It has happened to the best of us: you left the key on the kitchen counter and now you have found yourself sitting on your front porch without a way back in. In times like these, we often feel like turning to desperate measures but in truth, breaking a window is never a good plan. Not only will it cause costly damage to your home, but it runs the risk of causing bodily harm. The good news is that there are plenty of other workable options that can get you back indoors quickly and safely.
What to do when you're locked out
If you are wondering what to do when you’re locked out of your house, keep a few of these options in mind for next time you’re out in the cold.
Ask around
Sometimes, getting back indoors is just a simple waiting game. If your spouse, child, or other family member has a door key, then finding a way to kill a few hours before they return is probably your best bet. However, if you can’t expect the situation to take care of itself in a timely fashion, then it may be worth running through your mental list of friends or extended family who may have a key to your home. You might be surprised who you made a copy for once upon a time.
Going another route
Check your other entry points to see if you potentially left a door unlocked. While we would never recommend leaving your home unsecured, you may find an unlocked door or window to get you back inside. Make sure to try the back door or patio door before resorting to more creative options. In any case, just be sure to avoid causing any damage to your home or yourself in the process. And once you are back inside, make sure to lock up more thoroughly in the future.
Call the professionals
When all else fails, be grateful for modern mobile technology that can get you in touch with a blacksmith with just a quick Google search. Although you may not be happy to pay top rates for an after-hours call, it is much better than the alternative. Keep in mind the cost and hassle of replacing a broken window and consider it money well saved.
What to do in the future
In the end, the best defense against getting locked out of your home is to have plenty of backup plans that will help you regain entry the next time you are locked out. While it may not be much comfort to your current situation, you can chalk it up as a learning experience and be grateful that you won’t have to deal with the same problem again.
A backup key
One good solution for the future is to keep a backup key somewhere safe and accessible. While we won’t recommend keeping the old key under the doormat strategy for personal security reasons, having a spare in your wallet or car is a great alternative.
Technology solutions
Garage keypads are a very reliable way to gain entry, simply enter your code to gain access. There are also a variety of keyless smart locks on the market for those who regularly misplace keys. With just a few quick button presses, you can get back indoors right away.
Easy re-key
In the event that you have completely lost the keys to your home, you will need to determine how to best get a copy. And, if there is the possibility that someone else may have access to your lost keys, you should consider changing the locks to help provide peace of mind. Consider smart re-key technology which helps you easily and securely re-key your lock in just a few seconds.