what would you do moment

CLC · March 4, 2011, 11:57 PM

So this might be silly but what would you guys do?
I live in an apartment building and on the first floor (the only entrance/exit) one of the apartments door was open all day long with nobady in sight. Like from 6am when I saw it to around 10 pm. Its not empty and the lights are on leaving me to believe someone lives there. So would you have knocked and looked to see if everything is alright or leave it alone? Im not trying to be rambo and have the BG waiting for me but I wouldnt want someone hurt and im to scared to check it out. Would having a ccw change your actions? Im just asking because I want to be a responsible citizen.

mikejonestkd · March 5, 2011, 12:08 AM

Call the apartment complex management, or call the police.

CLC · March 5, 2011, 12:23 AM

See that's what I was thinking but it's friday and we wouldn't be able to get ahold of anyone until monday.

StrongSideArmsInc · March 5, 2011, 12:32 AM

Cops are off on the weekends were you live?

CLC · March 5, 2011, 12:59 AM

Haha no but id hate to cause a scene/problem for someone just leaving a door open. My friend came over with his girl ( who has seizures) for a dinner date and she had a bad one and started screaming bloody murder. I was little disturbed that no one even knocked if everything was ok. What if that was my girlfriend being murdered. Just somthing I think about. Sorry again if this is a stupid post.

Bailey Boat · March 5, 2011, 07:37 AM

The management of the property will have an emergency maintenance number available for the residents to use after office hours. Call the office number and you can get through to maintenance....

Mobuck · March 5, 2011, 07:45 AM

This isn't the big city, but around here I would not be concerned about a badguy being there waiting for me for 16 hours. A normal response here would be to beat on the open door and listen for a response, if none, then enter as far as comfortable and do it again. There could be a person with a stroke or who has fallen and can't respond.

kaylorinhi · March 5, 2011, 09:30 AM

Be polite but ready, yes call first, and why not be a good nieghbor?

Buzzcook · March 5, 2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Haha no but id hate to cause a scene/problem for someone just leaving a door open.

Sadly, fear of embarrassment can be deadly.

Glenn E. Meyer · March 6, 2011, 10:52 AM

Call the cops and cut the crap.

When I was a kid, I went for a swim in an Atlantic beach with a friend. We went out too far. Well, soon my buddy was sailing off to France. Buh, bye!

He was too embarassed to yell for help. So was I. Luckily a grown-up old fat guy (like me now), saw him and whistled to the life guards. Yes, they honked horns and launched a boat. Whee!

But my friend was saved.

Nothing more need be said.

Need I close this? I think we are done.

Crazy88Fingers · March 6, 2011, 10:38 PM

I'd probably give a knock on the door and a peek inside, just to make sure all is well. Maybe call the police afterward and see if they can spare a few moments to send someone by. I certainly wouldn't want to go too far in there and get familiar with the business end of the Castle Doctrine.

Demosthenes · March 7, 2011, 12:43 AM

I've been an EMT for nigh on 6 years now and I can't tell you how many times I've been to calls where someone in an apartment building had a heart attack or stroke and died; when they could have lived, had the next door neighbor called 911 when they heard the yells and loud thud of the neighbor hitting the floor. We get a lot of people explaining that they didn't want to be nosy or cause any trouble for their neighbor. Most people aren't crazy recluses chopping up bodies on their kitchen table, so stuff that's out of the ordinary should warrant further investigation, if even just a knock and a "HEY IS ANYBODY HOME/ ALRIGHT?" I understand that it can wind up being awkward and embarrassing, or you could wind up in that long-shot hostage situation (hey, it could happen...) but like CLC said, I'm just being a responsible citizen.

Slopemeno · March 7, 2011, 01:54 AM

Call 911. It's a "Check the Welfare" moment.

It might be worth getting the cell or pager number of your manager.

TeamSinglestack · March 7, 2011, 04:37 AM

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!!

Hello!?

Oh, sorry to disturb you. I noticed your door has been open all day. I live in apartment [X] and was concerned for your well being.

Nice to meet you, have a good night.

TheNatureBoy · March 7, 2011, 05:41 AM

Easy. If I thought something wasn't right I would call the police and let them handle it.

oldvet53 · March 7, 2011, 06:04 AM

notify the apartment manager and if no response call the police. i'm disabled now and am not going to put myself in a position to be taken by surprise by possibly multiple BG.

gearhounds · March 7, 2011, 08:07 AM

Call the law; that's why we make the big bucks...

Glenn Bartley · March 8, 2011, 10:53 PM

I would definitely knock and inquire. If I got no answer, then I might call the building management or the police, but first I probably would take a look inside to see if anything was amiss.

