Getting locked out of your own house or car can be a nightmare, especially when it happens late at night. A lockout situation comes unexpectedly in the office, at home, or in your car. The most common reason people get locked out is forgetting to bring their keys when hurrying and then later realising they have left their keys inside their property. You may also face a lockout situation when your door lock gets stuck or damaged. Being locked out can really be exasperating, but there are ways for you to handle such situations cleverly. Here are steps to take if you get locked out of your house, office, or car.
1. Don’t Panic
Before doing anything rash, take a deep breath and calm your nerves. You need to avoid getting into panic mode so you can clearly think of the steps you can take to remedy your situation. When in panic, you could damage your property or resort to shouting for help which may put you into a more perilous situation than you are already in.
2. Check Your Bag and Pockets
When people are in a hurry, they tend to overlook things and draw the worst conclusion. You might think you’ve been locked out and have a locksmith come to you, just to later find your keys in one of your bag’s compartments or even in your own pocket. This is why staying calm is your first step. A clear mind will help you remember where your keys are.
3. Keep A Spare Key Nearby
As a precaution, you should have another key close by. You can keep it in your wallet, in the garage, or hidden somewhere in your house. If you are in your car and away from the location of your spare key, you can ask a family member or a trusted friend to bring them to you.
4. Check Other Alternatives
Try to check for other possible entry points you can try. Check the back door or windows that you might be able to open. However, breaking a window or your door should be your last option.
5. Do Not Attempt to Manipulate Your Locks
Never try to jimmy or pick your locks. Manipulating your locks with a coat hanger, cards or hairpins may seem to work in movies but, in real life, they are very tricky and can cause more damage. If you don’t know how to pick a door lock, it’s better to leave the work to professionals. You might end up needing to get your door lock replaced, which is costly and more time-consuming. Aside from causing damage, you could also be mistaken for a thief and you will have to explain yourself to the authorities.
6. Call A Friend or Family Member
If you ever find yourself in a lockout situation in the middle of the night, or in a dangerous neighbourhood, you must call a family member or a friend. Inform them of your situation and see if they can come and keep you company while you wait for your locksmith. They might also be able to help you think of ways to regain entry to your home or car. Simply having someone around will help keep you away from the dangers of the night.
7. Hire A Locksmith Available 24/7
For security reasons, you should always have a locksmith on your contact list. They can help you with emergency situations such as lockouts and could get to you quickly. You can also be sure that the job is done professionally and they can give you tips on how to better secure your property. Your locksmith should be certified and licensed, with services that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hiring a locksmith when you are already in an emergency situation could get expensive and troublesome. You should already have one that you already know and can easily call when the need arises. Nevertheless, locksmith cost is not an issue when you find yourself in a vulnerable situation.
What to do when you’re locked out might be confusing and frightening. Following the above-mentioned tips will ease your burden and keep you calm in a frustrating situation. Lockouts happen all the time so do not be too worried. If you have practised some precautions, know what steps to take, and have a reliable 24/7 locksmith readily available, there really is nothing much to worry about. However, please remember that if the situation becomes really dangerous, call for help right away!
For a quick and reliable locksmith in Sydney, talk to our professionals at Apex Locksmiths. We are available 24/7. We can give you more helpful tips on how to deal with lockouts and assist you with all your security needs. Call us on (02) 9569 4807 today!