How to handle an unexpected knock at the door
You never have to open the door to an unexpected knock. Look through the viewer or camera, speak through the closed door, and ask who they are and why they are there. For anyone claiming to be from a utility, the building or the police, call the number on your own bill, the building office or the non-emergency line to check before opening. It is fine to simply not answer.
Why it matters: You never have to open the door, and knowing that changes everything.
Steps
- Look through the viewer or camera before saying anything.
- Speak through the closed door: who is it, and what do you need?
- Ask a worker for their name and company, then say you will call to confirm.
- Call the company using the number on your own bill or the building office, not a number they give you.
- Ask a courier to leave the package or take it to the office if you are not expecting one.
- Avoid saying you are alone; say you will check with someone instead.
- Call the non-emergency police line if someone keeps knocking or lingers.
Stop and call a professional if
- someone tries to force the door or will not leave: call your local emergency number, 911 in the US
Common mistakes
- Opening the door partway to talk.
- Calling a phone number the visitor hands you to verify them.
- Feeling you must answer because they can see a light on.
Teach this to someone
A one page sheet for showing a friend, a teenager or a parent: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to handle an unexpected knock at the door
What to say
You never have to open the door to an unexpected knock. Look through the viewer or camera, speak through the closed door, and ask who they are and why they are there. For anyone claiming to be from a utility, the building or the police, call the number on your own bill, the building office or the non-emergency line to check before opening. It is fine to simply not answer.
What to show
- Look through the viewer or camera before saying anything.
- Speak through the closed door: who is it, and what do you need?
- Ask a worker for their name and company, then say you will call to confirm.
- Call the company using the number on your own bill or the building office, not a number they give you.
- Ask a courier to leave the package or take it to the office if you are not expecting one.
- Avoid saying you are alone; say you will check with someone instead.
- Call the non-emergency police line if someone keeps knocking or lingers.
Where it stops
Stop and call a professional if someone tries to force the door or will not leave: call your local emergency number, 911 in the US.
Check question
A person says they are from the utility company. How do you check?
Answer: Call the number on your own bill. A number from your own bill reaches the real company.
Your checklist
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Quick quiz
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Related skills
Sources
This skill is general practice and draws on no single published source.
Written in our own words from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for your situation; where a professional, your doctor or your lease says something different, follow them.
Last reviewed . First published .