Imagine it is in the middle of the night and someone rings your doorbell. That can be one of the most unsettling things to deal with. This is especially so when you are not expecting anyone or when you are alone. After all, someone ringing your doorbell in the middle of the night is highly unexpected. The key question then is on how best to deal with such a situation. There are countless unfortunate incidents that have occurred that started with someone ringing your doorbell in the middle of the night. That is why you need to know what to do if someone rings your doorbell in the middle of the night.
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Does Not Matter It Is Someone You Know
If someone rings your doorbell in the middle of the night, you need to establish if it is someone you know. That is why it is best to have an intercom or exterior surveillance cameras. This will help you truly ascertain if it is someone you know. However, you still have to be cautious even if it is someone you know.
An intruder can use someone you know as bait. For instance, someone you know can be coerced to ring your doorbell whilst the intruder is out of sight. Bottom line is you must not just rush to open the door just because it is someone you know. As for complete strangers, it is a no-brainer; you have to take certain action.
Immediately Call The Police And Or Residential Security
When someone rings your doorbell in the middle of the night, do not lose your cool. Do not panic as that can lead to lapses in judgement. First is to not open the door under whatever circumstances. The next thing is to find out who it is. You can use your intercom, check surveillance cameras, or peep through a window – whichever is safe.
If there is anything suspicious you should immediately call the police. You can also contact residential security personnel if they are available. For some this can simply entail pressing a panic button. It is often advised to go to what you consider the safest room or area in your house. You lock yourself there and dial 911. The police will see you through the situation as officers are dispatched to your home.
Person’s Conduct Can Necessitate An Armed Or Weaponized Response
At Times It Takes Simple Actions
When someone rings your doorbell in the middle of the night, their conduct varies greatly. There are some who, if having malicious intentions, can run away at the slightest threat. For example, speaking out through an intercom can startle and scare away an intruder. The simple action of switching on the porch light can scare away others as well. If you have a security alarm you can trigger it and that can also scare away someone. These are some of the many things that can get rid of intruders without a struggle.
Things Can Quickly Escalate – Be Prepared!
However, there are some that can be aggressive from the onset. After not getting a favourable response from ringing the doorbell they can start trying a forced entry. If things escalate this quick you might have to prepare to defend yourself. You can arm yourself with a firearm, or any weapon e.g. a baseball bat, golf club, and so on. Then you go to a safe spot, area, or room and barricade yourself. This is important because the person might manage to gain entry before the police arrive. No wonder it is important to have weapons or firearms handy in your home. That of course would have to be in line with applicable state laws.
Alert Your Immediate Neighbors
Well, this follows that you have cordial relations with your neighbors. In whatever scenario it might be, your neighbors can play a huge role. It is important to build healthy relations with your neighbors. If that is achieved it means you would have to exchange numbers. That way if someone rings your doorbell in the middle of the night, you can alert them. They can actually have a better view of your property. If there are other people hiding they can notice them. They can even call the police or residential security services. Alerting the neighbors helps in mobilizing a coordinated response.
Basic Rundown Of Steps To Follow
It is understandable that situations of someone ringing your doorbell in the middle of the night are varied. Whether it is someone you know or not, there are basic steps to follow.
Step 1
Be quiet, do not panic and find out who it is. Find out their intentions using the safest possible means. If it is someone you know it might actually be safer to not let them in at all. Unless maybe it is someone you live with. Exercising caution is imperative! If it is someone you do not know, get ready to take necessary steps.
Step 2
If any suspicions present themselves, immediately alert the police, residential security, and neighbors. Do this whilst hiding away in the safest place in your house. Do not forget to arm yourself just in case something happens. This is because things can escalate fast. As such you need to be prepared to do several things concurrently. Being alert and acting swiftly is paramount here.
Step 3
Once hidden away you must only ever come out when you completely sure there is no harm. If having called the police, their arrival will often herald safety. If unsure stay where you are even till morning, depending on the circumstances.
When someone rings your doorbell in the middle of the night, always remember one cardinal thing. It is not always easy to accurately ascertain someone’s true intentions. That is why you treat any of such scenarios with suspicion. It does not matter it is someone you know or someone who seems to need urgent help. Never let your guard done! Most importantly it is imperative to invest in home security systems. Such systems help streamline how to deal with someone ringing your doorbell in the middle of the night.
