Locked Out at Night? Tips To Follow Until Your Emergency Locksmith Arrives
Picture this – it’s a cold, dark night, and you’ve just returned home after a tiring day at work. You reach into your pocket to unlock your front door, but your key isn’t there.
A horrible sinking feeling in your gut overwhelmed you. It feels like you’re in a real-life soap opera.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there!
While your first thought might be to try and break in, hold that thought and read on for some safer solutions. Whether you’ve simply lost your key or your lock has malfunctioned, this guide will provide you with a roadmap of what to do next, and reveal just how important your local emergency locksmith is in these situations.
1. Stay Calm and Check All Entry Points
If you’re locked out of your house, the first thing you should do is take a deep breath. When you’re locked out, it’s natural to feel panicked and for your mind to race to the worst-case scenario, but that won’t help. It’s far easier said than done, but keep a clear mind and assess your options.
Consider whether you may be able to enter through your back door, or perhaps you can enter your home through your garage. You might even be able to climb through one of your windows if it’s not locked. Just think, if you forgot your keys in the morning, you might have forgotten to lock another door too.
However, be very cautious if you choose to enter your home through this unorthodox entry point. Be sure to clear the area of any obstructions, because this could prevent you from sustaining an injury or causing costly damage to your possessions. For your safety and security, you should also be careful to not damage any doors in an attempt to fast-track the process. If you do break your lock, you’ll still need to call your local locksmith for a swift repair!
2. Contact Your Emergency Local Locksmith
Once you’re confident that there’s no other way into your home, it’s time to call a trusted local locksmith. This might not be as easy if you’ve been locked out at an ungodly hour, but the best locksmiths understand the urgency of the situation and will be able to offer 24/7 emergency assistance.
Trying to play the role of an amateur locksmith isn’t worth the hassle, especially in a stressful time. Residential locksmith services exist for a reason – they’re the experts equipped with the right tools and knowledge to handle lockouts efficiently. Attempting DIY methods can lead to damaged locks, broken doors, or even personal injuries that complicate the situation even further. Save yourself the trouble and leave it to the professionals.
When you’re locked out of the house, the help of an emergency locksmith isn’t just convenient; it’s essential. Local locksmiths not only open the door for you but also do it without causing unnecessary harm. So, keep their number handy on your phone, and you’ll never have to worry about being locked out in the cold again.
3. Find a Safe Place to Wait
If you’re locked out at an odd hour, prioritising your safety is crucial. Once the locksmith is on the way, find refuge in familiar places. Stay inside your car if you have it parked nearby, ensuring you stay warm and secure. Alternatively, you may consider reaching out to your neighbours and waiting with them until your trusted locksmith arrives.
Once the emergency locksmith arrives on the scene, they’ll quickly assess the situation with a trained eye. Their extensive experience allows them to determine the most suitable method to regain access to your home, all while minimising any potential damage. Equipped with the right tools, your locksmith will employ their expertise to open the lock without causing harm to your property.
Remember, whether it’s your car or a neighbour’s doorstep, finding a secure place to wait is the smart choice. Typically, it only takes a few minutes for the most skilled locksmiths to have you back indoors, so remain calm throughout the process.
4. At Your Own Risk, Use The Credit Card Technique
In situations where waiting isn’t an option and your door has a simple spring latch, you might consider the credit card technique as an absolute last resort. This method applies to non-deadbolt locks and can provide a quick fix, but it comes with a range of risks.
Here’s how it works; Take an unimportant laminated card (ideally not a credit card), and carefully slide it between the door and the frame at the spot where the latch is located. Gently wiggle the card while applying pressure to push the latch back. If successful, the door may open. However, it’s important to note that this technique isn’t foolproof and is unlikely to work on high-security locks or more complex door mechanisms.
Remember that attempting the credit card technique can lead to damage, both to the card and potentially to the lock itself. Broken cards or further lock complications are distinct possibilities. In all situations, it’s strongly advised to call your local locksmith instead. They have the expertise to address your lockout without causing harm or extra expenses. And if the credit card method works, it’s a clear indicator that you should contact your local locksmith to upgrade to a far more secure system. Your locksmith can recommend the best options for enhancing your home’s security.
5. Prepare for Next Time
Once your locksmith has arrived and provided you with a swift resolution to your lockout, you might think that you’re all set. But your local locksmith’s job isn’t just about opening doors; it’s about ensuring that you’re secure and prepared for the future. So, let’s look ahead and take steps to avoid finding yourself locked out of your house again.
Start by considering the old spare key trick. Speak to your locksmith about cutting a second key to give yourself a quick and easy solution if you’re ever locked out of your house again. Give the key to a trusted friend or neighbour, or discreetly hide it around your property in a spot only you know.
But don’t stop there. Maybe it’s time to rethink your locking system. Upgrading to a more secure lock can provide peace of mind. Your local locksmith can guide you through various options that suit your needs and budget. After all, a lock that’s harder to pick or break is an excellent investment in your home’s safety.
And now that you’ve established a relationship with an emergency locksmith, why not keep them on standby if you ever need to access any of their other specialised services? From automotive locksmith solutions to commercial locksmith assistance, they’ve got your back in various situations. Keep these experienced professionals on speed dial to ensure you’re covered for all your locksmithing needs.
Invest In Your Peace of Mind
In those chilling moments of being locked out, remember these essential steps to regain access safely. Stay calm, explore all entry points, and if needed, use the credit card technique with caution. However, calling your local emergency locksmith is the wisest choice – they’re equipped to handle lockouts professionally. Make sure you prepare for next time by considering alternative options like spare keys and upgraded locks, and establish a relationship with an experienced emergency locksmith who can prevent future lockout woes.
