What to Do If You’re Locked Out—Real Advice from a 35-Year Locksmith

Locked out of your house, car, or business? Here’s what to do—straight from a trusted pro.

It happens to everyone: you close the door behind you and instantly realize your keys are still inside. Or maybe your toddler hit the lock button while you stepped out to grab something. Or worse—your pet jumped around and locked themselves in.

Before you panic or break a window, here’s what Jim from Alert Locksmiths Inc (a licensed locksmith with over 35 years of field experience) wants you to know.

🚪 What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Home

Step 1: Stay calm and assess your surroundings.

Step 2: Double-check all other doors and windows—especially back or basement entrances.

Step 3: Avoid using force. You may cause more damage than it’s worth.

When to Call a Locksmith:

If you’re locked out with no other entry options, or if there’s a child, elderly family member, or pet inside, call a licensed locksmith immediately.

Case Example:

A local mother in Lyndhurst called Jim in a panic—her baby had locked themselves inside the house while she was unloading groceries. Within minutes, Jim arrived and gained entry without damaging the door or lock. Crisis averted, and peace of mind restored.

🚗 What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Car

Step 1: Make sure you’re in a safe area. Move to a well-lit place or stay near your vehicle.

Step 2: Don’t try to pry open the door or break a window. Modern vehicles are tricky, and DIY attempts often lead to expensive repairs.

Step 3: Call a certified locksmith with car lockout experience.

When to Call a Locksmith:

As soon as you realize you’ve locked yourself out—especially if a baby or pet is trapped inside.

Case Example:

Jim was dispatched to North Bergen after a dog accidentally locked the car from the inside. With the engine running and temperatures rising, the owner feared for the pet’s safety. Jim had the car open in under 60 seconds—no damage, no delay.

He’s also been called to rescue babies from locked cars (working alongside police) and has been publicly applauded for his life-saving speed and skill.

🏢 What to Do If You’re Locked Out of a Business

Step 1: Don’t try to force the door or manipulate the lock. Most commercial locks are designed to resist tampering—and mistakes can cost thousands in door damage.

Step 2: Call a commercial locksmith who understands business-grade lock systems and panic hardware.

When to Call a Locksmith:

If you’re unable to access your storefront, office, or warehouse due to a malfunctioning lock or lost keys, a pro can get you in quickly and resecure the premises.

Case Example:

Jim was called to a small shop in Teaneck after the owner’s lock malfunctioned during a winter freeze. With customers waiting, Jim bypassed the issue, unlocked the front door, and recommended a new weather-resistant lock that he installed the same day.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t stick items like credit cards or screwdrivers into the lock—this often leads to permanent damage.
• ❌ Don’t call unlicensed “cheap” locksmiths off Craigslist—they often use bait-and-switch pricing or even leave your door vulnerable.
• ❌ Don’t wait too long with pets, babies, or elderly people locked inside. Time matters.

🔒 Why Choose a Licensed Locksmith

Jim has served tens of thousands of clients across Bergen and Hudson County. As a licensed, bonded locksmith, he’s trusted by major corporate clients (CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Wendy’s, NFL players, and even TV productions).

He holds certifications in lockpicking, safe manipulation, automotive lock services, and custom hardware installation—and has even set records in locksmith competitions.

When you call Alert Locksmiths Inc, you get:

✅ A real expert (not a dispatcher) on the phone

✅ Upfront, honest pricing—no games

✅ Rapid emergency response (without damage)

✅ Local service from a licensed pro who actually shows up

🧠 Pro Tips from Jim

• “If you’re locked out and it’s not an emergency, I’ll often give free advice over the phone to help you fix it yourself.”
• “Most lockouts can be resolved without drilling. Only amateurs damage the lock.”
• “People think there’s a master key that opens everything. That’s a myth.”
• “Don’t settle for anyone without a New Jersey locksmith license—it’s your safety on the line.”

Final Word: When in Doubt, Call a Pro

Lockouts are stressful—but they don’t have to turn into a disaster. Whether it’s a house, car, or business, Alert Locksmiths Inc is available 7 days a week across Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, and Essex County.

📞 Call (201) 935-8006 for fast, trusted locksmith service.