Category: Quick Guide / Everyday Skills

⚡ What to Do When You’re Locked Out

You closed the door and realized your keys are inside.

Or you reached for them and they are gone.

Work through these steps in order. The goal is to get back inside safely without creating a bigger problem.

Helpful Resources: Browse Doors, Locks & Entry for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

1. Check for Your Keys

Before calling anyone, check:

□ Every pocket
□ Purse, backpack, or bag
□ Car
□ Around the door
□ The path you just walked

Take a minute and check carefully.

2. Check Another Entrance

If there is another entrance you are allowed to use, check whether it is unlocked.

This might be a:

Back door
Side door
Garage entrance
Building entrance

Do not force a door, break a window, or climb somewhere dangerous.

3. Call Whoever Has Your Spare Key

Think about whether you gave a spare to a:

Roommate
Family member
Trusted friend
Trusted neighbor

Call or text them.

“I’m locked out. Do you still have my spare key, and can you help me get inside?”

4. Contact Your Building or Landlord

If you rent, contact your:

Landlord
Property manager
Leasing office
Superintendent
Building maintenance or front desk

If you live in a dorm, contact campus housing or your residence hall.

Ask:

“I’m locked out. What is the procedure for getting back inside?”

There may be a lockout fee, so ask about the cost.

5. Call a Locksmith if Necessary

If nobody can let you in, you may need a locksmith.

Before agreeing to service, ask:

□ What is the service-call fee?
□ What is the estimated total cost?
□ Are there additional after-hours fees?
□ Will opening the door damage the lock?

Be prepared to show identification or other proof that you live there.

Do not agree to a much higher price at the door without asking why the price changed.

🚨 Is Someone in Immediate Danger Inside?

A normal lockout is frustrating.

A lockout involving immediate danger is different.

Examples include:

Young child alone inside
Person inside who cannot safely care for themselves
Fire or smoke
Another immediate threat to someone’s safety

If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

Do not wait for a locksmith while an emergency is happening.

6. Wait Somewhere Safe

If help will take a while, consider:

Weather
Temperature
Time of day
Your surroundings

Wait somewhere safe when possible, such as:

Building lobby
Trusted neighbor’s home
Nearby open business

7. Once You’re Back Inside

Before forgetting the entire experience:

Find your keys.

If the keys are actually lost rather than locked inside, consider whether your lock should be changed or rekeyed, especially if the keys could be connected to your address.

Make a spare-key plan.

Consider leaving a spare with someone you trust.

Give your keys one permanent home.

Use the same:

Hook
Bowl
Drawer
Bag pocket

every day.

🔒 LOCKED OUT? START HERE

□ Check pockets, bags, car, and around the door

□ Check another authorized entrance

□ Call whoever has your spare key

□ Contact landlord, building staff, or campus housing

□ Call a locksmith if necessary

□ Confirm locksmith costs before agreeing

□ Wait somewhere safe

□ If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services

🗣️ QUICK LOCKOUT SCRIPT

Calling your landlord or building:

“Hi, I’m locked out of my home. What is the procedure for getting back inside?”

Calling a locksmith:

“I’m locked out of my home. What is the service-call fee, estimated total cost, and are there any additional fees?”

Calling someone with your spare: