Picture this; it’s a cold and dark winter evening, and you’re standing outside your house, keys nowhere to be found. You’ve locked yourself out, and you don’t know what to do. Don’t panic! You’re not alone; getting locked out of your house is a common mistake that can happen to anyone.
What to do the If You Find Yourself Locked Out of Your House
We’re happy to provide you with helpful tips to get yourself back inside your home if you ever find yourself in a locked out situation.
Contact a Locksmith
When you’re locked out, one of the first things you should do is to contact emergency locksmiths. Locksmiths specialize in all sorts of locks and can get your door open with minimal damage. They will also be able to replace your damaged locks quickly and ensure the safety of your home.
Check all Possible Entrances
Before you spend any money on locksmiths or new keys, it’s worth checking all possible entrances and windows for an alternate route of entry. Maybe you left a window unlocked or a back door open. Inspect your property and double-check all possible entry points before you proceed with calling a locksmith.
Use a Credit Card
If you’re lucky, you can use a credit card to unlock your door. While this may sound like a myth from a heist movie, it can work for deadbolts with a spring latch. Slide your credit card between the door and the frame in the spot where the lock is, and then wiggle the card in and out to disengage the latch. If the door lock is too tight, this method will not work.
Duplicate Your Keys
Prevent future lockouts by making duplicates of your keys. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but creating a spare set of keys could save you from sleepless nights locked out of your home in the future. Store them in safe places, like with trusted family members or friends, and make sure access to the key is available in case of an emergency.
Call a Friend or Family Member
If you have a trusted friend or family member nearby, call them and ask if they could bring you a spare key. If they don’t have a key, they might be able to help you enter your home through other methods or provide support. For future reference: it’s always a good idea to keep a spare key with someone you trust for emergencies like this.
Getting locked out of your home can be frustrating and inconvenient, but there are several options available to you. Don’t panic, and take a deep breath. Start by checking all possible entrances, attempting to use an existing key, or other safe alternative entry methods. If you’re still struggling, call a locksmith, or invest in making duplicates of your keys. Remember, prevention is better than cure. However, life happens, and should you find yourself locked out of your home, you now know what options are available to get you inside your home safely and efficiently.
About the Writer: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
