’m not going to lie, YES, crime with or without guns happen a lot, especiall in suburban areas, but the chances are so slim, unless you got yourself in some big trouble. I live in an area that has the highest amount of addicts compared to the number of residents, where crime on the street is very real, but I have not once through my whole life experienced being attacked in my own home. So have not any of the people I know. If we would take America’s percentage of murders each year, we would have had about 400 dead citizens. Last year, we had 28 in total. Reply
wildbill 07/16/2013 9:45 AM Must be nice to not to worry about thugs having weapons. Here in America the gangs have more weapons per person than the average citizen. The citizens here that do have weapons have more than one. I couldn’t see myself without. If someone comes into my home while I’m here I will do three things: 1. Shoot 2. Shoot again 3. Call 911 I take my life and my family life very seriously. I have never had to shoot anyone in my home and I hope I never do. I hope that my weapons will only be used for hunting. But if I need my pistol and don’t have it… I would rather have a pistol sit in a desk for 40 years and never use it as to not having one and one day might need it. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 5:51 PM First you say “crime with or without guns happen a lot”, then you say “but the chances are so slim” ????? If it happens a lot, then the chance are not slim Then you say “I have not once through my whole life experience being attacked in my own home. So have not any of the people I know” Unlike you, we know many people who have been affected by crime. After you said that crime in Norway happens a lot, you also said it is very small compared to the US crime rate. So to people in the US, crime doesn’t happen a lot there. Reply
Celeste Powers 07/19/2013 4:09 PM Honestly, I wonder how the comments turned from talking about safety to how stupid and “retarded” Canadians or Americans are…actually, I know exactly how. This feud between Americans and Canadians has got to stop and the wrong use of the word retarded. No one should ever call someone retarded or stupid (what you say is what you are), it’s wrong and degrading terms used by people who lack knowledge. I believe everyone has different ways to protect themselves whether weapons, God or whatever. In Canada we aren’t allow to yield weapons if our occupation does not so require (eg. Police officers, security guards, bodyguards, etc. need weapons) and so no one can expect us to try and protect ourselves illegally…we use other more practical methods (eg. Guard dog, security/alarm system, etc) to protect ourselves unlike Americans who have easy access to weapons as long as they are the required age. I can understand what Anonymous is saying about Americans having a higher crime rate, it’s because criminals have more access to weapons than Canadians. Not to say that Canada doesn’t have a high crime rate or it’s the safest place to love but it’s a great place that is probably safer. ~ Celeste Powers Reply
Anonymous 02/21/2018 10:35 AM Thugs, Theives and robbers do not abide by the laws. That is why we have and own weapons. Ours are not dangerous, they have not hurt anyone. They are quite peaceful. Reply
SteveO 07/21/2013 10:36 AM Wasp spray? For home defense? WOW! You better hope they die after you spray them because if they live and get a good lawyer they will sue the living $hit out of you. Reply
Texasgirl 07/30/2013 11:16 AM Let me tell you what just happened last night. I can’t believe you posted this but I don’t believe in coincidences. A guy knocked on my door (we live in small town, subdivision). He said he was with satellite company any was going to put new equipment in for free since ours was probably outdated (houses are newer in subdivision). I said Ummm I have not gotten anything by mail notifying me, maybe I should call. During this time I kept my glass door locked and my door pulled where he could not see inside the house. He did not have proper attire on and having repairs done just a few weeks ago, company said workers will always have uniform and the email a picture of your technician. He got agitated. Asked me why I wouldn’t do it. He said well if you call they may not know exactly who I am, but we are contracted. I said no I would like you to leave and he was rude. His car had Utah plates. And he was in a CAR, not a service truck. I got on Facebook and notified everyone in town and he did try a couple of others. I was home alone so it was scary, luckily the neighbors were looking out for each other. Reply
unknown suspect 07/30/2013 2:31 PM When seconds count, the police are MINUTES away. You might be dead and the perpetrator long gone by the time Barney Fife shows up. Police are not there to prevent crime from happening, simply to clean up the scene after it has occurred. Reply
Tango 07/30/2013 7:55 PM Hey Anonymous, lets make a deal— you stay in Canada where you are safe, I will keep my guns and be safe Reply
Hoser in America 07/30/2013 9:54 PM Fewking unbelievable the naive attitudes of my not so fellow Canadians. Thank God they are the exception, and not the norm for civility where i came from. BE PREPARED. It worked pretty well for the Boy Scouts, and it works pretty well for me as well. i owned guns up north, and I own guns down here. Responsible gun ownership is an honor, and a privilege. I respect anyone not wanting either, but i do not respect the derisive attitude coming from smug Canadian ass hats who think that their holier than thou attitude, rules, and government will protect them. Canada is 10 percent the population of the USA. So, of course there is more crime here. Canadian immigration is severely restricted, and their illegal immigration problem – does not exist. There is just a couple reasons why things are different on either side of the border. I prefer to carry the “Bigger Stick”, the gun. I prefer preparedness to consequences for thinking my life and property are sacred, and will never be harmed. Our modern society on either side of the border will come unravelled in hours if there is ever a SHTF event. The unarmed superior Canadian will end up getting bar b q’ed by their hungry neighbors. Urban environments will be a train wreck. It could be a climate event, an EMP sunspot origin take down of the electrical grid, a tsunami, earthquake, or, more increasingly likely, a major currency collapse. Our just in time society will go to hell instantly, and a lot of folks are gonna be caught singing koom by yah, because they are not prepared, self reliant, capable of taking care of themselves, or even feeding themselves beyond what is in the fridge, the store, or the restaurant. And, even if none of that happens, all you need is one person down on their luck to ruin your whole life – because you expect that Big Brother will look after you. So, go ahead, call the cops while that homeless person / junkie / gang member is trashing your place / stealing all of your stuff / bashing your skull in ( or that of your spouse and children ) / or raping you. Congratulations – you are one of the sheep created by television, corporate advertising, and government education. You are totally screwed. I have met more sane, polite, well educated, honest, high integrity gun owners that I can call friends, and count on in a pinch in the good ‘ole USA in 13 years – than amongst all of the Canadian smug, arrogant, ass hats who think they are morally superior to Americans in the previous 45 years i spent in Canada. Please accept my apology for their attitudes – they are not representative of Canadians as a whole – they are a sad sub species that deserves the eradication that their future holds. God Bless America, and God Bless Americans !!! I am proud to be here. Reply
small but scary. 01/09/2014 7:38 PM Seriously dude? Booooooooooo Reply
Just Sayin' 02/21/2018 11:45 AM HIA, Thank you for posting… I would hate to think all Canadians were that way… Unfortunately we have some of those here as well. part of the mis-education of America., . Like the play on words…” Koom by yah”… tho I like “Doom-by-yah”, in this situation. Reply
toni Z 07/31/2013 12:08 AM Hey, I haven’t read all of the comments – but i did get to the unfortunate Canadian who called Americans “retards”. I’d like to apologize on behalf of Canadians…I have a high regard and respect for our southern friends… I live in Canada – born and raised. my husband has a firearms license, and we feel we have the right to protect ourselves in cases where we need to. No we don’t run around shooting like Sammidy Sam…but – I also know that Americans don’t run around shooting everyone either… Needless to say – It’s important to be smart about strangers…someone I know just found out one of their friends (NOT mine) is into human trafficking (through the US, and Canada) and they were in complete shock when he was arrested …Also, in Canada two men broke into an 80 year old woman’s house, and held her captive for SIX months – forcing her to sign over her social security cheques, and treating her terribly – she eventually got out BECAUSE she got a hold of a weapon!!! So dear whoever you are that says 7/8 of all people are innocent…perhaps you don’t even know your own neighbour. Don’t be naive, don’t be suspicious. Just…defend your freedom, so maybe someone else won’t have to. That is all. Reply
Ken Jorgustin 07/31/2013 9:09 AM In my opinion there are a proportionate number (percentage) of people who are ‘bad’ people, regardless of where they live in the world. It’s just how it is in the human species. It’s part of human DNA. While one could get very involved discussing root causes and effects which may tilt the scale one way or the other, it’s not so much about nations, borders or geography, but about the apparent fact that there are simply a number of us as a species who are evil doers. It is wise to at first be suspicious or skeptical of people’s intentions, while being smart about it (e.g. stranger knocking on your door as in this article). Reply
