7 Places to Stash an Extra Key to Avoid Lockouts (And 7 Not To!)
It isn't unimaginable that one day you'll forget or lose your home keys; it happens and somehow when you're least prepared. Leaving a window open is a security risk because of the danger of burglary in your absence. Similarly, breaking a glass door or window is costly and it may not be much help if you live in a high apartment building.
Your first line of defence is to have the keys stashed somewhere accessible, or you may need to bring in a professional to break the lock when you're locked out. This article offers some smart places to have an extra key that won't put you in danger, as well as a few known places you should avoid.
Bonus tip: A smart idea is to rekey your external locks to use the same key. Rekeying is an easy process carried out by a locksmith to change the configuration of a lock so that it uses a different key. This way, you can open external doors with the same key in case a lock fails (e.g. keys breaking in the lock).
The following are some useful ideas for keeping/hiding spare keys:
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People – a friend, family member or neighbour who lives close by should be your first option
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Fake rocks – make sure you buy one that looks very real and stash it in a hidden place in the garden, if you have one. Be careful with how you keep it because burglars know how to search for fake rocks.
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Bag/purse – make a copy to carry in your wallet or purse, as it's highly unlikely that you'll go anywhere without it.
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Keyless garage – talk to your locksmith about installing a wireless keypad allowing access into your garage or shed, and then stash a key there. Ensure that you have a backup battery system so that you can still use the entrance if there's a blackout.
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Electrical panels – place the key inside and use a combination padlock to lock the panel.
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Gas pipe – stash a key in a heavy-gauge contractor's box and tape into your gas pipe.
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Phone – some phone cases have a compartment to place a key; you'll almost never leave your phone behind when walking around.
Similarly, here are some places you should never stash a key; all burglars will probably check them first:
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Doormat – this is the first place anyone will look. Besides, doormats can be blown away or shifted accidentally to reveal the key.
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Potted plants – under potted plants is the next obvious hiding spot, especially if there's just one or two close to the entrance. What you can do is place a fake rock somewhere in the foliage of a large plant.
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Mailbox
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Gutter – taping a key to the gutter is a long-known strategy.
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Car's glove compartment
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Window ledges
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On the dog collar
Make sure to tell your family where to find the keys, and be careful when retrieving keys hidden outside your home.
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