us Personal safety & immediate danger someone trying my door handle • door handle jiggling outside • rattling door handle at night • someone testing windows outside • window being tried from outside • possible break in noise • burglary in progress fear • suspicious person at my door • someone outside my house • footsteps outside my window • knocking and trying handle • attempted break in sounds • someone checking if door locked • intruder trying to get in • home intrusion concern • lock clicking noise outside • someone at door won’t leave • unknown person at the window

What to do if…
you hear someone trying your door handle or testing windows from outside

Short answer

Get everyone into a safer room, lock and barricade it if you can, and call 911 if you believe someone is trying to get in right now.

Do not do these things

Don’t open the door “to see who it is.”
Don’t go outside to confront or “scare them off.”
Don’t stand in front of windows/doors where you can be seen.
Don’t waste time searching the house while you’re unsure where the person is.
Don’t broadcast your location or live updates on social media.
Don’t assume you must “handle it yourself” — this is what 911 is for.

What to do now

Move to a safer room immediately. Bring your phone, keys, and anyone with you (kids/roommates/guests). Prefer a room with a solid door that locks and, if possible, a second exit.
Lock down that room. Lock the door and push a heavy object against it if you can do so quickly. Stay low and out of view of windows.
Call 911 if entry seems to be actively attempted or you feel in danger. Say: your address (include apartment/unit), that someone is trying the door/windows right now, how many people are inside, and where in the home you are.
If you can’t speak safely, still call 911 and stay on the line if you can. Some dispatchers may try yes/no questions or ask you to press phone buttons. If you can’t call, text 911 only if it’s available where you are (call is generally preferred when possible).
Use what you already have, without exposing yourself. If you have an alarm panic button, trigger it. If you have exterior lights you can control from where you are (switch/app), turn them on. Avoid moving through the home to do this.
Only observe if it’s truly safe. If you have a door camera/peephole and can check without being seen, note basic details (clothing, direction, vehicle). Don’t linger at windows.
If someone claims to be police at your door, don’t open it immediately. Ask them to identify themselves through the closed door. If you can, confirm via 911/dispatch before opening.
Stay in your safer room until responders are confirmed. If you’re on the phone/text, follow dispatcher instructions. If you’re not, wait until you can clearly identify responders (for example, marked uniforms/vehicles) and you feel safe to come out.

What can wait

You don’t need to decide right now whether it was “really” a break-in attempt. If it feels like one, treat it as urgent.
You don’t need to search the property, check every lock, or review camera footage while you’re still scared.
You don’t need to contact a landlord, building management, neighbours, or insurance until the immediate risk has passed.
You don’t need a perfect description — just what you know, and then focus on staying safe.

Important reassurance

Feeling shaky, frozen, or “not thinking straight” is a normal body response to threat. Your job right now is simple: make yourself harder to reach, keep everyone together, and get help.

Scope note

These are first steps only — meant to stabilise the moment and prevent irreversible mistakes. Once you’re safe, you can handle follow-up (reports, repairs, security upgrades) with a clearer head.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you believe someone is attempting to enter your home or you feel unsafe, prioritise immediate safety and contacting emergency services.

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What to do if…you hear someone trying your door handle or testing windows from outside