Getting locked out of your home is frustrating, especially in the Florida heat or late at night. The good news is that it’s almost always easy to fix without damaging anything. Here’s what to do.
1. Make sure everyone is safe
If a child, a vulnerable adult or a pet is locked inside, or someone needs medical help, call 911 right away. Otherwise, find shade or a safe place to wait, especially at night.
2. Check the easy options first
- Walk around and check other doors, including the garage and any sliding doors. Don’t force windows or screens.
- Try your garage keypad or opener app if you have one.
- Think about who has a spare key: a family member, a neighbor or a friend.
- If you rent, call your landlord or property manager. They may be able to let you in.
3. Call a locksmith
If none of that works, a locksmith is the fastest safe way in. When you call, have your address ready and describe the lock. A reputable locksmith will ask you to prove you live there, usually with a photo ID showing the address or a document like a lease or utility bill. That’s a good sign: it means they won’t open your door for just anyone.
What not to do
- Don’t break a window. Replacing glass usually costs more than a lockout, and it’s easy to get hurt.
- Don’t try the credit card trick on a deadbolt. It doesn’t work on deadbolts and can damage the latch or door frame.
- Don’t force the door. A kicked-in door can split the frame and turn a simple lockout into a major repair.
Keys lost, not just locked inside?
If your keys were lost or stolen, especially with anything showing your address, have the locks rekeyed so the old keys stop working. We can do it on the same visit.
How to prevent the next lockout
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust instead of under a mat or rock.
- Consider a keypad or smart deadbolt so you can get in with a code.
- Fix doors that lock automatically when they close, or get in the habit of checking for your keys before you step out.
Locked out right now in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or anywhere in Lee County? Call (239) 412-2998. We’re open 24/7 and use damage-free entry methods. Learn more about our house lockout service.