Been locked out? Here’s your step by step guide for what to do
If you have been locked out of your house or car, it can be so easy to lose your cool and panic. It’s essential, however, that you remain as collected as possible and follow this simple checklist to get you back into your house or car. Whether it’s lost keys, a damaged lock or some other issue preventing entry, an emergency locksmith can help.
So, you’re locked out – what do you do? Here’s your step by step guide.
1. Take a deep breath
The first, and most essential, step is for you to take a long deep breath and try and avoid panicking. Being locked out is hopefully a comparatively rare instance for you, but the reality is people get locked out every single day – whether it’s of their car or their home. So don’t panic, don’t tell yourself you’re foolish and try to resist the urge to lose your temper. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, count to ten, and remember the next step to take.
2. Call the locksmith immediately
No matter what has caused you to get locked out, you should call your emergency locksmith immediately. Always have the number of a DBS-checked 24 hour locksmith in your phone at all times. Do not, under any circumstances, try and force the lock or try and manipulate it into working. If it’s seized or stuck, or your key is broken, you’re only going to make it worse. All this is going to do is make you much angrier and more frustrated. It’s also going to risk doing even more damage to the key or to the lock, which is going to make the job of fixing it much more difficult for the locksmith when they arrive. Instead, just step back and leave it as it is. Give your locksmith your details, and wait for them to arrive.
3. Make yourself as safe as possible
An emergency locksmith will make attending your call-out a priority, but you still might need to wait a little while for them to get to you. This means you need to find yourself somewhere safe, comfortable and sheltered to wait for them. Ideally, if possible, go to your neighbour and explain the situation – hopefully they will be willing for you to wait in their home until the locksmith arrives. If that’s not an option, sit in your car (if you can), or find yourself some shelter. Keep yourself as warm and dry as possible, and your locksmith will be with you as soon as they can.
4. Let people know what has happened
While you’re waiting, use the time to let some friends and family know what has happened. Tell them you’re locked out, that you have called the locksmith, and tell them exactly where you are waiting for them to arrive. If you have any appointments you’re going to be late for, now is the time to phone and explain what has happened. Getting locked out is something nobody wants, and nobody does on purpose, so they should be understanding of your circumstances.
Keeping calm is essential through every step
Through each of these four steps, it’s essential that you keep a level head, keep your breathing as steady as possible, and ensure you don’t panic. A well-trained locksmith will have you back into your home or car in no time at all. So make sure you remain calm, contact them immediately, and find yourself somewhere safe to wait.
In the event you need a 24 hour locksmith, make sure you contact Lockout 24-7 for a local emergency locksmith you can trust.