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What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your House

Everyone’s a little forgetful sometimes. But there’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling of reaching the front door and thinking: oh no, I left the keys on the nightstand – now what? That’s why we’ve made a list of things you can do to prepare for being locked out of the house.

Prepare A Spare Key

Every homeowner should have at least one set of spare keys. If you’re locked out, they’re no use locked away in your own home. To prevent an emergency, put a spare house key somewhere secure that only you or a family member can access. Options include your desk at the office or on a keyring with your car keys; anywhere with easy access, out of reach of young children, and where it’s unlikely to be moved or lost.

Lend Spare Keys To A Family Member Or Neighbour

Lending spare house keys to a trusted relative, friend, or neighbour can help you get into your house without having to worry. It’s worth cutting an extra key or two to have someone you can call to open the door. Even if you forget this step, calling a relative is always a good option. Waiting in someone else’s home for a local locksmith to unlock the door is much nicer than waiting outside.

If you live in a rental unit, contact your rental office to ask if they have any spares. If you have valid identification, they can let you in but just be ready for lockout fees.

Search For Unlocked Windows & Doors

Worst case scenario: you don’t have a spare, your phone is dead, and your neighbours aren’t home. Don’t panic! The first thing you should do is check your back door and windows to see if they are locked. This might sound obvious, but it’s always good to double-check.

If you find an unlocked window, gently remove the window screen. Thoroughly inspect the landing area for obstacles like furniture before lowering yourself in. Don’t try to force a window that doesn’t give as a broken window is far more expensive than an emergency locksmith!

DIY House Key Solutions

Door Knob Removal

You can access a door lock by removing the doorknob. Most doorknobs have mounting screws to make them difficult to remove, but with a thorough inspection, you can find a pin-sized hole or slot, usually below the lock. You’ll need to have a thin piece of metal on hand, like straightened bobby pins, paper clips, or a wire hanger.

First, insert your straightened bobby pin into the hole or slot. Apply pressure; you should feel some resistance. With one hand, push the wire into the hole as far as possible. Twist and pull the doorknob with the other. Continue until you remove the doorknob.

This should reveal the inner locking mechanism. Use a screwdriver – both a flathead and a Phillips-head will do – to pull back on it and the mechanism should come unlocked.

Spring Bolt Locks

For a spring bolt, you’ll need a hard plastic card like a debit or credit card – one you won’t mind destroying. At the latch, insert your card into the gap between the doorframe. Hold the card perpendicular to the entrance while pushing and wiggling it around while, at the same time, trying to bend the card away from the doorknob to unfasten the latch. Push into the locked door and if you’ve managed to loosen the latch, it should push right open.

Call A Locksmith

If all else fails, the weather is bad, or time is of the essence, a professional locksmith is guaranteed to get you back into your house. Most residential locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency lockout services to get your door unlocked no matter when the incident occurs. If you live in London, Ontario or surrounding areas, feel free to contact D & L Mobile Locksmith if an emergency occurs.