What to do in different lockout situations

It’s a fact; you can get locked out anywhere or anytime. All you need is a moment of inattention and a lock! Lockouts happen at home, at your car or even at your workplace, or business. You can’t always prevent them from occurring but you can be ready for one so that when (or if) it happens, the impact is not so great. This is why our Federal Way Washington Locksmith pros have put this post together; we want to lessen the impact of your next lockout and maybe even prevent it altogether!

First things first; keep your cool!

Don’t you hate it when people say to “calm down?” It usually only makes things more tense! In lockout situations though; it’s true. Staying calm is going to help you a whole lot more than panicking or getting angry. Finding blame with yourself or someone else won’t get that door or trunk unlocked; it just hurts feelings and clouds your mind with stress and guilt.

At home, you might have walked over to the neighbors to return his mail that came to you by mistake. You come back to a locked door; how’s that for doing a good deed and getting nothing for it?

Lockouts happen at work or business all the time. You are trying to open shop for the day and briefly run out to set up your open or sale signs and find that you are unable to get back where the keys are! To make matters worse; customers are starting to drive up!

Auto lockouts are some of the most common incidents here in Federal Way, WA. Keys can become lost or stolen, and sometimes rushed drivers can leave them in the ignition while multi-tasking and running in to pick up the dry cleaning!

Staying calm allows you to think clearly and to make rational decisions. It also keeps you from looking noticeable to someone who may have noticed your dilemma and is thinking of taking advantage of you or your situation.

Don’t force your way back inside!

If you asked 10 people on the street what they would do if they got locked out, most would say “call a locksmith!” but in reality a few of them would try and break back inside their home, car or business. Federal Way Washington Locksmith discourages this! Not only can you cause bodily injury and property damage, you also could get mistaken for a burglar and cited, arrested or even shot by a neighbor or policeman. Try thinking with your head and NOT your emotions as the damage you cause by breaking back inside can be more expensive than simply calling for a local Federal Way, WA locksmith.

Now, if you have a toddler, pet or elderly person in the house or car, then that’s another story – you do what you have to do to save them. But if the situation is not an emergency then simply resist the urge to pry a door or window open or smash glass just to get back inside!

Spare key use

Spare keys can be so useful and helpful. They can also be a disaster waiting to happen! We’ve all heard about the person that hides a spare key under the door mat or in the flower pot next to the front door. This scenario is so common that television shows and movies include this in their episodes. Yes, doing this can allow you to get back into your house. It can also let any stranger inside, too! Don’t make it easy for anyone to gain illegal entry to your property. Make a spare key and only give it to a trusted friend, neighbor or family member and tell them to keep it in a safe and easy to remember place.

If you don’t have someone in your life that you trust like that, compromise and hide the key, but not where it is conspicuous. Try places like inside the BBQ grill or taped underneath a lawn chair in the backyard. Use your imagination but don’t forget where you put it and don’t be obvious. The same strategy goes for your car and business locks.

Find a locksmith NOW!

That’s right; find a locksmith now, BEFORE you need one! The “old” ways of getting locked out and then trying to find a pay phone as well as one of those huge yellow page phone books are long gone! Nowadays everyone carries a smart phone at all times. Many even sleep with their phones under the pillow! This gives us the perfect method for dealing with lock and key emergencies; have a lock professional (or two) logged in your contacts list! If you find yourself needing to get back inside your property; just tap to call!

While you are waiting

Having called your locksmith of choice, you now have a little while to wait for him to arrive. We recommend that you make another call. This time to a friend, close associate or family member. If you trusted them with your spare key, there’s really no reason to call the locksmith but if you haven’t, it helps to have someone to talk to during the wait. Doing this has a calming effect on you as well as providing you with a “witness” to your situation if you should run into any problems.

Be selective!

You should always want the best quality for you and your loved ones. You deserve it. This also applies to locksmith service. It’s a myth that the best always costs more. We are here to tell you that you can find best-quality, full service locksmith shops here in Federal Way, WA that are both affordable and available on a round the clock basis. Do your due diligence now and make a few calls. Look for licensed, bonded and insured professionals that offer free price quotes, free consultations and fast, same day service. Insist on 24-hour emergency assistance that actually responds and is not just advertised. Lockouts may still happen but if one occurs in your life, you’ll be ready!