Lockouts of your home are annoying at best. They can also be very dangerous. You will likely lose something in your daily life. But your house keys shouldn’t be one. Millions of people each year lose or get their keys stolen. Or are forced to deal w/ broken locks. This is a very common and preventable problem.
Learn how to keep yourself safe in your home. These are our tips for avoiding being locked out your home.
Make it a habit of checking your keys regularly
Prevention is the easiest way to solve problems. It is best to prevent it from happening. Add another habit to check your keys when you leave the house, such as putting on your shoes. You can tie your laces, check your purse, wallet, or pocket for your keys. These two actions will become automatic and easy to perform without any thought. You will feel more protected and secure when you leave your house.
For signs of wear, inspect your keys and locks
You should consider when the last lock was changed if you have an older dwelling. Overused locks and keys can become less secure as they age. This can result in broken keys, damaged locks, or other issues. The rule of thumb is to change your locks every 10 year. You may need more frequent changes if your lock needs are more complex, like if your home is rented out to guests or you travel frequently.
Keep a spare key handy
Although we do not recommend the “key underneath the welcome mat” technique, we recommend that spare keys be stored in easily accessible places. A spare key can be kept in the glovebox or center console of your vehicle, in your wallet or handbag, or hidden outside your home. Keep spare keys out of reach. Keep in mind that you need to be able locate your key in an emergency. However, thieves can’t find your keys easily.
Avoid using interior locks for exterior doors
It is tempting to install or maintain knobs and locks on certain areas of your house, such as patios and sun rooms. Incorrectly using interior knobs or locks can cause security problems for your home. For exterior doors, deadlocks are more suitable. This will increase the security of your home by reducing vulnerability.
Use a Key Holder
To keep your spare keys out of sight, get creative with spare key storage. These discreet key holders are available in many different sizes and shapes, so you can stash your key without worrying about it being discovered. You can find key holders in many shapes and sizes, including flashlights, camera devices, flashlights, sprinkler heads, and other gadgets. Remember to hide your key’s exact location from thieves and other people who would do anything to harm your home.
For a spare key, trust a trustworthy person
To keep a spare key, you should choose someone who you can trust to do so.
Your key could be held by a nearby family member, friend, or neighborhood. The person who holds your key can retrieve it for you if necessary. They can also gain entry to your home if you are traveling or require other assistance. Make sure that you have someone who is trustworthy with your belongings and can be reached when you need them.
Smart Locks and Keyless Entry
A smart lock that allows digital entry is a great option if you are having trouble remembering your keys. The keyless entry doorknobs allow you to choose a passcode, and then use that code to lock or unlock your doors. Smart locks can even be biometric-operated with the help of fingerprint readers. You can even create passcodes to family members and friends, as well as a master code that you can use in order to override any system. This allows you to gain greater security by removing the need for physical keys. The only thing you will need to do is keep track of the passcode.
You can use a phone key holder
You can also use a key holder to keep your keys safe and secure. To keep your keys safe, you can either carry a separate key holder with you in your bag or car, or you can use a phone case that includes a keyholder to hold your home key, credit cards and ID. Although this makes your key easier to access, it can also make your valuables and keys more likely to be stolen. This option is best if you are aware of your surroundings, the safety of places you frequent, as well as the general safety of those areas.
Keep a locksmith on speed dial
Lockouts can be a common occurrence or a constant worry. Having a locksmith on the speed dial will help you feel more secure during an emergency. A professional locksmith is more than a quick call for help when there are lockouts and break-ins. To improve your safety, you can call a locksmith. They can upgrade security systems, replace locks, or offer security inspections. Locate a professional locksmith to give you peace of mind.