CLC · March 9, 2011, 04:44 AM

Well in our defense my girlfriend did check it out and I had a long shift at work and didn't know the door was still open. She knocked and looked in but chouldnt see anybody. I was just worried and told her id take a look when I got off and didn't want her going in alone. Needless to say the door was closed when i got home. I guess i was just

wondering if we handled it right.

Tinner · March 9, 2011, 05:16 AM

Your just trying to be a good neighbor. I would want my neighbors checking on me.

pax · March 9, 2011, 10:41 AM

I know this sort of thing is usually Just Not Done in the big city, but life is safer and more pleasant if you maintain at least a passing acquaintance with your near neighbors. Doesn't hurt to introduce yourself when possible, so that you don't feel quite so awkward looking out for each other.

pax

Ludarue · March 9, 2011, 10:49 AM

As others have said the best thing you can do is call the apartment managing office, and or then the police.

sirsloop · March 9, 2011, 11:00 AM

Call the police and monitor the door FROM A DISTANCE, concealed, until they arrive. Call 911 if you notice suspicious activity before the police arrive. Easy peasy, you are not in any risk, and you can sleep good that night.

Brian Pfleuger · March 9, 2011, 11:29 AM

What Pax said.

And call the police. It's their job to investigate odd circumstances. The guy going into the bank with a ski mask might only be cold. The apartment door left open might be accidental. Not for me to determine. Call the Po-Lease.

markj · March 9, 2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

but life is safer and more pleasant if you maintain at least a passing acquaintance with your near neighbors

I agree, when we moved in years ago, folks were neighbors came with small gifts like fresh baked bread, each introduced themselves to us and had a cup of coffee. We all watch each others places when we go away. Having a summer party and inviting them also helps us maintain the relationship.

Door is open? did you see a huge flat panel tv?

just kidding....

March 4, 2011, 11:57 PM	#1
CLC Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Posts: 603	what would you do moment So this might be silly but what would you guys do? I live in an apartment building and on the first floor (the only entrance/exit) one of the apartments door was open all day long with nobady in sight. Like from 6am when I saw it to around 10 pm. Its not empty and the lights are on leaving me to believe someone lives there. So would you have knocked and looked to see if everything is alright or leave it alone? Im not trying to be rambo and have the BG waiting for me but I wouldnt want someone hurt and im to scared to check it out. Would having a ccw change your actions? Im just asking because I want to be a responsible citizen. __________________ In god we trust, all others must pay cash.

March 5, 2011, 12:08 AM	#2
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,716	Call the apartment complex management, or call the police. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

March 5, 2011, 12:23 AM	#3
CLC Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Posts: 603	See that's what I was thinking but it's friday and we wouldn't be able to get ahold of anyone until monday. __________________ In god we trust, all others must pay cash.

March 5, 2011, 12:32 AM	#4
StrongSideArmsInc Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 238	Cops are off on the weekends were you live? __________________ I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough. Without ever having felt sorry for itself. -- D.H. Lawrence

March 5, 2011, 12:59 AM	#5
CLC Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Posts: 603	Haha no but id hate to cause a scene/problem for someone just leaving a door open. My friend came over with his girl ( who has seizures) for a dinner date and she had a bad one and started screaming bloody murder. I was little disturbed that no one even knocked if everything was ok. What if that was my girlfriend being murdered. Just somthing I think about. Sorry again if this is a stupid post. __________________ In god we trust, all others must pay cash.

March 5, 2011, 07:37 AM	#6
Bailey Boat Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: NC Posts: 365	The management of the property will have an emergency maintenance number available for the residents to use after office hours. Call the office number and you can get through to maintenance....

March 5, 2011, 07:45 AM	#7
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	This isn't the big city, but around here I would not be concerned about a badguy being there waiting for me for 16 hours. A normal response here would be to beat on the open door and listen for a response, if none, then enter as far as comfortable and do it again. There could be a person with a stroke or who has fallen and can't respond.

March 5, 2011, 09:30 AM	#8
kaylorinhi Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2010 Location: The brown eye of america Posts: 463	Be polite but ready, yes call first, and why not be a good nieghbor? __________________ Buy your guns by Yardline, Not Looks.

