Help! I’m Locked Out Of My Business!

We’ve all had that sinking feeling. Your door isn’t working; the code you’ve put into your keypad isn’t unlocking the door even though you’re positive it’s the right code, or you’ve lost your keys on your morning commute.

Regardless of how you got locked out, the stress and panic you feel are the same, especially if it’s just before you’re due to open your business for the day.

If you’re prepared, you would have a trusty locksmith in your phone book who can help you get your business back up and running in no time, but we know that sometimes, things just don’t work out the way you want them to and you might not be prepared with a commercial locksmith who can get your day back on track.

To help you understand what you need to do if you find yourself locked out of your business, we’ve compiled this complete guide on what to do in this scenario, so you can keep calm and get on with your day.

Step 1 – Remain Calm

The first part of dealing with being locked out of your business is staying as calm as possible. When you’re locked out, it can be very easy to immediately panic, especially if you’re mere moments away from your opening hours.

The truth is, panicking and getting flustered about being locked out will only cloud your thinking, stopping you from approaching the situation rationally and generating useful solutions.

If you find yourself panicking, take some time to take a few deep breaths and gather your thoughts. Consider calling someone on the phone to talk through the situation if you’re feeling panicked.

Try to remember that no matter how much you stress and panic, it won’t solve the problem any faster, so try to remain calm as much as possible.

Consider notifying any employees that you’re locked out and why before they arrive at the business.

If you’re very stressed about missed trading hours, consider using your business social media pages to tell customers that you’re experiencing difficulties in entering your business today and they can expect normal service to resume as soon as possible; this immediate damage control can help you feel much calmer.

Step 2 – Are There Other Entrances Into The Office?

The second step to handling being locked out is identifying any other entrances to the office or building. This is especially important if your locks are faulty, as there’s every chance that the issue is isolated to that individual lock or keypad and you might be able to gain entry through another door.

If you don’t have a key code or keys for specific doors or locks, consider flagging down another person who enters the office and asking them if you can gain entry with them.

However, you should always show them proof of residence and identity to minimize security risks. If there are no other entrances, or if you can’t flag down any other residents, do not try to force doors open or sneak in. These are significant security issues that could result in more trouble.

Step 3 – Do Not Try To Break Open The Locks/Hardware

One of the most important things to remember when you’re locked out is that you should not attempt to break open doors, manipulate locks or break windows. Even though these seem like fast ways to gain entry to buildings, especially when you’re panicked, these can carry severe risks, trigger alarm systems, and result in lasting damage to your locking system.

This is especially important if you use digital locks, as you may risk inflicting permanent damage to a locking system if you try to force or break open the locks. Additionally, this could result in fines and heft repair bills, especially if you don’t own the building. Setting off alarms may also alert law enforcement, so try to avoid doing this as much as possible.

Step 4 – Have A Set Of Spare Keys (If Applicable To Your Business)

Although this is a preventive measure, you should always try to carry a spare set of keys for your business if you still use locks and keys over digital systems. This gives you a fall-back option and ensures you can quickly gain access to your building if you’re locked out. Consider calling an employee and using their keys if you’re locked out to gain quick entry to your office.

Step 5 – Hire A Commercial Locksmith

We believe that the best way to manage being locked out of your business is to hire a commercial locksmith in Etobicoke. A commercial locksmith will not only be able to help you gain access to your office but will also be able to conduct the necessary repair work to your locking systems and keys to ensure you’re able to access your office and secure it in the future.

A commercial locksmith like Lock-Up Services will be able to tend to your needs 24 hours a day, so you won’t need to panic if you suddenly can’t get into your office at unsociable hours.

If You Are Ever Locked Out Of Your Office And Don’t Know What To Do, Then Call Lock-Up Services!

If you’re locked out of your Etobicoke business and need a commercial locksmith to help you gain entry and fix your locks, then call Lock-Up Services now! We offer 24-hour emergency support, so you can count on us to get to you when you need us the most.

We can help you gain fast access to your business, limiting the number of trading hours you lose as a result of being locked out. On top of this, we also offer a comprehensive range of commercial services, from installing barrier-free systems to access control systems. Whatever you need us for, we’re here for you! Get in touch today to find out how we can help you!