Discovering that you are locked out of your home can be inconvenient and even dangerous, especially if a child or pet who can’t help is locked inside. Fortunately, by thinking on your feet and contacting a locksmith, you can regain access to your home in no time. Here are a few actions that you can take when you are locked out. 

Tips For Managing A Lockout

1. Try Your Credit Card 

If you have doors that have a simple spring lock that you turn in the center of the knob, the door could be unlocked with a hard piece of plastic, like a credit card. Try sliding your credit card between the door frame and the latch. If you can get the card between the door and the latch, you may be able to push or pull open the door without releasing the lock mechanism. 

Keep in mind that being able to open a door this way should raise a red flag for your home’s future security. If you regain access to your home with a credit card, call a locksmith later to have the locks updated with a more tamper-proof variety. 

2. Think Outside The Box

While you may be locked out of your front door, there might be other ways to get into your home. Think about all of the entrance and exit points around your home, including windows, back sliding doors, and garage doors.

Physically check the doors and windows to see if they are open, and think about crawling in to gain access to your home. Keep both your safety and the condition of your home in mind. Be careful not to bend or damage window screens, break glass, or damage the door locks or handles in the process. 

3. Call Friends—Then A Locksmith 

Think about whether you have given an extra house key to a friend or family member. Sometimes, gaining access to your home again is as easy as waiting for a friend or neighbor to return home to give you their copy. 

If you can’t get ahold of anyone or your friends come up empty-handed, contact a locksmith. Professional locksmiths have tools that allow them to pick the lock without damaging the interior. As an added bonus, if you need to have additional keys made after you find yours, they will make an extra set. 

 

The next time you find yourself locked out of your home, contact A-Tri-County Lock. For more than 30 years, these trusted locksmiths have been offering fast, efficient service throughout Akron, Canton, and Cleveland, helping customers to get on with their day. As an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau®, the Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson Chambers of Commerce, and the Associated Locksmiths of America, these professionals are committed to continually bringing their best help to emergency situations. To find out more about how they can help, visit their website, or give their office a call at (330) 467-9045.