Wondering 07/31/2013 6:50 PM Well said… It is pretty much the “thought” I have regards any records keeping/government records keeping of your info/public agency, etc etc..Let’s be a bit naïve and give all these agencies – govt and otherwise – the benefit of doubt, and accept their assurance they only want info/store info to “help us better, etc”..Maybe so (unlikely), However, what about the per cent of their “employees” who will use said data for nefarious/evil means…??? As you say above, there is always that per cent. Reply
I Am a Canadian Too 07/31/2013 2:25 AM yes, so much have to agree, don’t be naïve… however, sad to say, I would say “BE suspicious”.. am betting that folks, especially in cities, absolutely do not “know” their neighbors. Canada is NOT all sweetness and sugar U.S. is NOT all gun shooting evil Anyone read in news of teen shot couple days ago on Toronto Transit? He had a short knife. He was alone on bus (rest were ordered off). Police “group” came on bus. Teen was shot three times. Teen was down on floor (dead?)..Shot six more times. Then tasered. Of course he was dead. so, yes, be aware, be concerned, even suspicious… even of those in uniform. Reply
SoCalGirl 07/31/2013 7:31 AM I live in southern California and I think it’s safe to say that we’ve had our share of crimes and unfortunate events. Something happened yesterday that’s been really bothering me. I was home alone with my younger brother and sister when someone rang the doorbell. I was in the bathroom and they knocked a couple times. My little brother was upstairs and my younger sister in the downstsirs living room. I told my sister to get the door but it turned out she was upstairs and didn’t hear anything. I checked to see who it was through the peephole on our door. I took a quick glance and saw a man. I just figured it was our pool guy just letting us know he was leaving after cleaning our pool. But no. It turned out to be some stranger who was informing me of a house a couple streets down that just installed a system to help save energy. I now realize it was stupid of me to not look closer at who it was before I even opened the door. I’m 18 and I’ve had my share of times where I opened the door when my mom got mad at me for opening the door to people whether they’re Jehovah Witnesses or advertisers. Anyway, the guy didn’t tell me his name or any information about him, just on this new system that “could help the environment without having to go solar.” I noticed he was a Hispanic, like me, and casually dressed. I don’t recall seeing an unknown car out front, just the huge trash truck emptying our trash bins directly behind him. My eyes kind of wandered because he took a while to explain his reason for being here. He then said they were going to “bring the whole neighborhood in on this” and asked if we were going to be home next weekend. The first thought thst popped into my head was “if i said yes, they’ll try to advertise us this system thing and I know my mom doesn’t like people who try to sell us things. The second thing that popped into my head was that my brother, sister, and I weren’t going to be home this weekend because we’d be in mexico with our dad for 4 days. So what I said was “No, not us.’ STUPID STUPID STUPID, I know. Please don’t tell me something I already know. I could’ve said yes or I’m not sure. I now realize the intensity of the situation and am terrified. I told a stranger we wouldn’t be home one weekend. I don’t know what my mom and step-dad are doing THIS weekend but I know for sure we will be home NEXT weekekend as we are having a birthday party. Once I gave my answer he smiled and said OK. To be honest, I don’t remember if there was anything after that but I just remember talking with my sister about it a few minutes after it happened. I let her know that what I just said was very uniwise and naive. We have a very big family, including two toddlers. I am scared that this guy will come one of these weekends and break into our house, or even worse, break into our house while we are there because we don’t know if they were to have weapons. We have 3 dogs but all 3 were in the garage because they don’t know our pool guy very well yet. Besides, none really pose a threat. Our german shepherd is easily frightened, as well as our yorkie. Our chihuahua is 13 years old but was the only one that barked at the sound of the doorbell. I need advice as to what I should do. This is my fault and I need to correct it. This has been a huge weight on my shoulders all day and I’m praying that this guy and whoever else doesn’t come to my house ever again. I don’t want my family to think I’m stupid, though I normally get shy and don’t answer the door to strangers anymore. Part of me is telling me to go to the police but qhat are they gonna do, wait around my house a couple weekends for a possible burglary? I don’t know. I need advice from older, experienced adults. PLEASE HELP! ANY COMMENT IS ENCOURAGED! Reply
get away 02/21/2018 6:16 PM You told your little sister to open the door when you didn’t even know who was knocking? That was so wrong Reply
Texasgirl 07/31/2013 12:46 PM Tell your parents. They will understand, you are young. Next, contact the local police department and give details and a description. They may have had others report it, but they can also be on the lookout. Also alert neighbors. You and your parents just need to be extra careful. Do not open the door to any stranger. It is too dangerous. Even your parents are home, they need a screen door that locks that they can “talk” through it when someone comes to the door. It is sad that is come to this. Reply
SoCalGirl 08/01/2013 9:35 PM Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated. Reply
Paul 07/31/2013 3:00 PM Years ago, when I was living in Brooklyn,(New York city) the superintendent in the building kept a meat cleaver hanging above his front door. He would open the door on a heavy chain and if anyone tried to force their way in or stuck their foot in the door so it couldn’t be closed, he could just reach up and grab the meat cleaver. This worked very well for him. I used more traditional means: Bowie Knife,semi-auto 22, shotgun. I know one shot from a 22 isn’t usually a stopper but a 10 shot burst will usually do the job and the walls were thin. There was the additional problem of the mandatory fire escape which was the preferred break in point for thieves and crazies. I of course had this wired with an alarm that would wake up the dead when the window was opened more than 4 inches. Reply
Ralph 08/01/2013 7:03 PM Live life on the edge just once next month and simply open the door, you may be pleasantly surprised! Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 1:46 PM People have to climb over a locked gate and walk 1000 feet to knock on my door, so they’re not doing it casually. You only have one chance to do some things right. Caution is warranted until the real situation can be assessed. Reply
LuckyLady 08/07/2013 9:24 AM Most people live with a false sense of security. No one is safe anywhere no matter what they think. Don’t be paranoid, just be prepared. Last neighborhood we lived in which was your average type, a neighbor was in backyard gardening with front door unlocked. As she went back in front door, she saw men running out the backdoor who had gone in the front before her robbing. KEEP your doors locked even if at home and even if you are in your yard. Now more than ever with economic woes people are doing more crazy things due to joblessness, despair, depression, drug abuse (even prescription). Use common sense–you know the area where you live and your comfort level. Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t open door to someone you don’t know–why invite trouble? All it takes is a few seconds for a nut supposedly selling something to force their way in–without your neighbors even noticing. Once they are in behind closed doors they can do whatever they want to you &/or your family, then slip out the back unnoticed. Paranoid? No–just realistic & it can happen to ANYONE. Reply
LuckyLady 08/07/2013 9:28 AM People think “it can’t happen to me, those types of things always happen to someone else”. Wrong–that’s the type of thinking that gets people in trouble. Reply