March 6, 2011, 10:52 AM	#10
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,064	Call the cops and cut the crap. When I was a kid, I went for a swim in an Atlantic beach with a friend. We went out too far. Well, soon my buddy was sailing off to France. Buh, bye! He was too embarassed to yell for help. So was I. Luckily a grown-up old fat guy (like me now), saw him and whistled to the life guards. Yes, they honked horns and launched a boat. Whee! But my friend was saved. Nothing more need be said. Need I close this? I think we are done. __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

March 6, 2011, 10:38 PM	#11
Crazy88Fingers Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2010 Location: WesTex Posts: 958	I'd probably give a knock on the door and a peek inside, just to make sure all is well. Maybe call the police afterward and see if they can spare a few moments to send someone by. I certainly wouldn't want to go too far in there and get familiar with the business end of the Castle Doctrine. __________________ "And I'm tellin' you son, well it ain't no fun, staring straight down a .44" -Lynyrd Skynyrd

March 7, 2011, 12:43 AM	#12
Demosthenes Junior Member Join Date: March 6, 2011 Posts: 3	I've been an EMT for nigh on 6 years now and I can't tell you how many times I've been to calls where someone in an apartment building had a heart attack or stroke and died; when they could have lived, had the next door neighbor called 911 when they heard the yells and loud thud of the neighbor hitting the floor. We get a lot of people explaining that they didn't want to be nosy or cause any trouble for their neighbor. Most people aren't crazy recluses chopping up bodies on their kitchen table, so stuff that's out of the ordinary should warrant further investigation, if even just a knock and a "HEY IS ANYBODY HOME/ ALRIGHT?" I understand that it can wind up being awkward and embarrassing, or you could wind up in that long-shot hostage situation (hey, it could happen...) but like CLC said, I'm just being a responsible citizen.

March 7, 2011, 01:54 AM	#13
Slopemeno Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 2,663	Call 911. It's a "Check the Welfare" moment. It might be worth getting the cell or pager number of your manager.

March 7, 2011, 04:37 AM	#14
TeamSinglestack Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2010 Posts: 166	KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!! Hello!? Oh, sorry to disturb you. I noticed your door has been open all day. I live in apartment [X] and was concerned for your well being. Nice to meet you, have a good night.

March 7, 2011, 05:41 AM	#15
TheNatureBoy Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Posts: 1,204	Easy. If I thought something wasn't right I would call the police and let them handle it.

March 7, 2011, 06:04 AM	#16
oldvet53 Member Join Date: March 6, 2011 Location: N.E.Arkansas Posts: 27	notify the apartment manager and if no response call the police. i'm disabled now and am not going to put myself in a position to be taken by surprise by possibly multiple BG. __________________ Life N.R.A member, member of the American Legion, what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. only 2 people ever volunteered to give their life for you Jesus Christ and the American fighting man.

March 7, 2011, 08:07 AM	#17
gearhounds Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2011 Location: M'burg WV Posts: 332	Call the law; that's why we make the big bucks...

March 8, 2011, 10:53 PM	#18
Glenn Bartley Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 283	I would definitely knock and inquire. If I got no answer, then I might call the building management or the police, but first I probably would take a look inside to see if anything was amiss. __________________ When I look in the mirror, I am happy to see, some of that nine year old boy, who used to be me. http://ballseyesboomers.blogspot.com/

March 9, 2011, 04:44 AM	#19
CLC Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Posts: 603	Well in our defense my girlfriend did check it out and I had a long shift at work and didn't know the door was still open. She knocked and looked in but chouldnt see anybody. I was just worried and told her id take a look when I got off and didn't want her going in alone. Needless to say the door was closed when i got home. I guess i was just wondering if we handled it right. __________________ In god we trust, all others must pay cash.

March 9, 2011, 05:16 AM	#20
Tinner Member Join Date: January 15, 2011 Location: Malvern, Ohio Posts: 22	Your just trying to be a good neighbor. I would want my neighbors checking on me.

March 9, 2011, 10:41 AM	#21
pax Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: In a state of flux Posts: 7,520	I know this sort of thing is usually Just Not Done in the big city, but life is safer and more pleasant if you maintain at least a passing acquaintance with your near neighbors. Doesn't hurt to introduce yourself when possible, so that you don't feel quite so awkward looking out for each other. pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat

March 9, 2011, 10:49 AM	#22
Ludarue Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 181	As others have said the best thing you can do is call the apartment managing office, and or then the police.

March 9, 2011, 11:00 AM	#23
sirsloop Junior member Join Date: January 13, 2011 Posts: 376	Call the police and monitor the door FROM A DISTANCE, concealed, until they arrive. Call 911 if you notice suspicious activity before the police arrive. Easy peasy, you are not in any risk, and you can sleep good that night.

March 9, 2011, 11:29 AM	#24
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	What Pax said. And call the police. It's their job to investigate odd circumstances. The guy going into the bank with a ski mask might only be cold. The apartment door left open might be accidental. Not for me to determine. Call the Po-Lease. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley