Getting locked out of your home can be a frightful experience. Knowing that the keys are inside but the door is locked and there is no way to get in is very frustrating. Fortunately, there are some methods that can help when people are in this situation. Trying these six things may help get that door open.

Prevention

Taking steps to prevent being locked out of your home is probably the best solution for this situation. There are a variety of steps to take that can ensure homeowners can always get into their house even if they forgot their keys.

One method of prevention is to keep a reminder to always have the keys in hand when leaving. Having a keyless entry system installed may also be a great way to ensure access to the home. Hiding a key around the property or even giving a spare to a neighbor or friend will ensure a homeowner is never locked out again.

Spare Key

The spare key is always the best option for getting back in the home. Calling a friend or family member that also has a key may be the best option for getting in the home. If there is a key hidden around the home, using that may help as well.

For a rental home, the landlord will generally have a copy they can provide for this type of situation. Some may charge a fee for this service. If the landlord does not have a spare key, they may at least be able to provide options to gain entry.

Check all Doors and Windows

If there is no spare key available, the next option is to check the home for an access point. Take a moment to go around the entire home to check any other doors or windows. This should be done before taking any other steps to enter the home. It would be quite frustrating to break something or pay for a locksmith to find the back door was open the whole time.

Tools to Unlock a Door or Window

The next option may be to try to gain access to the home by force. Some door or window locks can be opened with the use of a credit card or other flat, hard object that will push the lock open and allow access. A screwdriver may also be a good option for removing hinges or even doorknobs to get in the home.

More violent methods can also be taken to get in the home. However, this option is potentially dangerous and will cause damage that will be costly to repair. Breaking a window is always an option, but it is important to take caution to prevent injury. It is also a good idea to be prepared for neighbors to call the police, so have identification ready to prove homeownership.

Call for Help

Calling a neighbor or friend to help gain access to the home is probably a good idea. They could provide support or even a lift to get to a higher window that may be open. They can even bring the tools necessary for getting into the home.

Do not call emergency services to help with a lock-out situation. Neither the police nor the fire department will help gain access to the home. The only time to call these services is if there is an actual emergency connected to the lockout, such as a medical emergency or a child that’s alone inside.  

Call a Locksmith

The best option for getting a home open is to call a locksmith. They are able to open any door easily without causing too much damage to the home. In addition, some roadside assistance services may cover the cost of a locksmith.

A locksmith is probably the option that should be taken before breaking into the home. This is because the locksmith is often less expensive than the costs to repair the damage caused by the break-in and may even be faster. Once in, it may be a good idea to consider one of the previous prevention options.