Just Another Canadian 08/18/2013 4:53 PM So I’ve read all the comments on this thread. I have a few opinions, and strong ones at that. What I will say is that personal attacks are never the way to go. It just makes a person lose all credibility and distracts from the point one is trying to make. That being said, here is my story. I live in a fairly sized city, population approx 750,000. Not large, not tiny. We have the highest violent crime rate in the country per capita. We have the highest murder rate in Canada, per capita. For nearly 10 years I worked with high risk youth. Many of whom were street kids and involved in gang life. I have a unique perspective on our situations in our city. Because of my involvement with these individuals ( and the local police, I needed them more times than I can count) I was always unlisted in the phone book. I’ve always been cautious. I watch over my shoulder. I pay attention to what goes on around me. I had an incident several years ago where I was attacked by a client. It wasn’t pleasant but all in all it ended fairly well. I had training and had mentally played through this event in my head numerous times. I was prepared and educated. If I had had a gun I know it would not have gone well. I spent the next two years convinced this individual would retaliate and I’ve been on my guard ever since. I’ve gone to counseling to get over that aspect of the “incident” and for the most part I’m better. What I realized is that I don’t have to be hyper vigilante. Just cautious. Nothing has changed. I’m still the same observant person I always was, but more cautious. I don’t take unnecessary risks. I watch what people are doing and how they responding to what is going on around them. We’re not allowed to carry guns on us here ( though if we believe Michael Moore, we have a higher gun to person ratio per capita in Canada than the US. Must be all those hunters) so we are forced to be more creative in our personal protection plan. Fore I took self defense, non- violence training, and personal protection training. They all sound alike but are very different. The things that I have learned have helped to spot potential problems a mile away. I now know how to avoid a situation/ confrontation. One of the best things that I have learned in my life is to be assertive and prepared mentally. Get over feeling rude. A well meaning person will understand. A person who is not so well meaning, who cares if s/he is taken aback? Remember, your safety, whether on the street or in your home begins and ends with you. The best defense a person will ever have is a well laid out plan. If you feel the need to protect yourself with a gun, remember you may end up using it. It may end up being used against you. I’m not going to say right or wrong. But if you are truly so worried that you feel a gun is your only choice take additional courses on self protection so that you will know all your options and understand all of them before you get to the point of needing to fire. Please know that not all Canadians live in a “our world is sunshine and rainbows” kind of place. I for one see the everyday violence that goes on around me. I know that my city is not a safe place. But I am choosing to be smarter than my attackers and not be a victim through training and self awareness and situational awareness. For the record, if I lived in the country in the middle of no-man’s land I would certainly have a gun at the ready. Ps. I’m typing on a phone. Please forgive the spelling. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 6:30 PM A lot of criminal in the USA have guns. They don’t need to use our guns against us. They probably have their own. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 6:31 PM It should be very easy for criminals to get guns illegally Reply
StealthSurvivor 08/21/2013 8:20 AM I always make sure I know who’s coming by and when. If anybody comes unexpected, I simply grab my pistol and ignore them where so far, they just leave. My pistol is in case a time comes if they don’t, and then they better have a warrant or risk being shot. I insist on my privacy, my right to be left alone n peace, and god help any individual that may choose to deprive me of my human rights. Reply
Ally 08/31/2013 6:42 PM Please people don’t be naive! buy a multilock door and close it for Christ Sake! Always!… And don’t open to strangers! Reply
Chris 09/04/2013 7:12 AM Oh, this is all so dreadfully hateful. I was a door to door salesmen a few years ago, and now I am a software developer. Every door to door salesperson I knew was hardworking, bottom line. They didnt take food stamps. They didnt beg. They worked hard to get through college and better their life and make money while they can. A lot of them didnt have supportive parents who were paying their way. I’ve noticed a lot of suburban women snub their nose at door to door salesmen (young adults and teens alike), and it seems very wrong to me If you arent interested- tell him, “I’m not interested”. Dont ignore him, dont play a hide and wait game. Even though yes it is your property the man is just doing his job. Have a little love and compassion, wont you? Dont be so hateful to a guy out there sweating hard to make an honest living. And no they arent crooks or swindlers, honestly they give the same pitch every time and if you want the service you chime in for more info and sign up for a FREE ESTIMATE KEY WORD FREE. You dont BUY anything at the door 90% of the time anyway unless its super small like a magazine. Its ultimately your choice. And again, a simple “no thank you” is at least humane. Reply
George 04/01/2014 1:48 PM We have the right to our privacy. You may go to work like everyone else and let us have our peace while we are in our home. Door salesmen went out in the 70’s Reply
Lady jane 04/06/2017 9:38 PM Many women are terrified of strange men. So are mothers at home with small children, older kids or teens after school, elderly women and men. Many serial killers are charming but deadly. If sales people need to earn a living the safety of residents comes first. Why not have booths at malls. Safer for all. Some cable vision companies have booths in electronic stores and they are always busy. I would ban the jehovahs witnesses also. Churches advertise in the yellow pages. Reply
get away 02/21/2018 6:43 PM Those people don’t know you. How can you expect them to know if you’re a real salesman? You’re being unrealistic Any criminal could use the salesman disguise to try to get inside. These ladies are not trying to be rude or hateful. They don’t even know you. Just because someone stays quiet inside their own home doesn’t mean they are being rude or hateful. Maybe if you weren’t a salesman you’d be wary of salesman. You’re only seeing it from your perspective. Put yourself in their shoes. And when someone doesn’t come to the door or say something, you should take that as that than they not be interested and move on. Reply
Anon 02/21/2018 6:59 PM Chris/George/Lady Jane/get away I am certain there are many hardworking / honest/trustworthy salespeople. —I have just as certain that many criminals and hooligans use the guise of “salesman” to try to gain your trust/access to your home. —- Have seen many examples of the later. Many. Truly it is not safe to answer questions/allow any stranger access in any way (even it told they have desperate emergency and need bathroom/phone). Truly have seen many examples of this type of kindness turning out badly. ==== As to just saying “no thank you I am not interested”…Truly, I have tried that as well, and it just seems to encourage them (if they are truly salespeople) to try to bully me into their product. I do answer the door (through a small speaking window), but I have gotten very firm and “short” with “NO. Thank you. ” and closing the window. No doubt many think I am a terrible old grouch. Frankly, I would often not even answer the door, but again, have heard many cases where they ring the door/knock to see if anyone IS home before breaking in… Reply
It IS a Different Wold 09/04/2013 7:47 AM Chris, truly I am sorry if you have been offended… that being said, you surely worked in a different situation (door to door wise), that what most of us have experienced… Personally, I grew up to be politely respectful of most all, especially those working in any capacity… However, it took me until WELL past my adult years to come to grasp with modern door to door salespeople (also telephone sales people)… They not only will NOT accept an “No Thank You, I am not interested”, they are abrasive/challenging/rude/SCARY about it all in 98 per cent of the time. Especially when I am home alone (and most even if not), I answer unexpected door calls through the small “door window”…If they don’t looks scary, I might open the door/might not. -Majority of door to door (salesmen/solicitors/surveyors etc) who I have “experienced” do not have I.D., (when asked), and seem put out that I ask…(most definitely will NOT get anywhere with me without I.D.) -Majority are aggressive/abrasive and scary -Majority have tried various means to intimidate me when I say “no thank you” -I have now gotten a minimal response “no thank you” then close the “door window” or close the door. re telephone salesmen..well, they are much similar, and most assuredly will NOT take a no thank you.. -they are mostly now replied to with something like “no, I can’t sign up for your service, I don’t have “telephone” (that one must make them wonder how we are speaking) “I don’t have electricity” “I don’t have internet” “I’m not allowed to” “It is against my religion” “My windows have just been replaced” “My furnace has just been cleaned” “I already have an extensive alarm system” etc.. “I Reply
the real chaz 09/11/2013 4:14 PM You don’t have to answer your door if you don’t want to. You don’t have to talk to the person knocking on your door through a window or anything else. You don’t have to be “nice”. You don’t have to be reasonable or neighborly. You have no legal, moral, social, etc.. obligation to respond to a stranger banging on your door. If they kick the door in, make sure they get both their feet inside before raising your weapon of choice to defend yourself. Be alert around holidays and hunting season if you’re rural. They always come around looking, snooping, asking bullshit questions Sometimes they’ll park a vehicle and start roaming on foot. I put up sign. “No phone, No water, no toilet, 20 dollar fee for information.” Works. If not, I’ll go to plan B. Reply
anni 09/18/2013 11:50 PM My garage is part of my home. When the door is open they come in an knock on the door to my utility room. I now keep the garage door closed. However, if raining and expecting family I would like to leave it open. I want to know are these people considered to be entering my home without permission? The front door is on the same side of my home. I have dogs, alarm system, a gun but I am on a walker and not comfortable answering the doorr to strangers. Reply
