If you find yourself locked out of your home, it can be a frustrating and stressful situation. However, there are several things you can do to regain access to your home and minimize the inconvenience and potential risks associated with being locked out.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to handle this situation and offer helpful tips to ensure you can get back into your home as quickly and safely as possible.
What To Do If You Are Locked Out
Check For Any Open Windows or Doors
Before taking any drastic measures, it’s important to check for any open windows or doors that you may be able to use to gain access to your home. This may seem like a long shot, but you’d be surprised at how often people forget to lock possible entry points. If you have a sliding glass door, check to see if it’s unlocked or if there is a way to lift it off the track. You may also be able to pry open a window if it’s not locked or has a loose latch. However, be careful not to damage the window or hurt yourself in the process.
Look For a Spare Key
If you’re lucky, you may have left a spare key with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. If you have a spare key somewhere outside your home, like under a flower pot or a fake rock, check to see if it’s still there. If you can’t find the key, you can always call the person who has it and ask them to bring it over.
Use a Credit Card
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any other options, you can try to use a credit card to unlock your door. This method only works on doors with spring bolts, not deadbolts, and may not work on newer doors. To use this method, slide the credit card between the door and the frame, and push the card towards the latch. Once the card is in place, wiggle it up and down while pushing the door to try to disengage the latch. While this method can be effective, it’s important to note that it can damage your credit card or door.
Call Your Landlord
If you’re a renter, your landlord or property manager may be able to help you gain access to your home. They may have a spare key, or they can call a locksmith on your behalf.
If the advice above didn’t help, just give us a call. Our locksmiths are trained to open doors without damaging them and can help you get back into your home quickly.
We Recommend
- Whatever you do, always remain calm and act only if you are sure that you’re not putting yourself in danger.
- The best way to avoid getting locked out of your home is to plan ahead. Make sure you have a spare key in a safe and accessible location, such as with a trusted neighbor or family member. You can also consider installing a smart lock system that allows you to unlock your door using your smartphone or a keypad. Additionally, you can keep a spare key in your car or at your workplace, as long as it’s in a secure location.
