What to do to prevent lockouts

While you CAN prevent lockouts, you can’t ALWAYS do so! While this can sound confusing, it really isn’t. Lockouts almost always happen by accident and when we are not paying attention. It’s easy to say “be more alert” but it’s hard to actually do it. This is why Mobile Locksmith Centennial has added this post; we want to offer some helpful tips to cut down the possibility and the rate of lockouts in your life.

Listen to the experts!

Our Centennial, CO lock and key firm is a full service, licensed, bonded and insured company that deals with locksmith issues of all sizes and kinds. We provide round the clock protection for lock repairs, installations, rekeys and upgrades. This includes service for home, auto and business. Can you guess what our number one requested service is? That’s right; lockout assistance! Having helped hundreds of locals with their lockout problems we’ve heard just about any and every scenario imaginable. As annoying and frustrating as your lockout situation happens to be; chances are we’ve dealt with it.

Lockouts at home

It’s so easy to get locked out of your own house. All it takes is a second for that already locked door to close behind you, preventing you from getting back inside. While it may seem strange, have you noticed that lockouts always seem to happen after-hours or on a weekend when no one is around, or sleeping late?

Home lockouts can be annoying and frustrating. They definitely interrupt your schedule while you think of a way to get back inside. They can also be dangerous. What if you have a toddler, baby, or elderly person inside that needs your help? What if you have something simmering on the stove?

Automotive lockouts

Practically everyone has been locked out of a car at some point in their life. It happens so often that it’s almost a rite of passage. We’ve all done it; been momentarily distracted by something we have to do or someone we need to talk to and then it’s too late; the car door is locked and the keys are still in the ignition, car seat or trunk.

Just like home lockouts, inconvenience is caused and sometimes danger as present. What if you are locked out and it’s getting dark? Neighborhoods can get scary and risky when the sun goes down, and without the ability to get in your car, much less drive away, it can leave you very agitated as well as vulnerable. Scenarios like these are problems when you are alone, but what if your small child or pet is in the car? Auto lockouts can lead to real problems and even death if not handled quickly.

Commercial lockouts

Lockouts can occur at business locations, too. After all, they have people and locks, so why not? Businesses come in all sizes and categories and most every one of them can involve a lockout situation. From convenience stores to office rentals; staff, customers, and vendors can accidentally lock themselves out of a building in mere seconds. Centennial, CO is home to thousands of firms that have locking doors, panic bars, vaults, security gates and other devices that can lock, stick or malfunction leaving someone unable to get back inside.

Lockout solutions

As stated before, there are no sure-fire solutions to lockouts. That being said, there ARE smart ways to cut down on their rate of occurrence.  One way is to be ready for one. This is especially true if you are tired, stressed or lacking sleep. Start by developing good habits. Put your keys in the same place each time you are not using them. You are much less likely to lose them or have them stolen if you know where they are at all times. Over time, it will not feel right if you haven’t hung up your keys or clipped them to your belt or whatever it is you do with them when not in use.

Spare key(s)

Have spare keys made and remember where you put them! These keys do no good if you can’t access them. Always be sure to use an original key when making a copy. Having a duplicate made from another copy is not good for the lock it fits and over time, it can lead to lock failure.

Give one of your spares to a trusted friend or neighbor. It can be to your home, car or business. In the event of a lockout, you most likely will have your smart phone handy, so make a call and save yourself a service call from a locksmith. You can also hide a key if you don’t feel comfortable lending one out to someone. Just be sure to NOT be obvious. Under the door mat or in the flower pot is a NO-NO as these are the first places a burglar will look. Instead, place a spare under the floor mat in the car or inside the BBQ grill out in the backyard.

Don’t become a vandal!

Please resist the urge to break back inside. Whether it’s your property or not, prying open a door, or shattering glass is never a good idea. Not only can you be injured, but you will have repair and replacement expenses that only make the problem worse. Of course extreme emergencies like pets or children in a hot car are a different matter but for regular lockout situations, stay calm and rely on your spare key or simply call a full service, 24-hour mobile locksmith that can come to your aid and let you back inside.

Speaking of calling a locksmith; be sure to add one or more of them to your mobile devices for handy access at any time, day or night. Select a locksmith shop that offers 24-hour emergency help and that responds fast! It’s always a good idea to stay on the phone with a friend or loved one while waiting for a locksmith or a spare key to arrive. Doing this calms nerves and also provides a witness in case of unexpected trouble.

Aricle source here: What to do to prevent lockouts