What to Do When You Get Locked Out of the House: A Guide
Getting locked out of your own home can be a stressful experience, but it’s something that can happen to anyone. Whether you misplaced your keys or the door closed behind you unexpectedly, knowing how to handle the situation calmly and efficiently can make all the difference. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to take when you find yourself locked out of your house in the UK.
Locked Out of the House? Stay Calm and Assess the Situation:
Being locked out can cause panic, but it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. Take a moment to check all your pockets, bags, and belongings to ensure you haven’t overlooked the keys. If you’re certain you don’t have access to your keys, it’s time to explore other options.
Check for Alternative Entry Points:
Examine your property for any alternative entry points that may be accessible. Look for unlocked windows or backdoors that could offer a way inside. However, remember to prioritise your safety and avoid risky methods such as climbing ladders or breaking windows, as these could result in injury or damage.
Contact a Trusted Neighbour or Family Member
Reach out to a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member who may have a spare key or can offer assistance. If you have a close relationship with your neighbours, they might be willing to lend a helping hand or provide shelter until you resolve the situation.
Call a Professional Locksmith
If you’re unable to find an alternative entry point or get help from someone with a spare key, it’s time to call a professional local independent locksmith. Locksmiths are skilled in gaining access to locked properties without causing damage to your locks or doors. However, make sure you are not dealing with a national company that will take ages to attend. Also, always confirm the pricing upfront to make sure you are not paying extortionate prices.
Have our number stored in your phone for emergencies in case you get locked out of the house in Farnham, Aldershot, Tongham, Fleet, Godalming, or Farnborough.
To Avoid Getting Locked Out of the House Again:
Consider Spare Keys and Updating Your Locks
To avoid future lockouts, consider having spare keys made and keeping them in a secure location, such as with a trusted friend, family member, or in a lockbox. Alternatively, explore other lock solutions. We can install a thumb turn cylinder lock that can prevent keys being left inside the door, which is the main cause of being locked out of the house. You might also want to remove the night latch feature of your multi point locks so you will never again lock your keys inside the house.
Take Preventive Measures for the Future
Once you regain access to your house, take some time to prevent future lockouts. Create a routine of always double-checking that you have your keys before leaving the house. Consider investing in a keychain or lanyard to keep your keys easily accessible. Additionally, you can explore technologies such as key tracking devices that help you locate your keys if they go missing.
Conclusion:
Getting locked out of your house is an unfortunate situation, but it doesn’t have to be a complete disaster. By staying calm, assessing the situation, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and safely regain access to your home. Remember to prioritise your safety and always have a backup plan in place to avoid future lockouts.
