PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Personal safety & immediate danger someone is coming to my location • person is on their way to confront me • credible warning someone will show up • threatened at home right now • threatened at work right now • someone coming to my house • someone coming to my workplace • hostile person may arrive • confrontation at the door • someone waiting outside for me • threatened by an ex turning up • threatened by a neighbour turning up • angry person heading to me • intimidation someone coming over • fear of violence from visitor • someone may force entry • worried they know my address • warning they are nearby • imminent confrontation warning

What to do if…
you receive a credible warning that someone may come to confront you at your location

Short answer

Get to a safer position and involve other people (security, staff, neighbors). If you feel at risk of harm or they may be arriving imminently, call 911.

Do not do these things

  • Do not step outside, open the door, or go to a parking lot “to see what happens”.
  • Do not get pulled into arguing or negotiating by text/call while you’re trying to stay safe.
  • Do not watch from windows or doorways where you can be seen.
  • Do not post your location, movements, or real-time updates.
  • Do not stay alone if you can safely avoid it.

What to do now

  1. Move to the safest available place (tens of seconds).

    • If you can leave safely, go to a staffed public place (store, lobby, front desk) or a trusted neighbor/friend.
    • If leaving could increase risk, stay inside, move away from doors/ground-floor windows, and choose a more interior spot if possible.

  2. Lock down what you can quickly and safely.

    • Lock doors and accessible windows.
    • If you’re in a managed building, avoid entering hallways/parking areas to check for them.

  3. Get other people involved on-site (do not handle this alone).

    • Workplace/venue: notify a supervisor/reception/security and ask them to control entry and not connect anyone to you.
    • Home: contact a trusted person to stay on the phone with you; if they’re nearby, ask them to come over only if it’s safe.

  4. Call 911 if there’s any immediate danger or you believe the person is about to arrive and you feel unsafe.

    • Start with your location and what you were told: who may arrive, any threats, and any description/vehicle information.
    • Follow the call-taker’s instructions and don’t hang up unless told to.

  5. If you can’t safely talk, text 911 where it’s available.

    • The general rule is: call if you can, text if you can’t.
    • Keep it short: your exact location first, then what’s happening. Avoid emojis/slang.

  6. If it’s serious but not immediate, use your local non-emergency route.

    • Look up your local police department’s non-emergency number. Some cities also use 311 for non-emergency local services.
    • The key goal is to get the situation logged and get guidance without tying up emergency lines.

  7. Preserve the warning without engaging.

    • Screenshot/save the warning message or write down the exact wording and time.
    • Do not argue back. If you must communicate at all, keep it minimal and safety-focused (or don’t respond).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now about restraining/protective orders, formal statements, or longer-term security changes.
  • You do not need to tell the whole story to multiple people—share only what’s needed to keep you safe.
  • You do not need to confront them, “clear the air,” or prove anything today.

Important reassurance

A credible warning can spike adrenaline fast—shaking, tunnel vision, nausea, or feeling frozen are common. The safest approach is to increase distance, reduce access, and bring in support (other people and emergency services), rather than trying to manage it alone.

Scope note

This covers first steps for the next minutes to hours. Once you’re safe, you can consider follow-up reporting and additional supports.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or a guarantee of safety. If you think violence is possible or imminent, call 911 and prioritise getting to a safer place.

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