KoolAid 10/02/2013 1:24 PM If someone had a gun in the movie shooting, they could have shot the maniac and less people would have died. In Mexico mostly the drug cartels have the guns so citizens can’t really protect themselves and that equals more violence. You can put a no gun sign on the front door of a bank but it will not stop a robbery . the bad guy is going to bring his weapon in, while all the citizens are disarmed. Also, right after the sandy hook shooting, in china a man did the same thing but killed kindergardenerw with a knife. He killed many innocent toddlers and now I suppose you want to ban knives. What about the Boston marathon, if the NSA was useful why didn’t they catch him before. Let’s ban trash cans, guns, knives, and work to give the goverment lots of money while we sit home and drink kool aid. Bad guys will always have guns, so why would we take them away from the law abiding citizens. Reply
srd 10/10/2013 2:11 PM How well do you REALLY ‘know’ anyone? Especially someone you’ve never met before, let alone all that you have. Be aware. Reply
george 10/11/2013 2:52 PM I am not trying to stir anything up and I have only viewed this conversation for the first time today. BUT – I do question American gun laws. If the gun laws protect you, why were there 500 murders in Chicago last year and only 60 in Toronto (a city of comparable size to Chicago – in fact, just a little bit larger than Chicago). Guns Kill – that’s why. Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 1:54 PM Gun LAWS kill! The only guns on the streets of Chicago are either on cops, or are illegal. Getting a permit for a legal gun in Chicago is near impossible. If legal guns were available to law abiding citizens in that city, the murder rate would have been far lower. Reply
Anonymous 02/21/2018 12:02 PM People Kill not weapons. The clowns in action ship the guns in to the gangs to make a buck… part of the depopulation agenda in the hood. Reply
Cam 10/20/2013 11:30 AM You guys HAVE GOT to stop this!! Canada, you’re blaming a few people for all the problems of the US, it’s not these people’s fault that there ARE “homicidal maniacs” all around the world!! Stop getting mad at them for making their own personal safety choices!! America, you’re doing the same thing!! You guys are all like little bickering children!!! So, it wasn’t right for this one man to say those accusations, but do you really think it will help to say almost the exact same thing back?!? Two wrongs never have, and never will, make a right.. I mean, COME ON!!!! You guys all sound like idiots and none of you are proving anything but your blind hatred for some person you DON’T EVEN KNOW!!!!!! Reply
max 10/22/2013 12:12 AM Don’t answer the door. Reply
Lisa H 10/26/2013 12:30 AM I just chamber a round in my 12 gauge and they bust ass away from my door. Problem solved. Reply
Lisa H 10/26/2013 12:34 AM The reason there are so many gun crimes in Chicago is because the LAW ABIDING CITIZEN can’t readily own/carry a gun. Texas (my stomping grounds) has a concealed carry law and our crime went down almost immediately. Before you try and justify stripping Americans of their 2nd amendment rights, get your facts straight and offer a well thought out and researched opinion. Reply
mark 10/31/2013 8:54 AM If the gun laws protect you, why were there 500 murders in Chicago last year and only 60 in Toronto (a city of comparable size to Chicago – in fact, just a little bit larger than Chicago). Reply
Ken Jorgustin 10/31/2013 10:02 AM mark, You need to brush up on your gun laws. The internet is a great source to discover these facts… The state of Illinois (and Chicago) have very restrictive gun laws. In fact it wasn’t until July of this year (2013) that Illinois became the last state in the country to allow the concealed carry of firearms (for those who are fortunate enough to obtain a license). In Chicago it is apparently extremely difficult to obtain a concealed carry. Therefore, any or all of the criminals and murdering thugs may carry a gun (because by definition, they do not adhere to law) while 99.99% (an estimation) of residents are not able to obtain concealed carry. So………who’s going to win that fight? Clearly, gun control is not the answer to Chicago’s murder problem. Reply
Reality 01/18/2014 4:34 PM Hey Twinkletoes, Come down here where I live on the South side of Chicago and lets see if your opinion changes after living a few weeks in my neighborhood. The weak are eaten like chickens and only the strong (well armed) survive. The gangbangers will study you, establish your patterns and pounce on you like poultry. Say hello to Santa for me. Reply
sara 11/06/2013 7:30 AM dont answer the door, we called the police and they warned us to call them if he shows up again, he gave us a sob story about how his power was off, he was sleeping in a laundromat, he shed real tears, he wanted us to take him to the bank to get him money, what a bunch of lies he gave us, we called the police, they told us if he came back call 911 and they will arrest him, be care fffffffffffful dont fall for any crocodile tears, we are senior citizens but we are no fools, people be careful they are every where with their lies; sara in ohio Reply
Alexis 12/02/2013 10:25 AM If there is someone at my door my dog goes off and she is a miniature schnauzer she thinks she is a big dog. So when she starts going off i go to get my other two dogs my blue doberman (female) seams mean because of her bark but she wouldn’t hurt anybody unless she senses something is not right she has never bit anyone she is a big baby. My other dog is a miniature pinsher (male) he has bit my sister one time but they were playing around because she gets in his face and he is my oldest dog and he has gotten more protective because one of his puppy’s (I used to breed him)and I kept one of the puppy’s she was the runt and I didn’t think that she would make it and so i hand fed her and she was my baby and she recently got her jaw caught outside and I went to let the dogs in after playing outside for 1 hour and I found her dead but it was because she was almost out of what she got caught in and she had a seizure. this year hasn’t been good at all I have lost my 1 year old cat that was pregnant because my neighbor trapped her and dropped her off some where and than yelled and cussed at me my 8 year old sister and my friend. I have lost my miniature pinscher and my boxer akida mix that was my very first dog so im so sad because of that but i know she is in a better place now. i have lost 4 other cats 3 that I rescued from starvation when they were babies in my grandmas shed they got taken away because i didn’t get them fixed because i was waiting to get the money for it but the other one my uncle gave him to me but he got out one day and he was just a kitten and he got attacked by my neighbors dog and I just have had a stressful year. but anyways i get my dogs out and i get my metal baseball bat and I have a pistol that i keep in my safe and i run and get that and keep it in my hoodie pocket and crack the door and if they ask if im home alone im not because my uncle who has ninja swords and much more!! Reply
uk guy 12/06/2013 8:02 AM alexis — r u on drugs or wot ?? Reply
get away 02/21/2018 6:58 PM Alexis had me at “bit my sister one time but they were playing” I knew the rest was… Reply
Blaze 12/23/2013 1:19 PM The purpose of having a self defense gun is to avoid fighting. As a last resort, you shoot to kill, though just being armed and not showing the weapon can change your demeanor to one of much greater authority. Just have a clear idea of limits and never allow the adversary to cross them. Reply
mommy2four 02/07/2014 10:59 AM These are all great tips. I want to add one more word of caution to everyone. Don’t open the door just because it is a woman. I used to never open the door for a man, but felt fine opening it for a child or a woman. 2 yrs ago my uncle and cousin were murdered in a home invasion. This was not in a big city, nor did they have a really nice house or appear to have a lot of money. They lived in a very small, safe community where lots of people left their doors unlocked. A woman knocked on their small farm house door and said that her vehicle had broken down alongside the road and needed to call for help. ( I know the oldest trick in the book- BUT it was a WOMAN) Once the door was open, she let her other 2-3 male friends in. Even though my uncle owned a firearm, he was unable to use it against the attackers. Please be careful, and don’t trust anyone even if they look safe. Reply
lisa 03/11/2014 1:39 PM I totally agree with the person who posted this article. Many years ago I was home alone whilst my husband was in work. In broad day light, I could see two men trying to barge my front door in. They were pushing themselves up against the door trying to get in. It was so scary and I dread to think what would have happened if they succeeded. Anyway these men failed to break the door down and ran away. I phoned the police straight away. Never for a minute let your guard down, keep your wits about you and be careful who you trust. Reply
Ken Jorgustin 03/11/2014 1:41 PM Bad things can happen VERY fast. I agree – keep your wits about you. Situational Awareness. Reply
Anonymous 03/12/2014 11:53 AM you should always teach children about that especially if they are staying at the house alone. It always happens where I live Reply
