We sometimes get careless with our keys, increasing the risk of losing them. A lost key presents a serious threat to home security. If you’ve just misplaced your house keys, your safety is at risk. At worst, someone could break in, so act quickly to secure your home.
You shouldn’t wait longer if you don’t find them at their expected spot. This post will help you take practical steps in case you have lost your home keys.
Stay Calm and Search Thoroughly
It may seem obvious, but thoroughly search all likely places where your keys could be. Look beyond usual spots and check around the designated key location. Expand your search if you lost them from your pocket or handbag.
Try looking thoroughly at any plausible spot where you might have lost them. Search everywhere, below couch cushions, tables, drawers, etc. Consider the very last time you had the keys. Go over your day in your mind. Where did you go after locking your home? It may be worth checking such places.
Use a Spare key if you have one.
We always tend to have duplicate keys associated with our locks. You just might have a duplicate home key in your safe or drawer. Pull it out and use it immediately.
This might fix the problem temporarily, but remember that a lost key simply means that your home security is compromised. Opt for a necessary solution; that’s where replacing or rekeying the lock comes in.
Rekey or Replace Your Locks
In case of lost keys, the most effective solution is to replace the lock or simply re-key it. Rekeying means having a pro locksmith change the internals of the lock so it requires a new key; once rekeyed, the old key will no longer open the door.
This is usually cheaper and faster than purchasing a new lock. You can, however, move towards replacing the lock altogether with a new one. When a new lock is installed, nobody can use the old key. While the price of a new lock can be hefty, it can provide better security than your old lock. A professional locksmith can perform either: they will reset your old lock or install a new one for you, providing you with new keys. Both will ensure that your security is no longer compromised.
You get new keys cut once the locksmith completes their job. Now that you have a working key, it makes sense to have extras. Keep these spares in lock-up places. Yet again, the extra keys are important in case of an emergency. It is best to change your lock or rekey it if you lose the keys to have your peace of mind.
Other Security Measures for Keeping Your Property Safe
You can also install additional security measures in your home to further enhance your security.
- Install better locks:
Install a solid deadbolt into every exterior door. Deadbolts are more difficult to pick in comparison with the usual spring lock.
A team of professional locksmiths can give you the best advice in this regard. They will assess the best options for you after inspecting your home.
- Consider New solutions as well.
If you haven’t already installed them, a smart lock or a keypad system is even better. They allow you to enter with a PIN code or with your smartphone; therefore, a physical key is unnecessary.
If you’re hesitant, then you don’t have to feel that way, as a professional locksmith can guide you through all the steps to operate such modern lock systems. With a smart lock, you won’t have to worry about losing a key because you can always use the code.
- There are other Easy measures too:
Install motion-sensor lighting at access points, or set up a doorbell camera. The higher your threshold for discouraging intruders, the better off your house would be even in the event of a key loss.
Besides, think about adding a tiny Bluetooth tracker, such as a Tile or an Apple AirTag, to your keyring. Such gadgets can let you pan your phone to find your keys in no time, once more if you misplace them. So the next time you lose your keys, there will be no worries at all.
Preventing Future Problems
Lastly, take precautions, and losing keys will never be an issue. There should be at least one spare key available in case of an emergency.
Once your new locks and keys have been installed, make an extra key inaccessible by leaving it with a relative or neighbour you trust. It should also become a habit to leave your key in the same place when you get home. A key hook or a key bowl by the door will help keep keys in one place.
Develop the Habit of Checking Your Locks and Keys.
That could be a bit overwhelming, but you can develop the habit of always checking your home keys to avoid losing them.
Or, you can have your trusted emergency locksmith’s service number to avoid all the headaches. A great benefit of hiring professional locksmith services is that they will answer your call whenever you need them. They will assign a locksmith near your location so you get prompt help.
Conclusion
Do not panic if you lose your keys. Always begin by calmly searching the places where you might have dropped them. You can meanwhile contact a trusted locksmith service for their help, just in case. If you end up hiring a locksmith, be sure they do their job perfectly without damaging your door. A team of professional locksmiths are typically licensed and knows their job well.
Additional safety measures can be taken, such as smart locks or security cameras. We hope that, with the steps outlined in this post, you can ensure you have your home security back.
