There have been several cases of home invasion at night. However, there can also be situations when someone out there may genuinely need your help. Due to these factors, one may find it difficult to make a decision. Here are some ways to approach the situation when someone knocks on your door in the middle of the night.
The door is your defense - Home invaders can use the tactic to knock on your door at night. So, in the interest of your safety and that of your family members, it is recommended that you do not open the door. To gain an upper hand, you can ask them if they want you to call 911 for assistance. If they are home invaders, they will surely back off after hearing your offer to call 911.
Female in distress - It is possible that sometimes home invaders may use a female to knock on your door. In such cases, the other gang members may be hiding around the house. Irrespective of who knocks on the door in the middle of the night, always treat such events as suspicious.
Do not let a gun make you overconfident - People with firearms may feel more confident when someone knocks on their door at night. However, a gun is meant to be used as a last resort. It should not be a reason to open the door to strangers in the middle of the night. You could be overpowered and/or attacked with knives or other hand-held objects. Keep your firearm ready, but do not make the mistake of opening the door.
Ask what they need - If someone knocks on your door at night, you need to ask them what they need. Their answer will provide definitive clues about their intentions. Some may even claim that they are being chased by anti-social elements and need shelter. In such situations, you can immediately call 911. Do not open the door in any situation.
Inform kids and elders - Home invaders are usually looking for easy targets such as kids and the elderly. These people are usually more trustful and may get deceived by the home invaders. They may open the door, while you may be sleeping in another room. Or you may not be in the house at that time. To avoid such situations, make sure you inform all family members to follow the protocol of not opening the door to strangers.
Do not pretend you are not at home - If you do not reply from inside your home, the home invader may feel that there is no one in the house. It may prompt them to break the door and gain entry. Such developments need to be avoided. You need to talk to the stranger, but should not open the door.
Call some neighbors and ask them to turn on their inside and outside lights - When home invaders see activity in the neighborhood, they may be forced to retreat. You need to explain to your neighbors what is happening and what they need to do.
As is evident, there are various ways to handle the situation of someone knocking at your door in the middle of the night. If you feel someone is truly in distress, it is always better to call 911 instead of opening the door to strangers.
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