Lou 03/14/2014 12:13 AM About 8pm tonight someone started knocking on our front door. My husband and our two dogs answered it. It was a teenage girl saying her boyfriend’s motorbike broke down and asked for help. My husband told her just a minute I’ll be out. He locked the door back and went out through our backdoor to see what was going on. Before he could get around to where they had their bike, the guy had come up to our front door, for what I don’t know. So glad my husband had locked it back. I immediately turned on all our outside security lights. They had pushed this dirt bike up our driveway into a cluster of trees. My husband stands on our side of our fence and they are talking. I let the dogs outside because they would throw a fit if either one of them approached that fence. I stood right outside the backdoor where they couldn’t see me and listened. I was ready to run inside, lock the door and call 911 if needed. The guy asked my husband for some water. So he walks to where I’m at and quietly asks me to get a bottle of water. I gave him one and he carried it back and handed it to the guy over the fence. Then the girl asked him if she could use the restroom. He told her no. They just stood there talking among themselves. The girl said they could just leave the bike there for the night, my husband said I don’t want it on my property. The guy wasn’t trying to start the bike or anything. My husband asked are you sure you’re not out of gas. The guy opens the tank and says that’s probably what’s wrong. He never asked for gas. About a minute later they pushed the bike on down the street. I thought this was weird, I felt something was not right. Reply
Anon 03/14/2014 8:14 AM Lou very glad you did not let them in. Glad hubby and big dogs were also home/in evidence sounds dodgy. had bad experience, myself with folks at door. right now, my response to request for water would have been even tougher than yours sorry no water (if persisted). — my water is turned off..waiting for repair man sorry no bathroom turn on all outside lights all sounds dodgy/dangerous might want to have a chat with neighbours, see if any were approached/mention that often this is how crooks “case” place/check to see if homes are “worth” breaking in to. Reply
George 04/01/2014 1:56 PM I never let anyone in, nor do i answer the door if we’re not expecting anyone! We deserve our right to privacy. Reply
Treasure Valley 04/08/2014 11:01 AM I advise to make noise if an unexpected knock occurs. Even if its a shotgun cocking, slamming a hand on a counter, a yelp. dog barking, etc. Most would-be-burglars will hightail it if someone was home. According to our police, silence invites them to break into the house thinking no one is home. I don’t know about you but I would rather not have to shoot someone breaking into my home when I could have prevented it. Will rather not have to clean blood from within my home or having my kids exposed to it. Here in Idaho, guns are a way of life with hunting and self-defense but still crime can happen anywhere. Reply
DL 05/02/2014 1:30 AM 1) You must have “No Trespassing” signage. In our State it is illegal to go past one. 2) Good lighting. 3) Security cameras (recorder-ON) really help. 4) TAKE THEIR PHOTOGRAPH. 5) With your H&R single shot 10GA loaded with “T-Shot” ready, use an “Eddie Murphy” growling “WHO IS IT?” (don’t shoot the Census Man). 6) let them see the shotgun. 7) If they do anything other than peacefully leave…911…I need someone to remove this trash from my front porch. Reply
Gungho 05/09/2014 8:27 AM In England we cannot go armed.Being armed is more likely to get you hurt.We leave our front doors open anyway because we’re all so lovely to each other. Reply
Mark 05/26/2014 11:31 AM My house sits behind a long driveway with a locked gate near the foot of it, so unwanted visitors cannot even get on the property, much less knock on the door. No buzzer is used. They can’t even approach the property to solicit someone outside because the house is set far enough back. There is nothing to be maintained near the entrance, so they won’t find anyone happening to be out there. Only family and close friends know the password to open it, anyone else has to call first. Deliveries are not a problem because they usually just leave it there by the gate (just as they would leave it on the porch) or throw it over. Also, i have cameras covering the location. Reply
LBJ 08/16/2014 11:08 AM Have done cameras, dog, gun, “On Guard” door stop which can keep linebackers from knocking door down or in as well as 3M Window film on all window glass which is often used by Jewelry stores…… hopefully will never need to rely on any of it….. Reply
Ken 09/19/2014 1:39 PM We had decorative Titan security doors installed on our back and front door last year and has a strong mesh screen and it acts like a screen door also but it is made of the same material the door is made of. Anyway if I open the door I have that door between me and the person at the door. Reply
Splendor 09/27/2014 3:13 PM It really makes me angry people feel they have a RIGHT to knock on someone’s door they don’t know. I had a friend who did this all the time serving people paper’s. I refuse to open my door for ANYONE I don’t know unless it’s UPS guy. Reply
Chloe 10/11/2014 12:08 PM We live in the UK and two guys knocked on the door claiming to be police officers. I asked for their badges, and when they refused I knew that something was up. Luckily, our German Shepherd was not taking any crap and was staring them out all the time. As soon as I asked them to leave, my dog went mental barking and growling. Never saw them since in our area. Reply
CommonSense 10/13/2014 8:26 PM I hate that this board even has to exist, but the sad fact is there are a lot of bad people out there. Yesterday was the 6 year anniversary of a murder in my small hometown in southwest Missouri. Two young men hopped up on meth forced their way into a home and violently killed a man, woman and their dog. Imagine…you’re sitting in your living room watching TV and two guys show up. They are so violent on the meth that they are able to kill two adults and a dog using knives. They didn’t just stab them, they butchered them…all so they could steal things to pawn in order to get more drugs. Fortunately, they were caught and confessed. One is in prison and the other killed himself in jail. Big enough man to slaughter two people, but not man enough to face the consequences. Many of the crimes in our corner of the world are drug related. Reply
Texasgirl 10/28/2014 12:03 PM I think it is getting scary even in small towns. We had a guy claiming to be a Dish rep wanting to upgrade our services for free. I didn’t open our glass door. He had no identifying clothing, just a “notebook” with their logo. Had I not had our equipment worked on a week ago I would not have know their new protocols. They send you the name of the repair guy and a picture. Anybody they send out, you get a picture. I asked him these questions and he got very ugly with me. He did leave. I called our neighbors and I called Dish and the local police. We never did find out who they were. Luckily, I also have my gun. I am not stupid. I do believe in arming yourself. Bearing arms is my right. I will defend my family. You only think it is crazy until something happens to your family. Reply
Charles 10/28/2014 4:26 PM You having a gun wasn’t luck, it was preparation. Kudos! Reply
Charles 10/28/2014 4:23 PM Good article with the exception of faking that your husband, father or brother is home. Women are beyond capable of self defense. Its called 2nd amendment. If they kick your door in shoot them in the chest. That usually gets compliance real quick. Those days where women needed men for protection ended when John Browning created the pistol. Listen up ladies, get trained and protect yourselves! Reply
MommaBear 11/19/2014 3:46 PM Hey y’all! Great article. I enjoy reading the comments and experiences of others. To those comments that were really not meant to be helpful…other than to disagree and be judgemental…why are you here? Particularly to the Canadians (not all but most Canadian commenters) I am glad for you that you feel safe where you live and God forbid anything happens to you. The US maybe has a different set of problems than you do, or they are on a larger scale…or whatever the case is. Please don’t pretend like you have all the answers to our problems when you don’t live here and experience it first-hand. Most of us are just trying to do the best we can by our families and sometimes, that may include owning a gun or 2…or more because that is what we personally feel is what is best for our families protection from the evil that exists in our world. You have your opinion, I have mine. I also have the right (Constitutional and God-given) to protect myself, my family and my property from the losers trying to mess with it and I will do it by any means necessary. I am a Veteran, as is my husband. I am now a stay-at-home mom to our child. I am home with my child by myself M-F and even some Saturdays while my husband is working, sometimes late into the night. We live in an older, but fairly safe suburban neighborhood. We have a security system, we do not have any dogs yet as we are not where we would like to be financially before taking on that responsibility but we will be getting 2 giant breed dogs when we are ready, we have a locking security screen door and a steel front door with a deadbolt, a lock on our garage door (from the inside) when not going in and out, a steel door with a deadbolt that leads from the garage into the kitchen, and a steal door with a deadbolt that leads from the garage to the backyard. Our home is a split entry (upon entering you can either go up or down a few steps. For insurance purposes, (fire safety I assume) we had to take the security bars off of our windows on the upper level (they were there when we bought the property) and other than the sliding doors into the master bedroom and kitchen off the back deck, the upper level is really not easy to access without causing a commotion. Our lower level however is. Obviously, I lock the windows and double check they are locked before leaving the house or going to bed. I am having my husband cut some wood to prevent them sliding open and we are putting security doors on the outside of our sliding doors, we have motion sensor lights in the front and rear of our home, as well as path lights along the driveway and walkway. We also have a few ‘no trespassing’ signs and, yes, we have fire arms and extensive training with them. Besides dogs, is there anything you all can think of that would be helpful in securing my family/property? Would appreciate any CONSTRUCTIVE feedback! Thanks and GOD BLESS AMERICA! Reply
