It happens to everybody some time. We always remember our keys when we walk out the door…until that one time…when we forget! Oh no! You’re locked out! It’s so inconvenient and it’s always unnerving, particularly after sundown. But there’s no reason you should ever find yourself locked out again, if you put all these strategies in place. Keep the following principles in the back of your mind, and put them into daily practice, and you’ll never be locked out again:
Always know where your keys are. If you ever walk out and realize you’ve forgotten something, and you need to run back inside to get it, remember, don’t put your keys down! Don’t leave them on the kitchen counter! Just keep your keys in your hand, or make sure they stay in your pocket. And, if you lend a spare key to someone temporarily, always get it back as soon as possible. If you retrieve your key from a hiding place, return it immediately.
Store your extra key in a logical hiding place. Keeping a key over the door frame, under the welcome mat, or under your flower pot is a very bad idea. Every thief knows to look in these locations first. Even the fake-rock keyholders are basically pointless, unless you’re extremely good at hiding it. The best thing to do is to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor who will help you in case of an emergency. Ideally, it’s better to choose someone who will be at home most of the time.
Phone, keys, and wallet. This has to be your standard mantra from now on, every time you walk out the door. Make it your daily routine. Stop. Remind yourself: Phone, keys, and wallet. You can add the pat-down, check your pockets, check your purse or pack. (As soon as you get in this habit, you may be adding a few other items to your list, such as: sunglasses, driving glasses, reading glasses, etc. Make it fun!)
Replace any bad locks. Keep an eye on your locks, and upgrade them if necessary. If you have any locks that are difficult to open, the key may break inside the lock mechanism, preventing you from getting in. Be sure not to duplicate any keys that are already duplicates, because they eventually won’t work at all. If you have any locks that are too worn out, they can get jammed.
Are you more adventurous? Keep a fake credit card. Don’t use a real one, because it will get totally ruined. Keep one of your expired gift cards, or one of those sample ones from a piece of junk mail. It’s not as easy as it looks in the movies, but it just might work ~ if you don’t have a deadbolt. You have to have a bored door lock, with the sloped ridge of the bolt facing towards you. (If the door opens towards you, then the bolt’s likely facing in the wrong direction.) If the bolt is the correct type, and facing the right way, then it’s worth a try. Place the card in the gap between the door and the jamb above the bolt. Gently slide the card down between the bolt and the strike plate. Push the card, then push the door, and, if you’re lucky, the door will open. You’ll leave everything (except the card, of course) undamaged.
If you’re ambitious, carry a pick set with you. You can do so only if your local and state laws allow it. Not every lock is pickable, but it’s always worth a shot. Then you’re sure to be able to get back in. Besides, you may some day be able to help a friend in need.
Find a reputable locksmith before you get into trouble. The right way to find a legitimate locksmith is to locate one ahead of time, before you actually need one. It’s important to do your research, so you won’t get scammed or overcharged.
Ask friends, family, and colleagues for their recommendations. The best way to find the right locksmith is through word of mouth from satisfied customers. If no one knows a good locksmith, then you’ll have to do your homework.
Find a local, dependable locksmith. Write down all the potential locksmith companies in your area, with addresses and phone numbers. Find locksmiths who specialize in the services you need. Check for the business addresses, and match up phone numbers with addresses using the Internet. Sometimes a dishonest company will list a fake address, or none at all, claiming to be local when it’s really not. If someone answers the phone with a general greeting such as “locksmith services,” rather than saying the company name, ask for the legal business name. If the person refuses to tell you, go on to the next one. Keep in mind that some good locksmith companies simply may not include their street address on their listing because they have a mobile business, so they can dispatch a professional locksmith who’s local to you. Therefore, it’s a good idea to ask why an address isn’t listed, so you know for sure.
Be cautious of any locksmith claiming that you’re going to have to replace or drill your lock. A legitimate locksmith will bring the proper tools, and will possess the experience to know that such drastic moves aren’t necessary. A genuine professional locksmith is able to unlock almost anything.
Check the locksmith’s qualifications and credentials. When a locksmith arrives, ask for identification, proof of license, and a business card. The invoice you get ought to include the company name. The truck should also have the company name on it, matching the business card and invoice. The locksmith must also request to see your identification. Prior to starting any work, a legitimate locksmith must absolutely verify your identity to show that you’re the rightful property owner.
When you’ve found a reliable premium locksmith, keep the contact information in a logical place, such as your smart phone, your wallet, or your refrigerator ~ so you can always quickly get yourself out of a jam anytime problems with locks and keys should come up. The best locksmiths will be glad to answer all your questions. If you’re stranded anywhere in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you may want to choose Locksmith Master Milwaukee. Their staff mobile expert locksmith technicians provide emergency, residential, automotive, and commercial locksmith services.
Are you already locked out now? If you don’t have a hidden spare key or friend to call, look around, because there might still be a door or window open. Who knows, maybe you didn’t lock the door properly in the first place.
If all else fails, it’s definitely time to hire a locksmith. It’s certainly tempting to entertain the idea of breaking a window or kicking in the door. But should you really risk being mistaken for a burglar? Surely not. To avoid this lousy situation, you must plan ahead!
Aricle source here: KEEP YOURSELF FROM GETTING LOCKED OUT…AGAIN!
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