Steps To Take If You Are Locked Out Of Your Home
Whether you have misplaced your keys, accidentally broken the lock, or mindlessly closed a self-locking gate behind you, it can be incredibly frustrating to find yourself locked out of your own home.
You might feel helpless in this situation, and if you are late for work or an important appointment, the mishap can be pretty stressful.
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to get back inside your home quickly.
Look For Alternative Entry Points
You might instinctively want to battle with the lock and attempt to pry it open with anything you can find around you. But it’s not wise to try and force a lock open; you will damage the part and waste your time struggling.
Before you start to panic, look around your home for alternative entry points. A window might be open, or perhaps you forgot to lock the back door.
Contact A Local Locksmith
Calling for professional assistance is best if you don’t find another entry point. American Best Locksmith or similar local companies offer mobile locksmith services and emergency services. With this, you can contact a locksmith any time of the day, and a professional will unlock your door.
Locksmiths know that being locked out can be a major disruption, so you won’t need to wait too long. The locksmith will pick the lock, bump the key, or drill to gain access.
Confirm Your Identity
Locksmith services won’t just unlock doors because they have been called out for an emergency. If they did, anyone could gain entry through a locked door. Instead, these services will need you to verify your identity.
Be prepared to provide valid evidence of your identity. Your driver’s license, identity card, or utility bill is sufficient. If you don’t have any identity verification with you, search through your phone, and you might find bank statements or utility bills in your emails.
Avoid Future Lockouts
While getting back inside your home is as simple as contacting a professional locksmith, you should still implement measures to prevent future lockouts.
Invest in a spare key and leave it with a trusted neighbor or nearby friend or relative. You shouldn’t try to hide your spare key in your yard, as this will increase the risk of home robbery. You can also consider keyless entry systems that use keypad codes or even smartphone apps. Smart home locks are a worthwhile investment for convenience. Other valuable smart home innovations, like smart key tags and smart garage doors, can help prevent future lockouts.
In addition to the above options, you can also develop a habit of double-checking for your keys before leaving your home. Adopting a new habit can take time, but smartphone reminders can make it easier.
Being locked out of your home can be frustrating and stressful, but it’s essential to avoid trying to force your way in. Battling to pry a lock open or smashing a window will cause unnecessary property damage. On the other hand, contacting a reliable locksmith service is the best solution. These services respond quickly and are available around the clock for emergencies.
