So you're locked out of your house and you don't know what to do? For starters, don't panic; there are plenty of tricks that will get you back in your house in no time.
With smart home security and home automation services, it's harder to get locked out but it can still happen to the best of us. So, it's important that you know what to do if you ever should get locked out of your house (which we really hope you don't). We've built up some tricks that are basically fool-proof and will regain you access in no time. We're also providing you with some DIY home security tips that will help prevent this from ever happening to you.
- Ask for help
We know that it can be super embarrassing when you have to ask for access into your OWN house, but if it means getting back in, you may just have to swallow your pride. If you live with someone else, give them a call to see if they're home or close enough to come let you in. We can't guarantee that it will make them very happy, but we promise it'll make for a good story in the future. If you're renting the place, consider asking the landlord for a key. They will typically have one for special situations like this one. Live in an apartment? The manager on-site or maintenance will be able to give you access but may require some sort of proof that it is your place, so be prepared. - Are Your Neighbors Home?
Similar to the tip above, knock on the neighbors' door to see if they're home. If it's your lucky day and they are, see if they can provide some help. Maybe they have your spare key and can get you in. If not, they are bound to have a phone, some tools you can use for lockpicking, or beneficial guidance as to who you may be able to contact. - Find an Unlocked Window
Let us preface this trick: We DO NOT endorse leaving your windows unlocked. We're going to assume you can put the dots together as to why it's not safe to do that. However, if you're a busy bee and forgot to lock your window, this trick will come in quite nicely. If you do find an unlocked window, be sure you can get into it by removing any attached screens. Pull it up, and carefully step in. While you're breaking into your home, be aware of any possible obstacles, such as cords on the ground and nearby furniture. Once you're in, we highly recommend sticking a post-it note to your door reminding yourself to lock your window so an intruder can't perform the same act. - Find Some Plastic
Ah yes, the old credit card trick. Who knew they'd come in handy for anything beyond financial transactions?! This lock-picking method will only work on spring bolts, and not deadbolts. Laminated cards are preferred because they are durable enough to jiggle through the door and the frame while having the ability to bend. Start by selecting a laminated card you won't mind (possibly) destroying.
1. Insert the card between the frame and the door where the latch is located.
2. Holding the card perpendicular, begin to jiggle to the card while adding pressure to it (use your body weight to do so).
3. As you push, try to bend the card away from the doorknob as an attempt to slide the latch back and away from the door jam (add pressure by using your body weight.
If you are successful with breaking in, we suggest your next move be to update your locks by calling a locksmith. Just think about it this way: if you can use a credit card to break in, so can an intruder. - Take off the Door Knob
As much as it may sound like rocket science, this trick is super easy to perform. Begin by finding the tiny hole next to the knob or towards the bottom. Use a thin piece of metal (we hope you have access to that) and insert it into the hole while applying pressure. As you begin to feel resistance, keep pushing the metal further into the hole while pulling and twisting with your free hand. Keep doing this until you've removed the doorknob. Next, reveal your lockset and use a screwdriver to pull back the locking mechanism to unlock the door. - Call a Locksmith
Should all else fail, the best option would be to call your friendly neighborhood locksmith. It will cost you extra dollars you may not want to spend, but it is a sure way of getting back in (so we hope you didn't severely damage your credit card trying to get in). Be sure to thank your locksmith when you're done and consider asking for him or her to make you a spare key.
See? We told you these tricks are super easy. But wouldn't it be even better if you could avoid this situation from happening altogether? Consider taking the following preventative measures:
- "Alexa, Invest in Smart Home Security and Smart Home Automation"
Technological advancements are taking the world by storm and it isn't leaving the home security industry behind. Leading security providers know how much time we spend on our smartphones and have begun to develop apps that make it even easier to remotely access our home security systems. Now you can lock your door, turn on the lights and keep an eye on your space even when you're away. With smart home automation, you can use the pairing of voice automation and a smart hub to complete these same actions. The Amazon Echo and Google Home are just two of the many smart home devices. - Smart and Electronic Door Locks
Keys are about to become a thing of the past. Luckily, you don't have to be a tech whiz to invest in an electronic door lock; even without smart home automation, you can still invest in a keyless lock. Simply punch in your given code on the keypad and you're in! Another smart electronic door lock you can invest in is a key fob; using sensors, you gain immediate entry when you put the fob up to the door. While quick and effective, key fob entries don't typically include another way of getting in (like a keypad) so you'll need a spare key fob. - Purchase a Spare Key
Okay so the smart home security fancy schmancy life isn't for you - no worries. We're willing to overlook it if you invest in a spare key. Once you make the small, and we mean small, investment of getting a spare key, give it to a friend, foe, family member, neighbor, the local mailman... Just someone you trust. - Get Creative With Hiding Your Spare Key
If you don't trust anyone enough to have a spare key, then feel free to hide it somewhere accessible to you should you get locked out. But please, we are begging you, do not put it under your doormat. Being the most common place to hide a spare key, we are sure that even rookie intruders know this trick. Get creative with where you hide it, such as the sprinkler head, a faux rock, or behind a window shutter. (Psssst... Check out some other super effective and cheap DIY home security tips while you're at it). - Get Into a Habit
It takes 20 days for a habit to set into place; ensure that you have everything you need when you leave home by practicing until the habit forms. Think phone, keys, wallet... After all, practice makes perfect, doesn' it?
Getting locked out can be a real bummer, so make sure it doesn't happen to you. Need an upgrade in your home security? Let Home Security Professional help you get affordable quotes from top dealers in your area.