How to Avoid Locking Yourself out of the House and what to do if it Happens.

Two months ago my family decided to update all of the door handles and locks on our home. There wasn't anything wrong with the old handles and locks. My key always worked. I've been getting in and out of the house safely for years. But it's time, they tell me, so it will be done. Our carpenter, who is a trusted friend, installed shiny new door handles and locks. They look nice and are very functional. Our friend did warn me at the time of install to be very careful when locking the house from the inside and then going out. You see, the lock is what they are calling fire safe. You can lock from the inside and still turn to nob to get out. This way, I case of a fire, you will not have to spend time fumbling around with the lock. This is a good feature, I get it. But from where I sit today, it's not so great. I'm locked out. I awoke to a beautiful, warm day. The sun is shining and birds are singing. I couldn't wait to get my bike out of storage for the first ride of 2011. Logging five miles, what a great ride it was until I returned home and turned the knob.....

It may sound obsessive to carry a cell phone around all the times, but I tell you, if your locked out of your home or car you'll be glad you did. I carry my cell in a fanny pack that clips around my waist while I exercise outdoors. I'm not sure what I would've done today without it.

Aways have another key available in case you lose yours or lock yourself out of your home or car. Choose a trusted friend, family member or a close neighbor keep a spare key just in case. Choose more than one person if needed. And choose someone who is local and available if needed.

A sign in front of your main door saying: "Caution Door Locked" may sound silly but I'm in the process of creating one for use at my place. It's going to be something like a "wet floor" sign. I will place the "locked" sign up when I lock the door and remove once unlocked.

 What would I do without the neighbors. That's right, while I waited for my spare key to arrive home I was able hang out with a neighbor. If possible get to know the neighbors. Start a budy system in your neighborhood so everyone has someone close by to help in a time of need.

There are locksmiths in every town who can help if you lock yourself out of the home or car. Keep their number handy. Also, it's always a good idea to have the phone numbers of local police, fire and rescue logged into your cell phone as well. If a locksmith is not available, local police are equipped with devices that unlock doors.

A good friend shared with me today she locked herself out of the house and was able to use a screwdriver to open a window. First she removed the screen and then placed the metal part of the screwdriver at the lower hinge of the window, lifting it up. For some windows this may work. Although the window may be damaged after.

Picking a lock is a skill I must learn. Apparently you can use a paper clip or hair pin to pick a lock, as long as the lock isn't pick proof. I'm hoping my home lock has the pick proof safety feature, but many have used this method as way to get in when locked out.

Truth be told, this isn't the first time I've lock myself out. But the last time it was my car. That's right, I locked the keys in the car. Fortunately I have an auto club membership. I pay a small fee each year and they come to my rescue when I'm locked out, have a flat tire, need a tow or run out of gas. Over the years I've it's been a godsend.