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What to do if…
someone is trying to force their way into your home right now

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Move away from the entry point to a lockable room or take a clearly safe exit away from the person. Call 911 immediately, give your exact address, and follow the call-taker’s instructions.

Do not do these things

  • Do not open the door to identify, challenge, or reason with the person.
  • Do not move toward the noise to investigate, watch, or record what is happening.
  • Do not confront or search for the person if they get inside.
  • Do not reveal where you are hiding by shouting or making unnecessary noise.
  • Do not leave a safer space to collect valuables or nonessential belongings.
  • Do not post your location or the incident on social media while it is happening.
  • Do not assume it is safe because the noise has stopped.
  • Do not hang up on 911 unless the call-taker tells you to.

What to do now

  1. Move away from the door, window, or other entry point being forced. Go to a room with a door you can lock, or use an exit only when it clearly leads away from the person and you do not have to cross their path.
  2. Call 911. Give your exact address first, including an apartment or unit number, then say that someone is trying to force entry into an occupied home.
  3. Tell the call-taker which entry is being forced, where you are inside, how many people are with you, whether anyone is injured, and whether you have seen a weapon. Answer the questions and follow the instructions you receive.
  4. Lock the door to your safer space and barricade it with available furniture if you can do so quickly and quietly. Stay away from doors and windows and out of sight.
  5. Bring children or anyone who depends on you into the safer space only when they are immediately reachable without moving toward the person.
  6. Silence nearby devices, including vibration, while keeping your phone available for 911. Reduce light and noise if you can do so without exposing yourself.
  7. If you cannot safely speak, text 911 when text-to-911 is available in your area. Begin with your exact address and state that someone is forcing entry. A voice call is generally the best option when it is safe to make one.
  8. If the person gets inside, stay concealed or take a clearly safe route out that leads away from them. Do not go looking for them, and update 911 when you safely can.
  9. When officers arrive, keep your hands empty and visible, avoid sudden movements, and follow their instructions. They may not yet know who everyone inside is.

What can wait

Photographing damage, checking cameras, contacting your landlord or insurer, cleaning up, identifying the person, notifying neighbors, and deciding where to stay later can wait. Handle those matters only after the immediate danger has passed and responding officers have given you instructions.

Important reassurance

You do not need certainty or proof before calling 911 about someone actively forcing entry. Moving away from the entry point, securing a safer space, and contacting emergency help are reasonable immediate actions.

Scope note

This guide covers only the immediate first steps during an attempted forced entry. Reporting details, repairs, housing decisions, protective measures, and victim support can be addressed after the immediate danger has passed, with specialist help where needed.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal advice or a substitute for instructions from a 911 call-taker or responding law enforcement officers. Conditions can change quickly, so use the safest available option based on what you can see and hear.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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