Step 1:
Make sure it’s an emergency and not a criminal act. If the situation isn’t urgent—a raging fire, someone is in need of being saved, etc.—try knocking first. Police officers and firefighters only kick down doors if they absolutely need to. And in fact, SWAT teams typically use a battering ram to break down a door. If it’s a true non-criminal emergency and you don’t have a ram, click ahead for the best technique.