Getting locked out of somewhere we want to be is frustrating, time-consuming, and stressful. We might even feel a little embarrassed since most lockouts occur when we are either rushed or just simply not paying attention. The truth is, though, lockouts happen to everyone. Luckily, there are many solutions that can help alleviate the stress of a lockout or help you prevent one from occurring. To find out what to do in the event of a home, business, or vehicle lockout, keep reading!

Vehicle Lockouts

Vehicle lockouts can be some of the most frustrating lockout scenarios. We might be stranded or it may make us late for our next appointment. Or, worse, we may accidentally leave our children or pets in the car while we are locked out, only to feel helpless and frazzled. There are several things you can do if you are ever in this circumstance and locked out of your car.

Do Not Panic

Even if you locked yourself out of your car with your children inside, it is important not to panic. You will better be able to make decisions if you can remember to remain calm. Remember, lockouts are very common and easily survivable if you can clear your head, accept the lockout, and move on to the best solution as quickly as possible.

Do Not Break a Window

This could result in serious injury to yourself or others. It also is not worth it to break a window if there is simply no need to. Car window replacements can be very expensive, so it is better to not break a window.

Only Break a Window if it is a Hot Day and Someone is in Danger

The only exception to breaking a car window is if it a hot day and your children or pets are inside. You will need to get in the vehicle and get them out of the car as soon as possible. If you are in a parking lot, yell for help if possible. Most people will respond and help if you let it be known that a child or animal has been locked in a vehicle, even if it is just to run or call for additional help. 

Call a Locksmith

In the event that you are able to wait a few minutes to get back into your vehicle if the weather permits and no one is in danger, you should call a locksmith. A locksmith will know exactly how to get you back into your vehicle with minimal damage. Mobile locksmiths are available in nearly every city to assist on-site with vehicle lockouts. If you call a locksmith as soon as you get locked out, you should have no problem getting back into your vehicle safely.

Home Lockouts 

Hide a Key on Your Property

One of the easiest ways to get back inside your home after a lockout is to prepare for it to happen in the first place. Keep a spare house key hidden somewhere on your property. That way, when you get locked out, you can grab the spare key and enter your home. This is a very common procedure many families use to help safeguard family members from lockouts.

Find Another Point of Entry, if Possible

As opposed to vehicle lockouts, home lockouts might have more options for reentry. Check to see if maybe a window on the first floor of your home is open and you can safely climb inside. Of course, a backdoor or some other entryway would be ideal, but you may have to get a little creative in order to get back into your house. It should be stressed though that you should not try to enter in through an alternate route if you might potentially hurt yourself or cause damage to your home.

Call a Locksmith

If you are not able to find another point of entry and have not hidden a key on your property, then it is time to call a locksmith. If you have your phone on you, you should call as soon as you realize you are locked out. If your phone was left inside, you may have to ask a neighbor if you can borrow theirs.

Business Lockouts

Call Another Employee

For businesses, multiple people usually have keys or access control makes keys unnecessary. For this reason, business lockouts are less common. If, however, you find yourself locked out of your business, it is best to ask an employee to come and unlock the building or room that is locked.

Call a Locksmith

Of course, you can always call a locksmith if you get locked out of your commercial or business building. This may be the best option for your business, especially if you own a smaller shop or calling an employee to unlock a door is not an option.