Don’t panic and contact your trusted locksmith in Newcastle.
Home security is a top priority for all homeowners, but what happens when you can’t get inside your own home? Getting locked out is undeniably frustrating, especially when it happens at the most inconvenient time.
Imagine getting drenched in the rain while figuring out how to unlock your door. Fortunately, there are several ways you can safely get inside.
Here are some must-dos when dealing with this situation.
Remain Calm
Always calm your nerves first before you attempt to do anything, including unlocking your door. Pause for a bit until your mind is relaxed. This way, it will be easier for you to determine the steps to resolve the issue.
You are at risk of damaging your property if you get flustered. You may also put yourself in danger and attract unwanted strangers if you shout for help.
Double-check Bags and Pockets
People tend to overlook things and assume the worst when they are in a state of panic. You may have already concluded you’ve been locked out and called a professional, only to find the key minutes after. This is why remaining calm is always the first step. Being in a calm state will help you jog your memory on where your keys are.
Check for Alternative Routes of Entry
Open windows can be quite risky and make your home susceptible to burglars. However, this is a blessing in disguise for this situation. If there is no way to unlock the door, check if any doors or windows were left unlocked.
If yes, check if the opening is wide enough to squeeze in an adult. Try to get through and unlock the door from the inside. If you have any kids locked out with you, take advantage of their small stature, and send them in safely.
If you have pet doors, insert your phone or head through it. Try to get a good view of the interior lock. Reach it with your arm or tools to open any nearby window or door.
Unfortunately, having pet doors may also be an opportunity for potential break-ins. Permanently close this access and install a new pet door far from windows and doors.
Call for Help
Contact your family, roommate, partner, or anyone with a spare key to your home. Ask them if they can come to let you in. It may seem inconvenient, but it’s better than spending several hours stranded outside your home.
If you are only renting the place, try contacting the landlord. They may have a duplicate key on hand to open the door.
If you reside in an apartment complex, check the manager’s office. Request access to your unit. Make sure to have proof of identity and evidence that you really are a resident of the complex. Some apartments charge lockout fees if they must come and assist you in getting inside.
Contact an Expert Locksmith
This is the best way to go if you’re in a big hurry. A professional can easily open your door in a short period without causing unnecessary damage.
For situations where you need immediate access, consider contacting an emergency lockout entry service. This convenient service could cost you some money, depending on your location or the time of day you contacted them.
Normally, professionals charge additional fees if they assist you late at night. However, the money you pay may be cheaper than the repair cost if you damage your door trying to break in.
Not sure who is the best in your area? Seek recommendations from people you trust. If you can’t get a referral, search for a certified one online. The Master Locksmiths of Australia is a network of over 700 certified businesses.
Improvise
Lock-picking looks simple in movies, but it’s quite tricky in real life. Paper clips and bobby pins can be used as DIY tools, but they should always be used with caution.
It will be more effective if you have two paper clips or bobby pins. If you only have one, break it in half.
- Bend one piece to form an L shape. This serves as the tension rod to keep the lock in place.
- Straighten the second piece and form a small “W” into its end. This helps in unlatching the pins inside the lock.
- Keep the L-shaped piece in its place while maintaining tension in the lock.
- Feel for pins in the lock using the W-shaped piece.
- Unlock the door by pushing the pins up with the W-shaped piece.
Prepare a Spare Key
If you have already been locked out once and still have no spare key, it’s high time to get one for your home. You can keep it in your wallet or hide it somewhere that only you know. You can also provide spare keys to a family member or trusted friend to call them in times of emergency.
Avoid Doing These Things When Locked Out
There are also some no-no’s you must avoid doing even if you’re desperate to get inside your home.
- Never kick down the door or hit the window with a rock. You may get injured and surely incur repair costs that should have been used to pay for a professional.
- Don’t call the fire and/or police department unless the lockout is related to an actual emergency.
- Don’t reach an open window upstairs by climbing the roof or a ladder. You could get hurt. It’s safer to wait for someone who has a key.
If you find yourself getting locked out of your home, don’t panic! Not being able to enter your own home may feel frightening and confusing. Lockouts happen to many people, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Just always remember that help is readily available when needed.
Ambassador Locksmiths can assist you. We are ready to help 24/7 and provide more tips on dealing with lockouts. Call us today on 0407 452 424 or (02) 4942 2202 to book a consultation.