What To Do If You Are Locked Out Of Your Home
Posted on: 14 December 2016
If you come home after some time out and about, and discover you have been locked out, you will most likely want to find a way to get back inside promptly. Being locked out of a house can be a nerve-wracking experience to someone who does not know how to get back inside safely. Here are some steps you can take in an attempt to get back into the safety your home provides without getting hurt in the process.
Check All Windows For A Way Inside
Take the time to check all windows at ground level to see if one of them is unlocked. You can remove the screen by hand and see if the glass portion of each window slides upward. If so, it will be important to check that there are no obstructions in the way inside of the home that could cause you to become injured when you try getting inside. It is best to avoid jumping a long distance to the floor to avoid getting hurt. Use your cell phone as a flashlight if you are locked out during nighttime hours.
Try Removing The Doorknob
If you are sure a door's deadbolt is not engaged from the interior of the home, the doorknob can be removed from the outside. There will be a small hole located near the doorknob that you can utilize for its removal. Check your pockets or vehicle for a thin metal object, such as a paperclip or hair clip, that you can straighten. Insert one end of this metal object into the hole and apply pressure as you try to turn and pull the knob. This may take a while, but in time, the doorknob will come loose from the door frame.
You will then need to pry the metal plate from the exterior of the door. When this comes off, the lock set will be exposed. Your metal object can be used to flip the lock to the open setting and you will be able to push the door inward or pull it outward to let you into your home.
Call A Lockout Service For Assistance
If there is a deadbolt in the locked position on the interior side of your door, and you cannot find a window to let you inside, a call can be made to a locksmith for assistance. They will ask you for identification upon their arrival to your home, to ensure you are not trying to break and enter a property that does not belong to you. After you show them your credentials, they will use their tools to get into your house with ease. This method allows you to eliminate the risk of injury to yourself or damage to your door.
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