Canadian 04/08/2015 5:06 AM I think the Canadian commentators who wax poetic about the snug safety of Canada, have their heads where the sun don’t shine. Am Canadian, and can personally recount several cases of considerable concern, thankfully all resolved safely, but… Problem in Canada, is there are less legal ways to protect one’s property… However….it is not the snug cocoon in Canada some seem to think Reply
Lady jane 04/06/2017 9:04 PM Canadians should be permitted guns to defend family and home. Of course always lock your doors and do not open them to strangers. Even in the 1960s and 1970s in rural Canada people were murdered inside their own homes when doors were unlocked.we can’t even own pepper spray, meanwhile the criminals, drug dealers, home invaders etc have free reign. Never open your door to strangers. Better to call the cops and to report suspicious persons. Reply
Lady jane 04/06/2017 9:13 PM My father had guns at the cottage and similar rifles at home. After his death my mother sold the cottage and the guns. Crime is violent even in Canada. We had some thugs come to the door at 3 am and I told mother not to open the door. I called the police. They threatened to rape her. I wish I had a gun to shoot them even through the window. By the time the police arrived the thugs were gone. My late parents were WW2 vets. My father knew how to shoot. People should be trained to shoot to protect themselves and their families. In Canada all the gangs and drug dealers have guns and we cannot defend ourselves legally. Any Canadian who leaves their front door unlocked is a fool. People escape from jail, are druggies looking to steal money, goods to fence, etc. Reply
Just Sayin' 02/21/2018 12:28 PM Sounds like you are on the righ track…How about fencing? Consider is front and back yard fenced. separately, if possible the more brriers you hae the better off you are… in some manner to be less than friendly to someone running thru the neighborhood.. Reply
Jock. 11/22/2014 1:50 AM “Beware of Dogs” sign is better than a ‘Beware of Dog’. Even if you only have one dog and it is a little dog. The thief may see your little dog and think that is no problem at all, but if the sign says “Dogs”, he doesn’t know how big the other one(s) may be. Reply
lady jane 06/03/2017 10:07 PM True. Multiple dogs, multiple jaws. I would like a sign saying ‘doggie daycare’ but may get inquiries from pet parents looking for a space for their dog. My neighbors have asked me about my dog. The ‘beware of dog sign’ is fake. I do have an alarm system which I have registered with the police. Even a poodle can alert you to a stranger on your property before you notice it. Reply
Sorry, I don't want any 01/16/2015 4:01 PM Here lately it has become a nightmare with people knocking on the door, especially men saying they work for the Gas and Electric company here near Baltimore. I know better since the real people are trained not to haggle citizens at their homes. Reply
Me 01/20/2015 9:35 AM My husband recently passed away. I’m alone in the house a man knocked on my door in the dead of night. The weather outside was -10. Like a fool I opened the door. He needed a shovel he was stuck in my driveway. I pointed to the shovel and closed and locked the door. I was such a fool to have opened that door and lucky he was who he said he was. When I looked out the window I guess he had called for help and they were out of the drive-way in no time. I noticed sitting back watching them was the police. That will no longer happen in my house. I’m getting the gun ready and will get a camera for outside. If I don’t know you I will not open the door man or woman. Reply
¬ 04/08/2015 2:33 AM In my opinion, you did a good thing by opening that door: You offered help to a man in need of it. He (and his family/companions?) so didn’t have to sit tight in the snow for how long? by minus 10. Reply
Anon 04/08/2015 4:56 AM yikes…I do NOT think so. Do not agree with you. wtf was he doing in HER driveway? obviously she was not expecting a visitor. if he shovelled and got gone, just maybe it was because of the police sitting watching. if someone knocks at your door, especially if you are alone (and even if not), and they need help (and ESPECIALLY if they are in YOUR drive), shout through the door you will call the Police/Tow for them, and do NOT open the door. Reply
Njgirl69 03/08/2015 12:27 AM Hi thanks for the site and all the posts. I am a 45 y/o mother if 2 hubby and I both have concealed carry and I keep mine in a purse while out. We have a small dog yet ankle biter who barks at everything. We have 1 .22 rifle a 20 gauge that my daddy left me and a glock 19 another .25 auto n s/w 380. I carry a 357. I live in a semi rural area 2 cops. 1 traffic light. Across the ohio river is a minor city with big drug crime. That being said. Since I don’t want my kids (16 & 11) playing with guns they are in a safe or 2. Son has a Louisville slugger and daughter her aluminum t ball bat. They also know how to shoot bows and arrows and have access to them. My so has a cobra pistol cross bow and 2 different knives. (16 so he’s old enough). Plus I have a aunt who lives with us how doesn’t like guns. My cousin attempted suicide in 87 with her brothers unsecure gun. I personally believe that guns are safe if used correctly. I was raped at the age of 10 in my own bed at home by a neighbor we knew well. It caused emotional scars for years. But it also taught me to be hyper aware of danger as an adult. Have I ever needed a weapon in my adult life. Not yet. However I have a major bank across the road that was robbed 2 months after I bought my house. Robber parked outside our 6ft high privacy fences. Walked around on sidewalk outside my home waiting for me to leave with my infant child. I worked nights and took her to sitter @ 2. Hubby and son didn’t come in till 3;30. He knew our schedule. Had my old ankle bitter not barked I would not have gone out on my enclosed porch to ask him wtf he was doing by my car. That man robbed 5 banks in 3 states he was armed and dangerous. I was the only one in my small community to have seen him. Everyone else though he was a repair man. Because I questioned him I brought him to justice 10 yrs later I still live here still have locked fences dog cat and guns. Warning signs of no trespassing oh and chief of our small police force told me to wait until any perp is 2 feet into my home before I use my 357 with hollow point on him. I prep for all disasters. Have a emergency plan and food. And plenty of ammo and street smarts. Growing up in surbs of New Jersey taught me to adapt and over come. And be the one on the winning side. Thanks for the great info I love your site. Reply
¬ 04/08/2015 2:28 AM After reading this… I had this picture coming to my mind: I’m new in the neighborhood. I just moved in and do not know anybody, am settling in my new home/flat, and my hammer(or any other kind of tool) broke. So I head out to my fellow neighbors ! I’m surely hoping they can help me by lending me the tool for the afternoon. But god am I not surprised when: – I ring the intercom at 10 flats before having one answering me. – The first 5 people to answer tell me they don’t have a tool or tell me straight to piss off (and by myself one). – When I finally find one that is willing to open the gate, I come passed the gate only to find a closed door asking me further questions. – After defending my case, the person disappears a minute (I suspect, it is to go grab the tool? Oh yeah my Odyssey is soon over?!)… only to come back with a gun in one hand and a baseball bat in the other hand. – This person tells me his/her wife/husband is working on something in another room (wtf… it’s nice to meet… but I really just need a hammer) – Taking great efforts, I manage to overcome my fear of this totally paranoid neighbor and chat. I tell her/him where I’m from, what home I now live in, etc. etc. – After 4 hours of struggling and 15 minutes of (nice enough) chat. After despair facing closed and closing doors, and after a great f*king sweat in front of a gun barrel… I finally can return to my shelf-building ! The following week. I move again. This time, to Canada Reply
Anon 04/08/2015 5:01 AM Dreamer. Do you also leave your extracted teeth under your pillow hoping that Canadian Tooth Fairy will leave you money? Have you not heard, it is well to be cautious everywhere? Reply
Alex 04/08/2015 8:29 PM You are joking right? I have lived in Toronto my entire life and guess what?? I NEVER EVEN LOCKED MY DOOR. The only reason i do now is because another family member moved in with me and he is very cautious, but for almost my entire life I have never locked them. I’m so glad i don’t live whenever these people live, it sounds like a nightmare. Dog in one hand, gun in the other, honestly you may be justified to want to protect yourself but to me you sound like a psycho. I’m sorry. Reply
Anon 04/08/2015 9:54 PM well, Alex, you seem to live in a different world…Quite Amazing.. Just in the past week..(I live in a fair sized Canadian city, in a “decent” neighbourhood) in my “section” of the city.. yesterday, (and this is just what hit the news) two home invasions two days ago group shooting up outside house party (not invited) yesterday body of man found who had been missing few days (murdered) woman arrested who one week ago, car jacked at gunpoint a SUV.. etc etc.. truly, you must live in a different world…Amazing Reply
Alex 04/09/2015 1:32 PM I live in Toronto and i have lived here my entire live. To me and to everyone I know in the city you sound completely insane. What city do you live in? If i may ask?
