No feeling compares to being locked outside of the comfort and safety of your own home. Nevertheless, most people experience a lockout at least once. These situations can range from mildly annoying to very dangerous if children or heat appliances are left unattended. The following tips can help people prevent home lockouts and avoid the trouble and expense of calling a Toronto locksmith.
1. Create an Extra Set of Keys
Most people make multiple copies of their keys to give to other household members and for emergency purposes. Many will even hide an extra key to prevent lockout. Instead of going for obvious hiding places like under a mat, opt for safer options such as purchasing a fake rock and hiding it in the yard, leaving the extra key with a trusted neighbor, or keeping a copy locked in a private work desk.
2. Install a Wireless Keypad Outside the Garage
Most people are able to enter their home through the garage. Installing a wireless keypad outside the garage is a safe backup to traditional door locks. The code to the keypad should be saved in the owner’s cell phone or otherwise stored in a secure place that is also accessible from outside the home.
3. Install a Keyless Doorknob
The majority of lockout occur when a person locks a doorknob from the inside and closes the door after exiting. Changing out the front doorknob to one that does not have a lock eliminates the possibility of this type of lockout. While most people have a doorknob lock and a deadbolt for added security, in most cases, the doorknob lock does not add much security to the home because many doorknob locks are easily manipulated. People who still prefer two locks should consider adding another deadbolt. People who only have a doorknob lock may wish to consider switching to a single, secure deadbolt.
4. Hide an Extra Key in a Combination Lockbox
Lockboxes allow homeowners to easily hide a key in plain sight. Lock boxes can be positioned virtually anywhere. The key inside remains secure because the box is secured by a number code that must be entered correctly. People who are concerned about keeping the lockbox in plan sight may go the extra mile and hide the lockbox itself in a fake rock or other obscure location.
There are a variety of DIY solutions that offer viable alternatives to remaining vulnerable to lockout. Nevertheless, people who are uncomfortable with changing their own locks and doorknobs or who need advice regarding choosing the right lockbox should consult a local locksmith for additional tips on how to safely avoid being accidentally locked outside the home.
