Preventing Lockouts: 4 Simple Steps to Take

Getting locked out of one’s home, business or vehicle can be one of the most unsettling experiences. In our world today, we are used to hurrying along from one location to the next, going from work, school, and other activities. When something occurs that slows down the flow of our day, nothing can be more frustrating. Lockouts are a preventable hassle that you can avoid altogether with a little preparation. Follow the steps listed below to make sure you are do not become the victim of a lockout.

Step #1 – Prepare Ahead of Time

Preparation when it comes to preventing lockouts is key – literally. Always make sure you have the right set of keys on you when you leave your home and when you return. You may opt to put a carabineer or other connecting device on your keys in order to hook it on your belt loop or purse. Simple habits like this can make it so that you never have to worry about getting locked out. You will always know that you have put your keys somewhere on your person to be used right when you need them.

Another way to prepare ahead of time to prevent lockouts is to communicate with your family members or roommates. Letting those you live with know when you will be coming and going and knowing when those you live with will be home or not is critical to preventing lockouts. Sometimes, you may be able to leave your home to go on a walk or quick errand without bringing your keys since someone may be home. However, if you fail to let someone know you are leaving without a key, you may come back to find the house unexpectedly empty. Communicate with your household and get to know the basic schedule of those you live with in order to help prevent anyone from getting locked out.

Step #2 – Hide a Key on Your Property

The great thing about owning a home that has property is the ability to hide a house key somewhere on-site where it cannot be readily found, but still accessed by those that know where it is. This is a common tactic that homeowners have used for decades to keep their homes secure, but still allow authorized individuals the ability to enter the home when they do not have a personal key on them.

The most common places that homeowners will hide spare house keys are under flower pots or front door mats. It is not recommended that you hide a spare house key in either of these obvious locations. Criminals will often look in these places during the beginning phases of a break-in to see if they can enter the home without breaking a lock or window. Try to get creative about where you hide your key and make sure none of your family members give away the location.

Step #3 – Give a Spare to a Friend

If you are not comfortable hiding a key somewhere on your property, you can always give a spare to a friend. Although this method may not be as quick to resolve a lockout as having a key hidden somewhere right on your property, it will prevent someone from finding it and using it to enter your home. You may need to wait for a while before someone you trust arrives with your spare key, but you will at least know that you will get back inside your home safely at some point.

Step #4 – Install Electronic or Smart Locks

One of the surest ways to prevent lockouts altogether is to replace your traditional deadbolt locks with electronic or smart lock models. With these types of locks, keys are unnecessary since opening the lock requires either smartphone connectivity or the use of a number code. Smart locks use phone applications to allow users to control nearly every aspect of their home security, view detailed logs of their home security history, and even program their home locks to lock and unlock at certain times.

Electronic and smart locks are great for families of all sizes and ultimately make homes more secure. No longer needing a physical key to lock and unlock your doors not only makes your life easier, but it prevents you and other members of your family from ever being locked out. Upgrading to electronic locks is a sure way to never have to deal with lockouts again.

What to Do if You Get Locked Out

If the inevitable has occurred and you do, in fact, find yourself locked out of your home, business, or vehicle, make sure to call a 24-hour locksmith. Certified locksmiths typically operate 24/7 in order to assist customers with lockouts and other emergencies that may occur at all hours. Contact a professional locksmith ASAP if you find yourself locked out. A locksmith can get you back into your vehicle, home, or business without causing damage to your locks.

If you were to try and unlock your door yourself, you may break the lock entirely. This will result in needing to call a professional locksmith out to help you anyway. It is best to call a locksmith from the very start of a lockout to prevent any additional damages or fees you may need to pay.

24 Hour Elmhurst Locksmith

For More Info.

Call us at (331) 256-8931

24 Hour Elmhurst Locksmith is proud to provide services for those looking for automotive, residential, emergency and commercial solutions in Elmhurst.

Top