Spring in Minnesota is refreshing and beautiful. It is a time when people can get out of their house and enjoy their yards and their neighbors. But it is also a time when neighborhoods experience much more activity of people going door to door trying to sell you something. In my opinion, most people who come to your house trying to sell you a product are legitimate and have the best of intentions. But as anything in life, as a homeowner, one must be cognizant of the fact that the salesperson may have negative intentions and may try and make you their next victim. So in this blog, I want to talk about what you should do to prepare yourself for dealing with solicitors and peddlers who come to your door. Also since it is Census time, I will give you hints on what to look for and what to look out for if the Census takers come to your door.
First thing is how you answer the door. There are variables that you need to be aware of such as if it is day or night, if you are home alone, home alone with children, or any types of crimes you know that have been happening in your area. Always have a plan. Here are some must do's before you open the door · Always know who is at your door by looking through a window or peephole in your door. · Never let your children answer the door without you around. · Always have a phone (cell or hard-line) with you just in case you need to dial 911. (Don't feel afraid about dialing 911 at anytime) · Talk through a locked screen door. · You can always say no and if they react negative or do not take no for an answer, call 911. · And remember, have a plan before you open your house to a stranger. · See how many salesmen approach your home and ensure no one breaks off and goes to your back or side doors. Be alert on how many solicitors there are. Also one thing you must know is what to look for when salespeople come to your door. Your city may have restrictions about what a solicitor or peddler may need before they approach your home. Here are some things that you need check into or look for: · Check your city has any restrictions on solicitors or peddlers. · Some cities say if you do not want any solicitors, to post a sign that says "No solicitors". If after the sign is posted they rang your door you would call the police because they would be trespassing. · If they have credentials, make sure all of the information cross checks with logo or with what the salesperson says. Any questions say no thank you or if they become belligerent, call 911. · Look at disposition of salesperson, for example, if he is selling tree removal services, does he have a hat or shirt on that displays his company logo? Many times these types of services do not need a license or identification card to solicit at your home so it is important to inspect the salesperson before you open your home door. · Remember if you do not feel safe, you do not need to open your door. But observe them from a hidden space in your house to ensure they leave (remember, always have a phone with you!) Census takers visit local homes several times to capture resident information for the 2010 Census. If you prefer, you can schedule a visit with your census taker. Should the census taker come when you are away from your home, they will leave a contact number. If a census taker has not visited your home or you have a question about your participation with the census, call your Census office. Here is what to look for:
- First ask to see their ID. All census workers carry official government badges marked with just their name; they may also have a "U.S. Census Bureau" bag.
- Upon request, the US Census taker will provide a letter from the director of Census Bureau on US Census Bureau letterhead and will provide supervisor contact information and/or bag with a Census Bureau logo.
- US Census taker may be carrying a laptop computer and/or bag with a Census Bureau logo and driving their personal vehicles which will not have any Census markings.
- Note that the census taker will never ask to enter your home
- If you're still not certain about their identity, please call the Regional Census Center to confirm they are employed by the Census Bureau
- Answer the census form questions for your entire household (you must be at least 15 years old to answer questions) so that the census taker can record the results for submission to the Census Bureau.
- US Census taker will never:
- Ask for a Social Security Number
- Ask for money or a donation or request PIN codes, passwords or banking information
- Conduct the Census via the Internet or send emails asking for Census information
Remember, it is your home and have a plan before you open your home to strangers.
