How do you Go to the Door...........??

ChristieAcres · #81 10/29/10, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmrose

We have always been available to help if some one knocked on our door whether daytime or night. Now we are more careful.
In recent years there have been home invasions in both the country and city in Nova Scotia. Two were not far from us where older people were assaulted and robbed.A week ago a man in the city of Halifax opened his door to a knock. He slammed it shut when he saw the person had a gun! The gun man shot through the window and killed him. There have been 9 shootings killing people in Halifax this year so far. That was unheard of when I moved to Nova Scotia 32 years ago.

A lot of shootings are drug related or robberies. Because of gun laws in Canada only bad guys walk around with loaded guns! I am surprised at the number of people on this forum who feel a need to go to answer the door with gun in hand!

If someone knocks on our door at night we turn on the outside light to see who it is. If a stranger [ day or night] I let the dogs join me. The little one yaps and the big one looks threatening although she really isn't. Then without opening the door I ask how I can help them? I also explain I can't open the door because the dogs will bite strangers!
If they need to make a phone call I get the number and call for them.

Last year a carpenter working on a new house nearby cut his hand and walked to our house to call for help. He wouldn't come in so I called a friend for him to come and get him. He was afraid of my dogs!

It is sad that society in so many places has come to a place where we even have to hesitate to open our doors freely day or night to strangers. It works both ways also. I would never consider knocking on anyones door in the night. You never know what person lives there.

I should clarify that I don't walk up to the door, but can see anyone at my front door at an angle, without them seeing me. When you go to the door, you just put yourself right in front of them as a target, your dogs can't save you from being shot!

Quote:

I am surprised at the number of people on this forum who feel a need to go to answer the door with gun in hand!

Then, you may be surprised to hear about the 18 year old woman who was being ran off the road, the driver next to her car, WRONG SIDE OF THE HWY. She held up her gun, opened the window, aimed it at the guy trying to run her off the road, and the psychopath sped off. That gun saved her life and that 18 year old was ME! This happened in WY, legal for a woman to carry a gun in her purse (yep, carried a loaded gun, bullet in chamber, safety on). I was ready at all times to defend myself. So, with my gun on my seat, it was handy to grab, and one click, safety off, cocked, and ready to fire. When I pointed it at that guy, I was prepared to shoot, and had plenty of practice (taught when young) so wouldn't have missed. There was no other option for me, in case that is some bizzare thought someone has. This was a 2-lane hwy, no where to go. This was before cell phones, too.

Another thing may surprise you... Do you know how many people, who are known to be gun owners, get robbed? WAY LESS. Criminals aren't always stupid... Most are careful to case who they are going to rob or kill. Easy targets are the first they go after. I wasn't raised to be a victim.

Dogs are very easy to kill and I don't ever want my precious Sam to give up his life for either of us! In case any think we just rely on our dog... We have an alarm system and other ways to detect intruders. There are many self-defense items, look like common household stuff. I could be caught in any room in my home and get to one. Outside, on our property, I can carry if I choose. There are other self defense options looking like just stuff that is normal...

I see it this way. If you know there is a risk, do assessment, take precautions, and then you don't live in fear.

MORE people should get gun safety training, learn to shoot, and own guns! Why should criminals have the advantage?

sheepish · #82 10/29/10, 06:12 AM

If someone knocked on the door in the middle of the night, I would be talking to them from an upstairs window. I would not even go to the door before I assessed the situation.

cbcansurvive · #83 10/29/10, 07:09 AM

I think one of the advantages of living in rural New Jersey is that you have two kinds of people passing through (since I don't live near an interstate)-those who live here and don't need directions, and those who live elsewhere in the state, are lost, and would never even dream of knocking on a door at 2:00 a.m. because they're so scared of us "hillbillies"

Still, I told my wife that when we finally buy our next (and last) home I want to go looking in the dead of winter-the reason for this is because if I can stand at the road and see the house (with no leaves on the trees) it's too close.

Ana Bluebird · #84 10/29/10, 07:27 AM

How scarey---and all those answers from folks who are also scared! I'm glad I live here instead. We may have bad roads and a simple life, but bad people leave us alone. My sympathies.

bluebird2o2 · #85 10/29/10, 07:33 AM

I wouldnt answer the door but i have a 12 guage shotgun in the closet.i have 5 dogs it would be hard too sneak up on us.

mary,tx · #86 10/29/10, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ana Bluebird

How scarey---and all those answers from folks who are also scared! I'm glad I live here instead. We may have bad roads and a simple life, but bad people leave us alone. My sympathies.

I don't think the fact that people think through possible problems and are prepared means they are afraid. Just that they are aware and prepared.

RJMAcres · #87 10/29/10, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ana Bluebird

How scarey---and all those answers from folks who are also scared! I'm glad I live here instead. We may have bad roads and a simple life, but bad people leave us alone. My sympathies.

Middle of the night, some strange man or men knocks on your door.
You're cautious on how you open or not open the door.
Is that prepared or scared ?

Do you just open the door and invite them in for milk and cookies ?