Paranoid Society 05/05/2015 9:38 AM The United States is the most paranoid society I have ever seen! I am seriously considering leaving for good. Reply
Just Sayin' 02/21/2018 12:39 PM My advise:Take all of your possessions when you leave, so you have no reason to return It would be awful to have to come back to such a place.. Reply
Jen 06/02/2015 8:51 AM When the doorbell rings, first thing I do is activate my Lifeline Response App on my cell phone. I “answer” the door by NOT opening it, but talking to them through the side window and telling them I can’t talk, I’m on the phone. All the while my personal safety app on my cell phone is activated so if they were to break in, I would drop my phone and my emergency response would be activated notifying 911 that I have an emergency. Get this safety app! I have Lifeline Response on my phone and so do both my daughters! Reply
Clever 07/03/2015 4:56 PM What is the crimial name for the neighborhood “finder” or “spotter” who lets burglars know when someone is not at home? I bought a house and put up 24/7 video security (over the objections of the neighbor lady)up on my TV antenna tower. It turned out that she was “finding” vacant homes for her boyfriend. He showed up with friends and I noticed because the target house porch light was flashing on and off. The tweakers were too jittery to succesfully unscrew it. They never thought of just going inside and switching it off. So I called 911 and they got caught. Helicopter and biting canine officer. I got the neighbor evicted by the county unlawful detainer attorney, and the house was sold by the owner rather than face my “Maintaining a Nuisance” lawsuit. Later, I provided video to another neighbor across the street thereby identifying the person who burgled that home. Video can tell you who is there or was there. A gun cannot. A dog cannot. Neighbors at work cannot. Here, you cannot use recorded incidental background of yards not visible from the street in court proceedings (unless there is a very serious crime recorded), but incidental background with private areas is otherwise legal to record if you do not publicly or legally acknowledge it. I just let the private backgrounds be overwritten because I don’t care how kinky the neighbors are. Reply
808STATE 09/29/2015 5:07 PM Aloha form HAWAI’I!!! Great article and suggestions. I recently moved back to HI from California into my parents home…they’re elderly and all my family is over here wanted to be near everyone. Forgot how it is over here. Our neighborhood is pretty much made up of older Asian people, over 70. CONTINUOUSLY, on a daily basis, at least 3-4 times a week, solicitors will come by. Typically solar panel companies (or so they say) and vacuum dealers, ALWAYS ripping off the elderly out here, terrible. The culture is very polite and to NOT answer the door is considered rude. LOL! Honestly, I fight my parents on this weekly. Back on the mainland, I too had a No Solicitor sign, a total home alarm system with motion detectors and outside cameras, indoor monitors, since I was alone while my husband and children were in school. My husband was in law enforcement, now retired. My dogs would bark like crazy and they’d usually leave when they saw the sign. A number of times, I had people jump my block wall and I’d let my dogs out and they’d be out of there in a flash. This was in a nice upper middle class neighborhood too. Well, I imported 2 very anti-social dogs, my male Cane Corso & female Pit Bull/Lab mix. Both California rescue dogs with plenty of issues. Both have attacked decoy burglars dressed in protective gear, so I know they’ll most likely not back down, They are kept away from visitors, and are strickly family & guard dogs. Most dogs in my neighborhood are smaller types, chihuahuas, etc. and will bark when someone is walking outside, so I know by the pattern of barking from the other dogs, which direction someone is approaching. In the year I’ve been back, my dogs have chased away 2 potential burglars, both witnessed by neighbors who saw the bad guys walk around the back of my home. My parents home does not have fencing on the sides of the property, which seriously freaks me out, since my Cali home was a fortress!! Apparently my 2 babies were practically busting through the windows to get out and do some damage. These typical HAWAI’I homes have the stupidest windows, the jealousy blind windows, which I swear looks like you can slide the glass panels out! This place does have a security door though. The neighibors thanked me for having my dogs run the bad guys off since they were going door to door and were trying to coax the elderly to let them in by offering a free bag of rice and the homes which no one answered the door, they were rattling door knobs. This might be part of the USA, but HAWAI’I is very different culturally and in attitude, My dad and husband both have glocks too, but for whatever reason, my dad tends to answer and converse with EVERYONE who stops by…drives me absolutely nuts!! Oh, people here tend to NOT call the police readily, or at all. Total culture shock…guess I’ve been away to long! Reply
none of your bees wax 09/29/2015 9:49 PM If I’m not expecting you, I’m not answering the door. Reply
Jane woods 12/24/2015 2:41 PM This is all great advice. But, today I just knocked on a strangers door because I was walking my dog and came across 2 stray dogs that were barking at me. I knocked on a door and asked the person who answered if he could call my husband to come pick me up.My husband didn’t answer the phone ( he was in the shower) so this kind stranger walked me halfway home! I am so thankful for his kindness! It is better to be safe than sorry but sometimes a person really is innocent and needs help. I don’t know what I would have done as a woman if the roles were reversed but I am glad this man was willing to help me. Reply
Bungarung 01/18/2016 9:39 PM If they are white, invited in for coffee. If they are black double the locks and be armed. Reply
Annabelle 01/19/2016 9:18 AM I’m sight impaired, totally blind to be exact, and I always lock the doors when I’m at home, and even when I’m not home. One thing I wish is that they had some kind of adaptive technology, like a talking version of a security system, that you can program to let you know if it’s a stranger at your door. If it senses someone you know, perhaps it would automatically shut off. One thing my mother always tells me is that I should only open the door if it’s someone I know. And even if it’s someone I know, that hasn’t seen me in a long time, I should always call her and tell her before I even attempt to let them in. Reply
Anon 01/19/2016 10:16 AM Annabelle… would you be able to manage caring for a dog? I think a dog, who you love and loves you, is the ticket. I have had only a couple dogs, but seen this with other folks too…. a dog will KNOW when it is someone who has been welcomed before (your Mom) is a stranger is up to no good I had big dogs, but I think any size would work for this. Reply
Beach'n 01/19/2016 1:02 PM How about a wireless battery operated intercom? I have one installed outside my door (covered) and the other one inside. If someone knocks on my door, we talk via the intercom first! Beach’n Reply
Charlie 03/06/2016 8:42 PM Get a dog. During summertime, maybe place the dog outside so it will scare off strangers. Reply
Anonyperson 06/18/2016 2:17 PM I have lived in Canada and USA; in Canada you could go to jail for defending yourself with lethal force. I lived in a bad area and had “tweekers” enter my backyard, try to steal my things, peep in windows, threaten and menace etc (my dog usually scared them off.) I have witnessed savage violence (near homicide) on more than one occasion and there was not even a firearm involved (in Canada.) Women are attacked, raped and murdered in Canada. It’s not a perfectly safe utopia, sorry eh! I do not labor under the delusion that every stranger at my door has noble intent. If I know them or they have a familiar uniform and in a USPS or UPS or Fedex truck and we are expecting a parcel, no problem. If it’s a police officer in an official police vehicle and shows ID, no problem. If I don’t know the person, I tell them from upstairs to go away (with authority!). If they do not comply, cops are called. If they try to gain entry, at minimum, I will let my dog defend us and won’t call him off. I have the legal right to defend my home with lethal force if need be and I am extremely grateful I do NOT have to become a victim. Reply
