Never get locked out of your house again (and what to do if it happens)

The foolproof plan
 

Once upon a time, you could leave a spare house key under a doormat or potted plant in the lawn. You should avoid doing this nowadays since it is the first place every thief looks. The last thing you want to do is give them the key to your house and let them walk right through the front door.

Key safes are a smart (and easy!) way to stash a key outside of your house without having to worry about someone finding it. These durable storage devices connect to the side of a house and can only be opened with a pin code or combination.

Of course, if you’re one of those homeowners who care about aesthetics, you probably won’t want to attach a small safe to the outside of your house. If this is the case, you should consider an outdoor key holder. These come in various shapes and sizes, all designed to blend in with the outside of your home.
Rock-shape outdoor key holders are the most popular option, but they can look conspicuous if you don’t have any other rocks around your home. Sprinkler key holders are a creative alternative. These look like an in-ground sprinkler on the outside, but are hollowed out with a twist-on top. Simply put your key in the device and stick it in your lawn. It will then be there should you need it.

The backup plan
 

It is always smart to have a backup plan in place. It is no different with house keys. Consider leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbour, family member or friend who will help you out of a jam. While outdoor key holders are great, sometimes a local ankle biter or dog will make off with it thinking it’s a rock. It’s also not unusual for people to use their spare key and forget to put it back where it is stored. Leaving a key with someone you know gives you an added level of protection.

What to do if you’re locked out of your house
 

Even with a safety net in place, you still might find yourself locked out. This is a stressful event that can cause people to do something stupid such as break a window to get in. Not only is this expensive to fix, but you can harm yourself in the process. If you find yourself locked out of your house, follow these three steps: 

Step 1 – Keep your wits
Being locked out of your house isn’t a big deal as long as you remain calm. Don’t get angry or stressed. This can lead to bad decisions. Simply shrug it off, assess the situation and proceed to the next step.

Step 2 – Call a locksmith
Call a mobile locksmith immediately if you don’t have access to a spare key. They will have the tools required to get you back into your house. One thing to note, you don’t want to spend time searching for a locksmith on Google once you find yourself locked out. Find one ahead of time and save their contact details. Doing this will save you time, hassle and money.

Step 3 – Find a place to wait
Depending on the weather and your desire to spend time outside of your house with nothing to do, it might be a wise idea to find somewhere to wait until the locksmith arrives. Heading over to a neighbour’s house is one way to pass the time. Going to a nearby café is another alternative. Just don’t stray too far away. The locksmith may leave if you aren’t around - sending you back to step one.  

This post is written by the team at Lock, Stock & Farrell – Perth’s most trusted and professional locksmith with over 20 years of experience.

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