PORT ORCHARD — If you soon receive a knock at your front door from someone who says they are a representative of the U.S. government:

a) don’t panic, and;

b) don’t slam the door in their face.

That’s because it almost certainly is a U.S. Census Bureau representative who is one of the thousands around the country, including Kitsap County, taking part in the “AdCan” — or “address canvassing” — operation to verify the location of houses, apartments, shelters and other places where people could live or stay.

The Census Bureau says these temporary staffers, or listers, will attempt to knock on every door in their assigned area to help verify the locations. They will always have with them an official government badge with a photo ID. In addition, the agency said the listers will have an official bag and laptop with the 2020 Census logo attached.

According to a Census Bureau spokesman, the lister will knock on the door, identify him or herself, and ask a few questions about the residence. Listers, most of whom are hired from within the community they’re canvassing, are tasked with identifying every place where people could live or stay.

“They compare what they see on the ground to the existing census address list and then verify, correct or add address and location information as needed,” the spokesman said.

“If the lister does not find anyone at home, he or she will verify and update the address information by observation.”

Still uncertain about this Census Bureau representative? You can contact the Los Angeles Regional Census Office at 213-314-6500.