Whether you ran out the door in a hurry, leaving your key behind, or your key just broke off in the lock, being stuck on your stoop is never fun. Fortunately, it is easy for a locksmith to gain entry to your home, but it is even better to avoid being locked out in the first place. Fortunately, taking a few proactive steps can help prevent future lockouts.
Make a Spare Key
Unlike modern smart car keys, house keys are generally simple and inexpensive to duplicate. Head to your local locksmith or big box store to have a spare key made. Give it to someone you trust who lives nearby, such as a friend, relative, or neighbor. You might even want to exchange spare keys with that person so that you can help each other out. Of course, anyone who lives in your home, including your spouse, child, or roommate, should have a separate house key.
Gain Entry Another Way
If you don’t have a spare key, you may be able gain entry a different way. Check the back door and the windows. Perhaps one is unlocked or has a lock that is easy to bypass. Let yourself in, and then upgrade your security. Remember, if you can get in, so can a burglar.
Maintain Your Locks
Locks rarely stop working without warning, but it can be easy to overlook the signs that a lock is failing. If you notice your lock sticking or you need to jiggle the key to turn it, the lock needs maintenance. Use some WD-40 or other dry lubricant to clean out the lock. If it still has problems, call a locksmith right away. Being locked out is annoying, but few things are more frustrating than being locked out with your key in your hand.
Upgrade Your Locks
If you or someone in your home frequently forget your keys, consider doing away with the keys altogether. Keyless locks are available in a variety of styles, from cell phone activation to number codes to fingerprint scanning. These locks also make it easier to control access for babysitters, repair professionals, and other workers who sometimes need to get into your home.
Develop New Habits
You can avoid many lockouts by developing new habits. Clip your house keys to something you always have with you, such as your car keys or your work ID. Double check for your keys whenever you leave the house. Place a sticky note on your mirror with a reminder to grab your house keys. Sometimes a simple reminder is all it takes.
Find a Locksmith
While the steps above will reduce your chances of locking yourself out, no plan is foolproof. Build a relationship with a trusted local locksmith before you need help, so that you will not need to worry about who to call in an emergency.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are ready to form a relationship with a reliable, trustworthy locksmith, contact Texas Premier Locksmith today at (866) 948-8188.