When someone comes to your house uninvited, it’s stressful, confusing, and even scary. Whether it’s a neighbor dropping by without notice, a pushy acquaintance, or a complete stranger, knowing how to handle the situation is important. Because your home should be a place of safety and privacy, not for phroggers. 

In this guide, we’ll share simple, practical steps you can take when faced with an uninvited person in your home.

Immediate Steps to Take When Uninvited Guest in Home

Here are the steps you can take when handling uninvited visitors. 

Stay Calm and Think Clearly

The first thing to do is stay as calm as possible. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but panicking can make it hard to make good decisions. Take a deep breath and try to figure out what’s happening.

Look at the person from a distance, if you can do so safely. 

• Are they acting aggressive, or do they seem lost or confused? 
• Did they break in, or could it be someone who walked in accidentally (like a neighbor or delivery person)? 

This step helps you understand if the person is a real threat or if it’s a mistake. Staying calm also keeps you from making sudden movements or loud noises when someone comes to your house uninvited. The quieter you are, the better your chance of staying safe.

Leave the House if It’s Safe to Do So

If you’ve a clear path to the door or another safe exit, leave the house right away. Don’t worry about grabbing personal items — your safety is more important than anything else. Take your phone with you if you can, but if not, get out as fast as possible.

Once outside, go somewhere safe. This could be a neighbor’s house, a friend’s house, or even a busy street. 

If you have kids, elderly family members, or pets, help them leave with you when someone comes to your house uninvited. If it’s not possible to get everyone out safely, move to Step 3.

Call 911 and Report the Situation

Once you’re safe, call 911 immediately. Give the emergency operator clear details so they can send help quickly. Here’s the information you should share. 

• Your location (the exact address if you know it).
• A description of the person (height, clothing, behavior, etc.).
• Where you are hiding (if you’re still inside) or where you are safe (if you left the house).
• If you are alone or if family members are with you.

The dispatcher will stay on the phone with you and guide you on what to do next. If you’re still inside the house, they tell you to stay hidden and stay quiet. If you’re outside, they’ll keep you updated on when the police will arrive.

Hide in a Safe Spot if You Can’t Leave

If it’s not safe to leave, you need to hide in a secure spot. This could be a locked bedroom, a bathroom, or even a closet. Here’s what you should do. 

• Lock the door if possible.
• Barricade the door with furniture, like a dresser, bed, or chair, to make it harder for the person to enter.
• Turn off the lights so it looks like no one is in the room.
• Silence your phone so it doesn’t make any noise.

If you’re hiding with family members or children, keep them as quiet as possible. Plus, stay hidden until you’re 100% sure it’s safe to come out — only do so when police arrive or if the dispatcher tells you it’s safe.

Avoid Confrontation at All Costs

It’s tempting to act tough and confront the person, but this is extremely risky. You don’t know if the person is armed, under the influence, or simply unpredictable. Avoid face-to-face interaction at all costs.

If the uninvited person sees you, stay calm. Don’t yell, don’t make sudden movements, and don’t try to act aggressive. If you must speak, use a calm, firm tone and say something like:

• “Please leave. I’ve already called the police.”
• “The police are on their way. You should leave now.”

This tells them that help is coming, which makes them leave. The goal is to protect yourself when someone comes to your house uninvited. Let the police handle the person once they arrive.

Wait for Police and Follow Instructions

Once the police arrive, your goal is to stay safe and help them do their job. If you’re hiding, don’t come out until the dispatcher or police say it’s safe. If you’re outside, stay in a visible, safe location where the police can see you.

Here’s what you should do next.

• If you’re inside, don’t open the door for anyone unless they identify themselves as police.
• Ask the police to show identification if you’re not sure it’s them.
• Don’t re-enter the house until police say it’s safe.

Once everything is under control, you’ll want to check your house for signs of damage, missing items, or anything suspicious. If anything is stolen, make a list and file a report with the police when someone comes to your house uninvited.

How to Prevent Uninvited People from Entering Your Home

When someone comes to your house uninvited, the only thing you want is for the person to leave immediately and for this incident to never happen again. So, take these steps to protect your house from this happening again.

Lock All Doors and Windows

It sounds obvious, but many people forget to lock all their doors and windows, especially during the day. Don’t assume that a simple door handle lock is enough. 

Install deadbolts for extra protection and use window locks or stoppers to prevent windows from being opened from the outside. Make it a habit to check all entry points before going to bed or leaving the house.

Install a Smart Doorbell and Security Cameras

Smart doorbells with cameras let you see and talk to whoever is at your door without opening it. Many of these devices send alerts to your phone when someone is at your door, so you can deal with visitors even if you’re not home. 

Outdoor security cameras also act as a strong deterrent. When someone comes to your house uninvited, they catch them immediately. 

Use Outdoor Lighting and Motion Sensors

A well-lit home is less of a target. Motion-sensor lights that turn on when someone gets close to your house can scare off potential intruders. Place these lights near entry points like doors, garages, and pathways to eliminate hiding spots and make your home less attractive to trespassers.

Put Up Signs to Deter Strangers

Posting signs like “No Trespassing,” “Beware of Dog,” or “Property Under Surveillance” can make people think twice before entering your property. Even if you don’t have a dog, the idea of one being present is enough to keep some people away. These signs create an extra layer of psychological protection.

Set Clear Boundaries with Friends and Family

Sometimes, the people who come uninvited aren’t strangers — they’re friends, family, or neighbors who “drop by” without asking. While it may feel awkward, it’s important to set boundaries if you want to save from phrogging. 

Let them know you value your privacy and ask them to call or text before visiting. Most people will respect this once you explain it clearly.

Conclusion

We’ve covered everything you need to know about how to handle when someone comes to your house uninvited . Whether it’s a pushy neighbor, a surprise visit from a friend, or a complete stranger, knowing how to respond can help you stay safe and in control.

Also, stay calm, avoid confrontation, and prioritize your safety. Leave if you can, call 911 if needed, and hide if escape isn’t an option. Once the situation is under control, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. 

The steps we’ve shared help you prepare for unexpected situations and keep your home safe from unexpected home visitors.