What to do if…
you are locked out of your home in urgent weather or at night

What to do now

1. Get to a safer pause first.

   • Knock on a trusted neighbour, go to a nearby open shop, petrol station, hotel lobby, transport hub, or other staffed place.
   • If you are with children, an older person, a disabled person, or anyone soaked, shivering, confused, very tired, or slurring words, prioritise shelter over watching the door.
   • If you think you or someone with you may have hypothermia, call 999 or go to A&E; do not drive yourself to A&E.

2. If someone or an animal is locked inside, judge immediate danger.

   • If a child, vulnerable person, pan on the hob, fire risk, medical risk, or another urgent hazard means someone could be harmed soon, call 999.
   • If a pet is locked inside and may be in distress, tell the keyholder, landlord, managing agent, or locksmith that there is an animal inside so they understand the urgency.
   • Stay nearby but safe, keep your phone available, and follow emergency service instructions if emergency services are involved.
   • Do not break in yourself unless there is no safer option and emergency services direct you.

3. Do one quick non-damaging check.

   • Confirm you are at the right entrance.
   • Check whether there is another authorised way in, such as a back door, communal entrance, concierge, or building manager.
   • If you have a key, try it gently once. If it will not turn, stop.

4. Call the fastest legitimate keyholder.

   • Call someone nearby who has a spare key.
   • If you rent, call your landlord or letting agent emergency or out-of-hours number.
   • If you live in a managed block, call the managing agent, concierge, caretaker, or building emergency contact.
   • Keep messages short: say you are locked out, where you are sheltered, whether anyone is inside, and whether cold or darkness makes it urgent.

5. Protect your phone and ability to pay.

   • Turn on battery saver if your phone is low.
   • Send your location to one trusted person.
   • Keep enough battery for calls from the landlord, managing agent, locksmith, or emergency services.

6. If you need a locksmith, slow the choice down by one minute.

   • Prefer a locksmith from a checked directory such as the Master Locksmiths Association, a known local business with a real local address, or a recommendation from someone you trust.
   • Ask before they attend: “What is the likely total price range tonight, including call-out, labour, parts, and VAT if VAT applies?”
   • Ask: “Will you try non-destructive entry first?”
   • Ask: “What would make the price increase?”
   • If they will not give a clear range, use pressure, or say drilling is definitely needed before seeing the lock, end the call and try another locksmith.

7. Be ready to show you are allowed in.

   • Have photo ID ready if you have it.
   • If your ID is inside, be ready to show another sign you live there after entry, such as a tenancy email, council tax or utility account on your phone, banking app address details, or confirmation from a neighbour.
   • Do not send unnecessary personal documents to a stranger; show only what is needed.

8. If the trader at the door feels wrong, pause the job.

   • Ask for the price again before work starts.
   • If the price changes sharply, drilling is pushed immediately, or you feel intimidated, say you are not going ahead and move back to a staffed or safe place.
   • If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 999. If it is not an emergency but you need police help, call 101.