Subscribe for Real-World Readiness

Weekly checklists, tested gear picks, 10-minute drills.

Home Defense | 9 Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

Home Defense | 9 Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

Win a
$1,000 Milwaukee Tool Package

One DIY Projects subscriber wins on May 10. A full kit of Milwaukee tools — the kind that makes a weekend project easier to finish, whether it’s a fence post, a set of shelves, or the cabinet door that’s been sticking for years. Free entry, just an email.

Hosted by our partner site

It is always better to be safe than sorry, which is why improving your home defense is utterly necessary. Read on to find out some safety tips for answering your door.

Home Defense | Don’t Open That Door Just Yet

Sometimes, it is hard to be cautious yet polite when answering the front door. Many of us find it difficult to put safety first without feeling like we’re being rude. But nowadays, we can’t be too trusting because not all bad guys actually break into our houses. There are times they simply knock on our door, pretending to be someone else, and mask their evil intentions. So before opening the door, keep this home defense safety tips in your mind and be careful who you let into your home.

1. Think Before Answering the Door

Think Before Answering The Door | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

Before you answer the door, think if you are expecting anyone. Whether or not you are, ask the visitor to identify himself. Do not open the door immediately without asking them first who they are, particularly if you’re home alone.

2. Don’t Forget the Peephole

Don't Forget The Peephole | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

When you hear someone knocking on your door, it is always best to check the peep hole first before opening it. If you can’t get a glimpse of the person knocking, you can use your window to take a peak. You’ll be able to determine if it’s a family member or a friend or it can also be a utility company vehicle.

3. Use Your Phone

Use Your Phone | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

When someone is looking for a particular family member, it would be best to take a picture of the visitor and send it to whoever needs to confirm. You can also just call them and ask if they are expecting a visitor and if they know who the person is.

4. Install a Chain Lock

Install A Chain Lock | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

Being able to crack the door open without unchaining your lock is a great security feature. This is also useful if you need to grab something small from someone without the need to unlock the door.

5. Make a Phone Call

Make A Phone Call | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

Call whoever your visitor says they represent to ensure they did send someone out to your home. If it is a repair guy, look for the number of their office in the phone book or search the internet yourself. Do not just simply call the number the visitor gave you.

6. Keep Home Defense Weapons Handy

Keep Home Defense Weapons Handy | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

Keep emergency weapons around just in case something bad happens. Place them close to you or some place easy to reach, especially at night. It’s a last resort, but having a weapon nearby can spell the difference between life and death. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

7. Don’t Brush Off Your Gut Feeling

Don't Brush Off Your Gut Feeling | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

If you feel like something is wrong, there’s probably something wrong. Go with your gut! Do not ignore your “gut feeling” because it can save your life. It is an unspoken part of situational awareness.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Reschedule

Don't Be Afraid to Reschedule | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

On the occasion that you cannot verify the visitor’s identity, reschedule their appointment on a later date. This will give you time to check on them and to ensure you know who they are before allowing them inside your home.

9. Educate to Keep Your Family Safe

Educate to Keep Your Family Safe | Home Defense | Safety Tips For Answering Your Door

Educate every member of your household on these practices to keep the whole family safe. Stay cautious and teach your family to do the same. Knowing the best safety practices when someone knocks on your door can help you have a more secure and happy home.

Home defense is more than just having a firearm with you. Watch this video from James Yeager and learn more about home burglaries and defense!

Nowadays, we can’t always be so trusting. We no longer have the luxury of simply believing a stranger’s word without questioning first. With home invasions happening all over, you have to be extra sure before letting a visitor in. Taking these steps to ensure your safety is necessary especially if you are home alone. Precaution is key when approaching a visitor at your door. Stay safe!

Do you know other home defense tips in mind? We would like to hear from you. You can drop your two cents in the comments below!

UP NEXT: 20 Home Security and Crime Prevention Secrets

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get field-tested gear picks and drills delivered before you ever need them.

Win a
$1,000 Milwaukee Tool Package

 One DIY Projects subscriber wins May 10. Free to enter. Approximately $1,000 in Milwaukee branded products, shipped via Amazon.com.

Hosted by our partner site

Related Articles

Can you bring a travel emergency kit on a plane?

Hurricane Updates US Today (as of June 2, 2026) Hurricane

Quick Buying Guide Best Overall for Emergencies: WaterStorageCube Collapsible Water

At a Glance: Hurricane Season 2026 Below-Average Forecast: The 2026

Scroll to Top