Being unable to access your property is an unpleasant and unsettling feeling. Frustration and despair in equal measure. Plus, it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient moment. So, when the worst happens – what can you do?
- Call a Friend
It’s not unusual for people to leave a spare key with a close friend or family member for emergency situations such as this. If you do this, you’re in luck. Just give them a call and take the keys!
- Try a Window or Door
Perhaps you’re not quite as attentive to your home security as you should be. Take a walk around your property and see if you have left any doors or windows open. Be careful climbing into an open window. Also, be prepared to answer some questions from the police should they arrive. If a neighbour spots you climbing through the window, they might consider you a thief!
- Knock on the neighbours
If it is not too late, see if your neighbours are home. At least you will have a warm and safe place to wait while a locksmith attends or a friend arrives with a key. Your neighbours can also help you gain access to your property by lending you a ladder or screwdriver should you feel like trying to get in DIY style.
- Call a Locksmith
It should not take long to find a local locksmith while browsing on your smartphone. A quick internet search will bring up local locksmiths, who are trustworthy and reliable. It will cost you, but you will be inside within one hour with minimal damage to your property. Trying to get in yourself can cause a lot of damage that will end up costing you much more. For Southend Locksmiths, visit a site like https://www.brights-locksmiths.co.uk/locksmiths-southend/
- Smash your way in
This is only ever recommended in situations of extreme emergency. For example, if you have to go to the car or to put the rubbish out and the door slams behind you when you’re looking after a baby, have food boiling on the hob or are running a bath. Only in such circumstances should you consider breaking a window or door to enter your property.
- Get a Smart Lock
To prevent being locked out in the future, you may want to consider installing a smart lock instead. It is the key that connects to your smartphone and you can access your property through the application features. Another option is to install a lock without a key in the form of a keypad that requires an access code.
