Lockouts happen daily, not only here in Cary, NC but all over the world. They are never planned (of course!) but no matter how careful we are, they seem to happen anyway. Some of us can go years or even a lifetime without getting locked out but others have it happen to them quite often. Like other inevitable things, it is best to be prepared for a lockout. If it never happens; great, but if it does, you’ll now know what to do about it.
Always the wrong time!
Have you noticed? Lockouts always seem to occur when you most need them not to! You might be getting ready for a hot date or a job interview. Your mind is dwelling on the important event about to happen, when BOOM; lockout has occurred! Lockouts can happen at your car, at your home or at your business or workplace. You can be alone or with a family member or close associate. You can be with a client or with your pet. Here at Cary Locksmith we have been helping folks with lockout assistance for many years. Our licensed, bonded and insured emergency lockout technicians have seen and helped with just about any and every lockout situation imaginable.
Lots of lockouts
There are plenty of lockouts because there are lots of locks! Your car has only three to speak of (door, ignition and trunk) but consider how much you use your car on a regular basis. Your workplace, home and business location all contain dozens of locks and each one of them is capable of shutting you out and interrupting your schedule and plans.
Car lockouts
Your car only has 3 to 5 locks on it depending on make, model and upgrades. Lockouts involving automotive vehicles are some of the most common, simply because we tend to spend SO much time driving them. You might have innocently gone out to warm up the car and forgotten about the keys in the ignition and locked the door. You might be distracted by the hurried rush of unloading luggage at the airport passenger drop off and accidentally locked the keys in the trunk.
Business lockouts
This category of lockout is little known but commercial lockouts happen all the time. Does your Cary, NC business have locks on the front or back door? How about interior rooms; do they have locks? Do you have a company safe? Does it lock? Local companies come in many forms; from dog groomers to luxury home building and everything in-between. The owner may step outside briefly to put out an open sign and accidentally lock himself out. Staff on a smoke-break may prop the always-locked back door and absent mindedly nudge the chair or prop and lock themselves out. We’ve known this to happen in the middle of the night at a local call center and even the manager was excluded from the building.
Home lockouts
These happen quite frequently, as well. The problem with lockouts at home is that people are so relaxed when they are home. They might step out for a minute to get the mail a few doors down at the street mailbox. When they get back home, the door is locked and they are alone. They might go out the front door fully knowing it’s locked but thinking that the back door or garage door are open, when they are not. Lockouts at home can also take place indoors. Toddlers can accidentally lock themselves in a bedroom while playing. Pets can do the same.
So…what are you supposed to do?
If you ask people out on the street what they should do if locked out, they almost always say “call a locksmith,” but do they really? Should they? They can and often should, but many times there are steps you can take to easily and inexpensively get back inside yourself. First of all, stay calm and don’t panic! Nothing good ever comes by “freaking out” and acting irrational.
Secondly, resist the urge to break back inside. We know – it’s your property and you can do what you like with it, but keep in mind that broken glass and wood often cut and injure. You also have to repair any damage you incur and if you think about it, the cost would actually be less (and safer, too) to just call for a locksmith.
Another problem with overreacting and forcing your way back inside is that you might be mistaken for a burglar, home invader, or terrorist. You might be shot by a neighbor, roommate, family member or even police who think that they are doing the right thing. Don’t risk it!
Spare keys
Spare keys can get you back inside fast and simply. They can also lead to huge problems if handled wrongly. DO hide one or more in non-conspicuous places like in the rain gutter or in the backyard smoker. DON’T hide one over the front door sill or under the door mat; these are the first place where crooks will look! If you have family members, friends or neighbors that you really trust; give them one. If not, go back to hiding those keys.
Get help
If you rent your home or business you can always call the property manager. Some locations like apartment complexes, office centers and retail strip centers have one on site and they are usually open Monday through Friday. Some management companies will charge a fee for lockout service. If your lockout happens on a weekend or after hours, your best bet is to call a 24-hour emergency locksmith.
Keep your cell handy!
Most people keep their smartphone nearby at all times. We recommend that you do the same, but also add the 24-hour contact information of a reputable locksmith to your contacts list. If you CAN get back inside on your own, great, but if you just can’t’, give your pre-selected lock professional a call and get back inside fast and safely!
Cary Locksmith 