No matter how it happens, being locked out of your home is never a good experience. You will probably feel vulnerable, sometimes even foolish.
The first thing to do is see if a window is open or unlocked. Maybe, your backdoor is unlocked? If a window is available for entry, you may be able to ask help from a neighbor who can provide a ladder or a boost.
If you have your cellphone with you, make phone calls for help. Once again, a neighbor can assist if you don’t have your cellphone. Make a call to family member or friend who have a copy of your house key. If that is not a viable option, it’s time to call your 123HELP emergency locksmith.
Make the Call to Your 123HELP Emergency Locksmith
- Let your locksmith know the circumstances of how you were locked out
- Provide your address (and specific instructions to help find parking or your front door, when these are not obvious.)
- Inform them in advance if you don’t have your ID on your person
- Tell the locksmith you will be able to provide ID after entry
- When you’re waiting at a neighbors’ home, let your locksmith know the address
Will the Locksmith Need to Verify You’re the Owner?
Yes. A locksmith will need to verify you are the owner or resident of the house. Depending on the circumstances, it’s possible that your locksmith may ask a neighbor to identify you. After the locksmith has unlocked your door, they will usually ask to see identification to confirm that you are the owner/resident you say you are.
To sum up: The locksmith will require identification, usually in the form of a drivers’ license or a utility bill to verify ownership and confirm it’s your property.
Does the Locksmith Damage the Lock?
No. In most cases a locksmith can open your lock without damaging it. Locksmiths use a non-destructive way to open your door to enter the property ensuring no damage is done to the lock or door. Occasionally, a locked may need to be drilled out and replace. However, in a majority of service visits the locksmith can open most locks, even deadbolts without any damage to the door or the lock. With the right tools and the proper training, a locksmith can have your door opened in no time, usually in five to ten minutes. Locksmiths have the tools needed to get you back into your home no matter the situation. Unfortunately, this also means that almost anyone can pick your lock if they know what they’re doing.
Other Locksmith Services
As stated, in the previous sentence, “almost anyone can pick a lock if they know how.” You may consider having a home security system added to your property, to alert you to an unauthorized home entry. Contact your 123HELP locksmith, they can usually assist in the installation of security systems and other technology to protect and secure your home and family including ways to prevent you from being locked out again. Expert locksmiths can also repair locks and cut duplicate keys for a variety of doors and locks in your home, including gun safes and other safety boxes.
For best results always hire an emergency locksmith contractor approved by123HELP.
