Locked Out of the House: A Calm Checklist

• Try the easy things
• Don’t break in
• Call a mobile locksmith
• Prevent the next one

Getting locked out of your house usually happens at the worst time. Here’s what to try before you start forcing windows.

§Try the easy things

• Check every door, including the garage entry and back slider.
• Call anyone who has a spare: family, roommate, landlord, a trusted neighbor.
• If you rent, your property manager may have a key or a lockout process.

§Don’t break in

Breaking a window or prying a door often costs more than a lockout call, and a broken window is a security problem until it’s fixed.

§Call a mobile locksmith

A house lockout can usually be opened without damage. If it’s late or urgent, emergency lockout service means you’re not waiting until morning. The general lockout service page covers homes, cars and businesses.

§Prevent the next one

Make a spare with key duplication and leave it with someone you trust, or add a keypad lock so you never need a key for that door.

Choice City Locksmith is open 5 AM to 9 PM daily in Fort Collins, Wellington and Timnath. (970) 803-1100.

Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.