**Cabin Fever** · #88 10/29/10, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ana Bluebird

How scarey---and all those answers from folks who are also scared! I'm glad I live here instead. We may have bad roads and a simple life, but bad people leave us alone. My sympathies.

No one around us has had their house burn down either. However, we still keep four fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in our home. Is that being scared or prepared?

sammyd · #89 10/29/10, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabin Fever

No one around us has had their house burn down either. However, we still keep four fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in our home. Is that being scared or prepared?

neither, it's getting a discount from the insurance man....:baby04:

ldc · #90 10/29/10, 10:00 AM

I live on a wooded lot that time has "forgotten" in town. My house is so spooky, nobody comes for Trick or Treat, but the house attracts attention (if noticed) in the daytime. I never answer the door in the day without a hammar, yell at whoever to back away from the porch, say I'll let the dogs out,etc. Have only ever had one person come late at night, I screamed thru the doors to "go away". Turned out to be a difficult neighbor who could have used the phone. Last summer my 23lb mixed doxie chased 4 guys over 6ft and 200 lbs out of the yard. All were snooping, one was trying to sell a side of beef from an unrefrigerated van. Pretty strange, but hope I'm getting a rep for being crazy! ldc

TRAILRIDER · #91 10/29/10, 10:01 AM

I don't cosider myself scared at all. Just being prepared for the unexpected.

I have lived on my farm for 6 years now. How many times has someone come to my door that was not a nextdoor neighbor? Once. Once in six years, late at night a woman was banging on my door screaming "Let me in". We had 5 dogs who believe it or not, would NOT bark! (The rest of the time they won't stop, this time they wouldn't make a peep!) We kept the lights turned off inside so no one could see in, had loaded shot guns in hand and yelled through the door. "What do you want? Who are you?" To which we still got "Let me in!" and more banging. We did NOT open the door that night. We called the police, who took about 40 minutes to get there (we live way,way out) and found the woman roaming around in our neighbors field. She was high on meth and thought she was banging on the door of some other house. They took her to jail.

Now I don't know that much about meth addicts, but I wouldn't be surprised if she could be dangerous. Unpredictable at best. Sorry if she needed help, I wouldn't endanger myself for hersake. Hey maybe I won't have another uninvited guest for another 6 years?

ChristieAcres · #92 10/29/10, 12:22 PM

So, having a fire extinguisher, good smoke detectors, natural gas detector, and taking precautions to prevent fire, is considered wise. You wouldn't consider anyone being "responsible" like this to be paranoid, right? They certainly would be living with less fear due to their diligence... I can go to sleep and not worry about fire (very well set up here). A fire isn't something you can predict and despite your best efforts, it can happen, anyway. Lightening could hit a tree near our home...

Trees...beautiful peaceful "harmless" trees? We have severe wind storms here and once you have had a towering double trunk Cedar fall on your home, which isn't an everyday event, you are probably going to be a bit more concerned about how close towering trees are to your current home. Yes, and that tree missed my first DH by only 3 feet. It came across the dormer of our master bedroom, a few feet from DH, who was in bed. This huge tree caused a lot of damage. My current DH believes in risk assessment. The tall trees, at highest risk near our current home, were logged. Now, I can enjoy the windstorms, not worrying about another tree falling on my home. BTW- a few were found to have rotted on the inside... Another example of logical common sense.

When we hike locally through privately owned forestland, we can either go by ourselves, knowing there have been multiple cougar sitings, a recent aggressive bear seen, and just ignorantly ignoring the potential danger, or happily bring both our dog, and a means of self-defense. I do the latter, and then I can enjoy my hike! If I don't, I'd definitely be paranoid knowing about the cougars & bear...

If you lock your doors, are you also living in paranoia? This is no different than being prepared to defend yourself.

We live in a conservative rural little town. There isn't much crime here (it is known most residents are armed), but you will find meth addicts in all communities, sadly. I'd rather live being prepared for all I can be, without fear, than live with a false sense of security. You can live in a very happy safe neighborhood and a stranger is the criminal who destroys that peace. Just since it hasn't happened, doesn't mean it won't!

tab · #93 10/29/10, 05:18 PM

We have had a string of robberies by two different groups lately. Both drive vans. One is noted for only being in the driveway for a very few minutes in the daytime and often waving to people as they leave, sometimes the HO. the other group is "selling" vacuum cleaners and returning later. Real friendly people like salespeople ought to be.
Just sayin'

chestnut · #94 10/29/10, 07:06 PM

I was hunting in colorado back in early 90's around ridgeway (SW corner). It was the first time I was there so I wanted to buy a topo map of the area. So on my way back from montrose to ridgeway I noticed a sporting good shop off the side of the road. It was late but there was a light on inside and a truck setting out back. I pull in park right up front, get out of truck and head for the porch. As I start up the steps to see if they're open I notice a man walk from another room and head for the door. On his way to the door I unfortunately notice him grabbing a handgun off the counter and sticking it down the back of his pants.
Now here I am halfway up the steps and afraid to go forward for fear of being shot and definetly not going to run back for same reason. The guy opens the door, and I could tell he was as scared as me, and asks what the #%^! I wanted. It turns out the place was closed and he was the (new) security guard. I didn't get my map, but I got an experience I'll never forget. ( A scared man with a gun is very dangerous ).

