Top Tips for Home, Car, and Business Owners to Prevent Lockouts

1. Homeowners: How to Prevent a House Lockout

Your home should be your haven, not the scene of your next lockout saga. Luckily, home locksmith services can help you prevent issues before they happen, but you can also take steps yourself to reduce the risk of being locked out.

Tips to keep you on the right side of the door:

Make spare keys (and place them wisely)

• Avoid the fake rock under the mat cliché. Instead, leave a spare with someone trustworthy or install a lockbox in a discreet location.
  

Use smart locks or keyless entry systems

• These can let you in with a code or app. Just don’t forget the code... or your phone.
  

Routine key check

• Before you lock the door behind you, do a key-pat-down check: pockets, purse, backpack.
  

Don’t ignore worn-out locks

• If your key gets stuck or you need a special twist-and-jiggle to get in, it’s time to call for professional home locksmith services before you're fully locked out.
  

Have a reliable locksmith contact saved

• Save About Time Locksmith in your phone just in case. You never know when you’ll need us!
  
  

A little planning goes a long way. Remember: it's not paranoid if it saves you from sleeping on your porch.

Car lockouts are sneaky. They happen in grocery store parking lots, in the middle of nowhere, or worse—right outside your own home. If you’ve ever typed “car lockout assistance near me” into your phone while standing in the rain, you know the drill.

Preventative tips that keep you in the driver’s seat:

Always check before locking up

• It sounds obvious, but it's surprisingly easy to forget. Make it a habit to check for your keys before locking the car.
  

Use keychains or key trackers

• Key finders like Tile or Apple AirTags help if your keys wander off (or if your toddler decides the trash can is their new toy box).
  

Have a spare key in a magnetic box

• Stick it somewhere discreet on your car's frame. Just make sure it's secure and not easy to spot.
  

Avoid using the remote to lock from the outside

• Locking manually ensures the keys are in your hand. Remote locking while leaving the keys inside is a common mistake.
  

Duplicate your keys

• Keep a spare at home, at work, or with someone nearby. You'll thank yourself when it counts.
  
  

And if you still get locked out (hey, it happens), know that emergency lock service providers like About Time Locksmith are only a call away and ready to help.

A locked-out business means lost time, lost revenue, and sometimes even lost customers. Whether you own a retail store, manage an office, or run a small business from a physical location, commercial lockouts can bring operations to a grinding halt.

Smart ways to prevent business lockouts:

Install keyless entry systems

• Keypads, smart locks, or fob systems let you and your staff enter without physical keys.
  

Assign key responsibilities

• Keep a clear list of who has keys or access. This helps avoid confusion and accidental lockouts.
  

Have emergency access protocols

• Designate a backup access method (like a trusted manager or landlord) and make sure it's updated regularly.
  

Schedule regular lock maintenance

• Sticking locks or broken mechanisms are accidents waiting to happen. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
  

Keep an extra set of keys off-site

• Store them securely at a secondary location or with your commercial locksmith provider.
  
  

Business lockouts are often more than an inconvenience—they're a disruption to your bottom line. Let us help you avoid that with commercial-focused emergency lock service and access solutions.

So you've done your best and still ended up locked out. First, take a deep breath. It’s not the end of the world, and panicking won’t make the keys magically reappear.

Here’s what to do when you’re locked out:

Stay calm and stay safe

• If it’s dark or you’re in an unfamiliar area, call someone or find a safe place nearby.
  

Check all possible entries

• Maybe that back door isn’t locked. Maybe the window is open (fingers crossed).
  

Avoid DIY break-ins

• Trying to pick your own lock or pry open a door can damage your property and void warranties.
  

Call a local professional

• Look for a nearby locksmith with 24/7 emergency lock service. For those in Montgomery AL, About Time Locksmith is just a call away.
  

Be prepared for the next time

• After you're back in, take steps to prevent it from happening again. Whether that’s getting a spare key made or upgrading to a smart lock, don’t wait.
  
  

Remember, being locked out might feel like a disaster in the moment, but with the right help, it’s a minor speed bump.

We’re Here When You Need Us – And Before You Do

At About Time Locksmith, we believe that prevention is better than panic. But if you do get locked out, we offer fast, friendly, and professional emergency lock service for your home, car, or business. No judgment—we’ve all been there (yes, even locksmiths).

From home locksmith services and automotive locksmith solutions to lock repair, lock installation, and key replacement, we’ve got you covered across Montgomery AL and surrounding areas. Whether you're preparing for the unexpected or responding to a lockout now, call us at (334) 868-5628 and let’s make sure your keys never ruin your day again.