Nothing is more frustrating than getting locked out of your apartment when you get home. An apartment lockout emergency may occur due to various reasons such as:

  • Forgetting the keys 
  • If the key gets stuck in the lock 
  • If the key breaks in the lock pad 

 

In any case, it can be a stressful and annoying situation. After all, nobody likes getting locked out of their home. So, if that happens, calling a professional locksmith in Oklahoma City (OKC) will make the situation much easier to handle. In addition, knowing what to do and following a few precautions can help lower your risk of being locked out in the future. 

We have compiled a list of mistakes to avoid and valuable tips to help you prevent/handle an apartment lockout emergency. 

 

  • Check Alternative Entry Points

It’s natural to panic when you lock yourself out of the apartment. But instead of trying to unlock the door, you should immediately start looking for alternative entry points. Check for any unlocked windows or back doors that you can use to get back in. 

Then you can easily unlock the door from the inside. To avoid it from happening again, make sure to keep the keys in a bowl next to the door. Also, develop a habit of always checking it before heading out.

 

  • Keep Spare Keys 

Many people make the mistake of just keeping 1 other spare key or not keeping spare keys at all. However, a lockout emergency occurs completely unexpectedly, so you should ask a Locksmith in OKC to make 2-3 spare keys just in case. 

They are inexpensive to make. Therefore, you can keep a backup key hidden around the apartment and leave 1-2 spare keys with a reliable neighbour, trusted friend, or family member. Then you can call them to bring you the key and resolve the issue. However, it may not work if the key gets broken in the lock, leaving you locked out of the apartment.

 

  • Maintain the Keys and Locks

Most residents neglect to maintain their home keys and locks properly. It is usually the main reason your key may get stuck in the lock. Regularly lubricating the manual locks can help keep them working smoothly. However, every once in a while you should call Locksmith OKC for lock repairs and maintenance. The professional locksmith will conduct a thorough inspection of the keys and locks to identify any potential issues. They will fix the issues and help ensure your home locks stay functional for a long time. 

 

  • Call Maintenance Staff 

During an apartment lockout emergency, it is highly effective to call the apartment maintenance staff for assistance. They usually have a spare key for all the apartments in the vicinity. They might respond quickly and help you get back into your apartment. 

Therefore, make sure to save the contact information of the maintenance personnel on your phone. It can come in handy if your roommates, neighbor, or anyone with a spare key isn’t available.  

 

  • Upgrade Your Locks

 

If you forget your keys or misplace them often, you might want to consider upgrading your home locks. Nowadays, there are a wide variety of keyless locks available in the market. Depending on your preference, you can ask a local locksmith to install a lock with a pin code, fingerprint, or phone activation security. 

Upgrading your home locks is certainly the easiest way to prevent apartment lockouts. However, you might need to consult with your landlord before you upgrade the locks as some landlords may allow it while others may not. You should keep in mind that you will most likely be responsible for paying for the upgrades by yourself.

 

Consult with a Reliable Locksmith in OKC

If all else fails, your only option might be to reach out to a reliable locksmith in OKC for assistance. Professional locksmiths are usually familiar with all kinds of locks, from manual locks to smart locks. They will arrive quickly, inspect the lock and resolve the issue as soon as possible. 

They will immediately create a temporary replacement key or reprogram your smart lock without wasting time. If the key or lock is irreparable, they will be able to replace the lock and key. So, you can rely on their expertise when you want a safe and quick solution during an apartment lockout emergency.

We hope by following these tips you will be able to avoid a lockout emergency easily. But if you ever lock yourself out of your apartment and looking for a professional and trusted locksmith in OKC, feel free to contact us for help!