Canada Girl 06/18/2016 3:13 PM Anonyperson all you say, I would agree with. what are “tweekers”? (just your run of the mill sort of burgler casing the joint?) I would only add, one should ALWAYS listen to your gut instinct. I have a small little window in my big/solid heavy door, I often just open the window first. Usually it is of no worry, so then open the door to discuss “whatever”. Last week, had a odd sort of thing. Nothing (that I know of) came of it. Did not hear any complaints/concerns from neighbours, but… I was home, not alone. Two large men were also in the home with me, so I surely had no cause to be concerned or alarmed. BUT I WAS. I opened the little window, and there were two “older” men. maybe younger one in back about sixty, older one in front, about nearing seventy. They were not skinny, but not that large…Maybe five ten, and one ninety to two hundred. Anyway, the older one in front, stuck out a phamphelt sideways to the door window, in such a way it could not be read. I did try, as I was curious, but could not. He was a bit tenacious that they were giving out free passes to some Big Event (he did not specify). Now these two men were grand parent “oldish”, so I was trying to be polite to them, and did talk a few sentences to them. but, they, although perfectly decently dressed, gave me the creeps big time. BIG TIME. I did not open the door, even though they sort of persisted. No idea why, especially since I was not home alone. but, always listen to your gut. Reply
Lady jane 04/06/2017 8:46 PM If I get mail addressed to the wrong house, unless I personally know the people, I sent it back with a note on the envelope, eg delivered to wrong home. I don’t engage strangers. I hate the jehovah witnesses and do not open the door to them. No other religion goes door to door. Any stranger coming to my door is suspect and I reserve the right to call the police and to report a suspicious person. Why do strangers do this with today’s crime rates unless they are criminals. The only people who may get a pass are over age 75 due to their low incidence of crime. However if they seem to be dementia patients I will call the police and have them deal with it. Reply
Anonyperson 06/18/2016 8:12 PM meth addicts. Reply
JD 06/22/2016 7:59 PM I lived in Canada for 14 years (Scarborough, Toronto, Mississauga and Pickering). When I was 11, we had a 300+ man kick our apartment door off the hinges so it fell flat on the floor. No knocking, no warning. He kicked me down the hallway and I got away. He then started throwing my mum around. She screamed for us kids to go hide (we did, in a closet). By the time the police arrived, he’d bashed her so she needed stitches in her head. He was arrested and we got a restraining order (yeah, he was released). If my mum had a gun, I wouldn’t have had to listen to her begging this man to stop hurting her and not to hurt her kids. I now live in the US. I had a man come to my door. He said he had mail that was delivered to his address. I asked him to please leave it on my doorstep. He started getting angry. He called me an ungrateful effing bit**. He was demanding I open the door. He said “what are you, some paranoid freak?” He was trying to shame me into opening the door. I told him I didn’t know him. He should understand, I’m a woman by myself. I wasn’t going to open the door, so he could leave the mail on the step or leave. He left no mail. I had my toddler at home. I was shaking. During a storm a man came knocking, saying he was checking everyone’s windows were secure. Really? I live in an upper middle class neighborhood. Not the ghetto. I deserve to feel safe in my home. There is no obligation to open the door to anyone. I’m in the process of researching and purchasing a gun. I am researching training centers near me. You’re a victim the first time, after that you’re a volunteer. Reply
12Doodle 10/16/2016 4:12 AM Before my dad pasted away I felt safe in my house at night cause I knew he would protect us. Well right after he pasted I decided to keep a vacuum up in my room. My house has a loft and that is the up stairs. Like the upstairs is my room and that’s it. It’s kinda hard to explain but my mom and brothers room is down stairs. Because I’m upstairs my room has no doors or anything so I can see the front door from the top of my stair case.. If someone tried to break into my house 1. The alarm would go off and 2. Because I can see the entrance I would throw the vacuum downstairs and hope that i would have good aim and it would hit the person who’s breaking into my house. I would have a gun but I’m 15 almost 16 so I don’t think I’m allowed to owned a gun. My mom wouldn’t allowed guns in the house in the first place. So that’s how I would defend myself. Reply
Anon 10/16/2016 7:50 AM 12Doodle Good to be thinking ahead… If you can, take some self defense classes. Also, take a class / first aid course on how to use a fire extinguisher. I think many fire departments might offer these. After all, regardless of your age, it is good to know how to properly use a fire extinguisher, right? Then get yourself a couple of fire extinguishers, (good sized ones) and keep in your room. One by the door, and one by your bed. After all, if you’re sort of isolated upstairs, who knows when a fire might happen, right? On the other hand, I have always thought a fire extinguisher might be a good thing to spray in a miscreant’s face. And, it too is fairly heavy and good to whack someone with. Reply
Carolyn 03/23/2017 4:15 PM Have a small Smile for the Camera sign. We have wireless ones connected to Wi-fi and our smartphones around the house covering entrances, driveways, sidewalks, and backyards. Even if they yank one down and crush it their image is still loaded in the cloud. We never get out of our chairs to answer the door unless we check our phones. Also, if anyone has a copy of your key, rekey the locks. You may be thinking that your neighbor poses no threat at all. Probably not. But how about their 16-yr olds friend who wants a little extra money? We have several other measures in place, but those are two I didn’t see listed. Paranoid? Not in today’s world. Reasonable? We think so. Reply
Lady jane 04/06/2017 9:20 PM My sister lives in an apartment and had no peephole in her door. I nagged her until she asked the superintendent to install one. She also told me of cable vision sales people coming to her unit door. I had to instill in her that she has no legal obligation to open her door to anyone. The super has a key. The police or fire can always get in and would even be with the super. I also told or yelled that she must report the sales people to the super. Most apartments have no soliciting for a reason. They are being let in by who knows whom. They could even be fraudulent. Some elderly in apartments don’t lock their unit doors in case the ambulance people need to get in. One 80 something was raped by a stranger in an upscale condo in so called peaceful Canada. Reply
Madison Ireland 06/12/2017 10:49 AM I’m NOT sure if i was being paranoid or something but at 12 am on the dot i heard a very gentle knock on my front door. I’m scared to go to sleep now. It’s nearly 1 am and i’m scared to sleep. What do i do if i hear another knock in the middle of the night? Reply
Ken Jorgustin 06/12/2017 11:08 AM One’s actions under such a circumstance are personal choices. What I may do may be different from what you ought to do. Trust your gut. Do what you feel you should – given your own neighborhood and your own capabilities. Reply
Nicola H 08/12/2017 10:19 AM WARNING Also , do not open door , there may be a killer or someone who wants to steal your house , if you open the door , you may get thrown acid in face or something else that is dangerous to be thrown on human… beware for kids aswell! look out the winder to see who it is first! andddd… if it’s your friend or someone from your life , you still not allowed to open the door because there might be a burglar behind the person , if you asked me , “then why isn’t the burglar killing your friend?” Because he might of ask your friend etc , to help the burglar to get in the house … beware , you might get killed Reply
Nicola H 08/12/2017 10:21 AM Oops I ment window XD Reply
Anonymous 09/16/2017 1:10 PM what about kids going door to door selling things and the person the kid knocks on jus so happens tto be a kidnapper Reply
Nailbanger 02/21/2018 9:04 AM First i grab my 45, Then i ask them if they can read,,, When they reply yes i tell them they dont comprehend because they came on my property through a closed gate and a sign thst bery plainly ssys NO TRESPASSING, Thennthey are treated yo one of my profanity glazed diatribes on why they need to get the hell off my property Reply
wood56gas 02/21/2018 12:01 PM 25 or so years ago, guy stopped by my 85 year old great aunt’s house at 8am wanted a drink of water, she gave him one, he left. country neighborhood, surrounded by family she lived alone, about noon, my cousin who lived across the road, went to the mailbox. She heard great aunt screamin from her house, so she ran over and in the door. The guy had come back, (likely never left the immediate area) and was beatin great aunt, cousin screamed at him to stop. He stopped but turned and came at cousin………..so she shot him twice, he stopped again. It didn’t kill him, but he was still there when the cops arrived. Please don’t be naive enough to think it can’t happen to you…………..NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE. Reply
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