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Original poster

What to do if you are locked in a house

20 replies

SplashparkSummer · 03/09/2022 17:33

A young family member has told me they can't find their key and they are locked in their flat. What can they do? There is no other key. Any help appreciated as I don't have a clue!

OP posts:
IncompleteSenten · 03/09/2022 17:33

They could call a locksmith.

Badger1970 · 03/09/2022 17:34

Get them to phone a locksmith.

No good climbing out of a window or dismantling the lock if they can't get back in again.

StrikeandRobin · 03/09/2022 17:36

They would have to keep searching for the key or call a locksmith, but it will be expensive!

They could unscrew the hinges and lift the door off, if they are accessible, but someone would have to go over with a new lock so the door could be refitted and a new lock put on. That would need someone handy though.

Do they own or rent? Would a landlord have a spare?

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Original poster
SplashparkSummer · 03/09/2022 17:42

StrikeandRobin · 03/09/2022 17:36

They would have to keep searching for the key or call a locksmith, but it will be expensive!

They could unscrew the hinges and lift the door off, if they are accessible, but someone would have to go over with a new lock so the door could be refitted and a new lock put on. That would need someone handy though.

Do they own or rent? Would a landlord have a spare?

Yes, I was hoping to avoid a locksmith!

They rent. Good point about landlord, thank you!

OP posts:
Mabelface · 03/09/2022 17:46

Tell them to lie down, close their eyes and visualise what they were doing and where they where when they last had the keys. I've found this surprisingly helpful in finding things.

NoSquirrels · 03/09/2022 17:47

How did they get locked in? Did they lock the door (therefore they key is definitely in the flat) or did someone else lock it with them inside (in which case call them to come back)?

Landlord or letting agent if they rent?

Freddiefox · 03/09/2022 17:51

Who locked the door?

Original poster
SplashparkSummer · 04/09/2022 00:34

She locked herself in, but luckily managed to find the key. The thought of an expensive lockmith spurred her on! Thanks, all.

OP posts:
Hawkins001 · 04/09/2022 00:36

Always best to hang keys up, when inside, this method usually helps prevent these situations

Hawkins001 · 04/09/2022 00:37

Obviously I'm not perfect, especially when needing the loo etc

MaryHoldTheCandleSteadyWhileIShaveTheChickensLeg · 04/09/2022 00:38

SplashparkSummer · 04/09/2022 00:34

She locked herself in, but luckily managed to find the key. The thought of an expensive lockmith spurred her on! Thanks, all.

Ahh excellent news.

Please strongly suggest to her that she needs to keep the key in exactly the same place all the time, preferably near the door in case of fire.

PhotoDad · 04/09/2022 00:42

Glad all is resolved! I once got a call from my DD when she was on study-leave for her A-levels; the door handle had broken and she couldn't get out of her room! It was true, it had; in my lunch-break I could get home and put my shoulder to the door.

babyeye · 04/09/2022 01:00

Pray to st Anthony

I'm not religious it works every time

Ilovenutellaaaaa · 04/09/2022 01:09

Tell her to get a spare key cut now that she has found it, and to always keep her keys in an allocated place so she knows where to find them

Mammyloveswine · 04/09/2022 01:33

Pray to st anthony

Poppins2016 · 04/09/2022 02:52

MaryHoldTheCandleSteadyWhileIShaveTheChickensLeg · 04/09/2022 00:38

Ahh excellent news.

Please strongly suggest to her that she needs to keep the key in exactly the same place all the time, preferably near the door in case of fire.

Show quote history

This is exactly what I was going to say... even if she gets another key cut that she doesn't use every day, it's important to enable swift exit in case of emergency.

Fraaahnces · 04/09/2022 03:29

Now tell her to get a spare key cut and keep it somewhere safe.

Elderflower14 · 04/09/2022 08:24

Many years ago Ds2's adopted grandad locked his bungalow door and then couldn't find the key! His next door neighbour had to give me a leg up through the sitting room window. I landed on the sofa! I eventually found the key! His family had a spare one cut after that!!

KupoNutCoffee · 04/09/2022 08:31

Now its been found, get a tile or airtag attached to the keys.
With the tile, you can activate a ringer from your phone and the tile makes a god awful noise to locate it.

Similarly if she's lost her phone, there's a button on the tile to call the phone...

My partner has a tile in his wallet and work keys, useful for the 'did I leave my wallet at work' - he can see its last location.

maydaysarecloudy · 04/09/2022 08:33

For fire emergencies there needs to be a spare key hanging near the door.

Get her to imagine what would have happened if there had been a fire when she couldn't find her key. Add in the panic and confusion of a fire and smoke etc. Not good Sad

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