Entry & Exit Safety

Step-by-step guidance for entering and leaving a home safely.

Entry & Exit Safety

When Arriving Home

Options to consider before and during arrival:

• Pause down the street briefly to look for:
  • Unfamiliar vehicles near your home
  • Lights on or off when you did not expect it
  • Open doors, windows, or damage
• Have your:
  • Key or access code ready before you reach the door
  • Phone accessible (not buried in a bag)
• Check the area around:
  • Front and back doors
  • Garage entrance
  • Shared hallways or stairwells
• If you use a rideshare or taxi, consider:
  • Having them stop a short distance from your exact door
  • Waiting until they drive away before unlocking your door
• When unlocking the door:
  • Stand to the side of the doorway, not directly in front
  • Listen for unusual sounds inside before entering
  • Turn on lights as soon as possible
• On entering:
  • Scan main rooms you pass for anything out of place
  • Notice if items that are usually in one place have moved
  • Keep a clear path back to the exit if you feel unsure
• Decide ahead of time what you might do if:
  • You suspect someone is inside who should not be
  • You see signs of forced entry
  • Your locks, alarm, or camera systems look tampered with

When Leaving

Options to check before and while leaving home:

• Before opening the door:
  • Look through a peephole, camera, or window if available
  • Listen for voices or movement near your door
• Plan your timing:
  • Vary the times you leave, when possible
  • Avoid sharing your routine publicly or on social media
• Items to have ready:
  • Phone, keys, and ID in a pocket or easily reachable spot
  • Any medications or essentials you may need if you do not return soon
• As you step out:
  • Lock the door immediately, if safe and appropriate
  • Avoid extended conversations in doorways or tight spaces
  • Walk with purpose toward your next location (car, street, transit)
• If someone you are concerned about is nearby:
  • Note possible alternate exits (back door, different stairwell)
  • Consider delaying your exit or leaving with another person if available

Car-to-Door Safety

Options for moving between your vehicle and your door:

• Before you park:
  • Choose a well-lit spot, when available
  • Park near exits, walkways, or areas with more visibility
• Before getting out of the car:
  • Scan mirrors and look around outside your vehicle
  • Have your keys or entry code in hand
  • Send a quick check-in message to a trusted person if this is part of your routine
• Walking from car to door:
  • Use main paths rather than isolated shortcuts when you can
  • Keep bags or items to a minimum so your hands are freer
  • Notice who else is around, including parked or idling vehicles
• Arriving at the door:
  • Avoid standing with your back to open areas longer than needed
  • Unlock the door promptly and step inside before adjusting bags or clothing
• If you feel unsafe approaching your door:
  • Return to your vehicle or move to a nearby public area
  • Consider contacting a trusted person to stay on the phone while you decide next steps

Unexpected Situations

Options to think through in advance for less predictable moments:

• Someone is waiting at your door unexpectedly:
  • Decide in advance whether you would:
    • Engage briefly at a distance
    • Not open the door at all
    • State you are not available and ask them to leave
  • Keep a barrier (door, chain, screen) in place while talking, when possible
• You see signs of entry or damage:
  • Consider staying outside and moving to a safer location
  • Think about who you might contact in that situation (neighbor, building management, others)
• You are followed from car to door or door to car:
  • Consider changing direction toward a more public area instead of your door
  • Note any details (clothing, vehicle, time, location) for possible later reporting or documentation
• You need to leave quickly:
  • Keep essentials in a consistent, easy-to-grab place near the exit
  • Plan a simple route in and out that avoids blocked areas
• Children or others are with you:
  • Decide on simple, clear instructions they can follow (for example, “stand by this spot,” “go to this neighbor”)
  • Practice basic routines like staying together between the car and the door

Recommended Articles

• Personal Safety Planning Checklist
• Digital Privacy Basics
• Planning to Leave a Relationship More Safely
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• Children and Safety Planning