Prevent Home Lockouts with These Simple Steps

Home lockouts can be a huge bummer. It seems that they most often happen at the worst possible times or when we least expect it. No one likes coming home at the end of a long day only to find that they are locked out of their home. Also, it is never a good way to start your day by accidentally leaving your keys inside and finding that you aren’t able to enter your property to retrieve them. 

Lockouts of any kind are never any fun to deal with. This is why it is so important to work to prevent them at all costs. Luckily, if you are worried about home lockouts, you have stumbled upon the right article. You will learn several tips and tricks you can try that have proven to be effective prevention strategies for homeowners of all kinds. Read on to find out more about how you can avoid a lockout in the future.

Hide a Key Somewhere on Your Property

The majority of homeowners use this trick to help prevent lockouts. You can hide a spare key somewhere inconspicuous on your property that is easily retrievable by your or one of your family members in the event of a lockout. Try to find a clever hiding spot that will not be immediately obvious. Keeping a key under your doormat or other areas near your front door is never a good idea. Hide the key in your shed, garage, or other space where only you and your loved ones will know exactly where to find it.

You can also purchase lawn ornaments and decorations that are designed to hide house keys. They will look like any other lawn decoration, a rock, or plant of some kind, but will have a secret compartment where you can store a key out of sight and inconspicuously.

Give a Family Member or Friend a Spare Key

If you are not comfortable hiding a key somewhere on your property, there is always the option to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. This may be a better option for some household, especially if you are unable to come up with a good solution that will allow you to hide an extra key somewhere on your property.

Replace Faulty Locks

Faulty locks can cause lockouts, even if you have the right key in hand. You may be unable to turn the lock to unlock or experience a variety of other issues that will ultimately lead to lockouts. Make sure to have your locks professionally inspected every year or so for any wear and tear. Also, don’t let damaged locks go unrepaired for any length of time. You will want to replace or repair any lock issues as soon as possible to prevent lockouts and other security problems.

Upgrade Your Locks to Keyless Models

One of the easiest ways you can prevent home lockouts is to eliminate the need for a physical key in the first place. Keyless entry locks are a great way to ensure that lockouts become a thing of the past. Most models use a keypad device that requires a number passcode be entered in for homeowners to gain access. Eliminating the need for a key can give you peace of mind knowing you will never have to worry about lost keys or lockouts ever again. While electronic locks are more expensive than traditional lock types, if you are concerned about lockouts, they may be a worthwhile investment. If you do decide to upgrade to electronic keyless entry locks of any kind, make sure you work closely with a professional locksmith to receive a proper installation.

Double-Check your Pockets or Purse for Your Keys

Good habits can prevent lockouts. It is always wise to establish routines that will ensure you have your keys with you before and after you leave the house. Set alarms on your phone or create other reminders that will guarantee you are never without your keys.

Contact a Locksmith to Prevent and Alleviate Lockouts

You can enlist the help of a locksmith to help prevent and alleviate lockouts. Preventing lockouts may be easier with the help of an expert. They can inspect your locks and make recommendations based on their observations as to how you can prevent lockouts from happening in the future. Receiving personalized assistance for your home locks is always a good investment, especially if you are concerned about lockouts.

Sometimes, you may be unable to prevent a lockout no matter how hard you try. If this is the case, know that a locksmith is your best resource when it comes to solving lockout issues. Locksmiths are trained to help homeowners re-enter their properties without causing any excessive damage to their locks, the door frame, or other components. Do not try and get back into your home on your own if there are no alternative entrances you can safely use. You can prevent injury to yourself, as well as any damage to your home, by enlisting the help of a professional. Call a locksmith as soon as you are experiencing a lockout of some kind and you should have no problem regaining entry as soon as they arrive.