Ruby · #95 10/29/10, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rambler

I'd open the door and asked what I can help with?

People who ring the doorbell at 2:00 in the morning are not typically bad people. Why would anyone wanting to do harm ring the bell?????

It's the ones who don't knock or ring the bell....

I'd assume something on my place was on fire, or livestocxk were out, and so yea I wouldn't get back to sleep either. But not worrying about my saftey, just the shock of worrying what was wrong with my place....

Kind of a shame we are reduced to thinking like some in this thread, for a doorbell ringing at 2:00 in the morning? Polite people ring doorbells, give it some thought....

--->Paul

Have you never heard of thugs ringing a door bell, then when the homeowner opened the door they would strong arm their way in and rape the women folk and kill everyone.

NO, ON WAY would I answer the door at that time of night.

In fact one morning this past winter just after daylight I let Peanut out, then Honey started barking and I was gonna let her out. I opened the door and there stood a young woman. I still don't know how she got through the gate without Peanut barking. She hadn't even knocked but was reaching for the door handle. I ask what she wanted and she kinda stuttered and said they were stuck and could we pull them out. Told her she woud have to ask someone else as our car wouldn't pull theirs out. Her male friend was standing outside the fence.

That day we bought locks for the 2 gates and they get locked every day before dark. If it had been Honey that was outside she would have gotten bitten. I told her so too. We keep 2 long guns and a snake pistol above the door and two more beside the door.

taylorlambert · #96 10/29/10, 09:41 PM

I go to the door and look out the window with 4 white german shperds and a Po ed great dane pup. And with my gun. I had a freind dowen the road robbed and beaten by some renters down the road. They ad run out of dope money and were looking for a quick score. Its getting closer and closer to home to. I have broken down like that before and no recption on the phone or GPS I always knocked o nthe door. THen stepped way back so they could see me. I always asked them to call for me and I would give them the numbers. THe worst case as before I had a phone and my brother was picking me up at the bar 25 miles away. On the way home I saw a car i nthe ditch. I got out and checked and the man was hurt bad. He went 2 miles dow nthe road knocking on doors. Finally found some folks at home.

columbia,sc · #97 10/30/10, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rambler

I'd be pretty worried about vehicles or people wandering around. Some of the stories here address that, and yea - I'd be concerned. That's different.

Criminals ringing the doorbell?

Just doesn't seem much of a threat. If they mean harm, they aren't going to be ringing the doorbell. The threat level becomes very low at that point. imho

So far it's emergency pregnancies, livestock out, kid's friends, and lost people at the door. Do we really need to shoot all those people first & ask questions later?

Certainly be cautious. I am in the middle of the day, too. Just - sure hate to live with soe of these folk as 'neighbors' when their concern is about how quick they can shoot me, or not be bothered with me, if I don't bleed to death I can go bother someone else not them! I hope what goes around comes around - maybe some live in fear for a reason, they get what they give.

Dissapointing.

--->Paul

Criminals ringing the doorbell?

Just doesn't seem much of a threat. If they mean harm, they aren't going to be ringing the doorbell.

They tried at my mom's house, she is in her 60's and she backed them down with her .32 Smith and Wessen snub nose! GO MOM!

emptycupranch · #98 10/30/10, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Told her she woud have to ask someone else as our car wouldn't pull theirs out. Her male friend was standing outside the fence.

Did you at least call a neighbor or friend who could help these folks out, or offer them your phone?

I am so thankful I don't live in a country so full of fear. I am following this thread in awe and something close to revulsion - I showed DH earlier and he could only shake his head. The mindset is difficult for us to comprehend.

**clovis** · #99 10/30/10, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emptycupranch

Did you at least call a neighbor or friend who could help these folks out, or offer them your phone?

I am so thankful I don't live in a country so full of fear. I am following this thread in awe and something close to revulsion - I showed DH earlier and he could only shake his head. The mindset is difficult for us to comprehend.

We are not bad people here in the US.

The population of the US is approximately 10 times more than Canada.

I've read that 90% of all the crime in the US was tied to alcohol or drugs in some fashion. Does that tell you anything?

emptycupranch · #**100** 10/30/10, 01:49 AM

I know you are not bad people - most of my family are US born and raised. It is the general attitude that I disagree with. What I cannot wrap my brain around is the mindset that it is ok to pull a gun on a stranger? That a person cannot feel safe enough to open a door unarmed is crazy. Even when I lived in the inner-city, the roughest part of the city, I could trust that if I needed help on one of the nights I was walking home, I could knock on a door and be assisted, without having my life threatened or being turned away to fend for myself. There seems to be no camaraderie, no looking out for a fellow person, neighbor, passer-by, sentient being. What a dead-end way to live life!