A spare key comes in handy if you accidentally lock yourself out of the house. Unfortunately, if it’s not well hidden, it can also help intruders get inside, according to Elyria Locksmith Service, Inc. in Lorain County, OH. So how can you ensure you have access to it and keep your residence safe? Below, these experienced locksmiths list a few guidelines for hiding a spare key.

Do:

Find a Creative Hiding Place

The exterior of your house is full of creative places where you can hide a spare key. If you have an empty birdhouse in the yard, tape the key inside it; a couple of mothballs will deter birds from nesting in there. You can also tape it to the back of an outdoor thermometer or slip it inside a crack if the house has vinyl siding.

Ask Someone Else to Hold It

Whether it’s a trusted neighbor or a close friend, asking someone else to keep the spare key ensures you can get it in the event of an emergency. It also prevents the item from falling into the wrong hands. As an added bonus, if you need someone to check on your house while you’re out of town, this person will already have a key.

Don’t:

Hide It Somewhere Obvious

Would-be intruders already know to look under welcome mats and search the porch for fake hide-a-key rocks, so don’t try these methods. Even light fixtures and mailboxes have been used too often as hiding places. To avoid compromising your security, avoid all the obvious spots.

Keep It in the Same Place

If you don’t have anyone to hold the key and decide to keep it at the house, make sure it doesn’t stay in the same spot all the time. Once a month or so, change its hiding place. For additional safety, do this at night, too, when it’s harder for passersby to see you.

If you find yourself locked out of your home or car and without access to a spare key, the locksmiths at Elyria Locksmith Service, Inc. will come to your aid. This family-owned business has offered a wide range of dependable services, including emergency help, for more than 37 years. To learn more, call (440) 366-5625 or go online today.