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What To Do When You're Locked Out Of Your Home In Severe Weather

28 March 2019

Vilho Kotila

Locking yourself out of your home on a bright, sunny day is inconvenient enough; however, locking yourself out during extreme weather poses a new set of challenges. If you find yourself locked out of your home during inclement weather, stay safe by following these tips.

1. Seek Shelter

One of the first things you need to do is seek shelter and remove yourself from the severe weather. However, the best place to seek shelter depends on what kind of weather you're dealing with. 

If you're locked outside in extreme cold or a snowstorm, look for a place that offers protection from the precipitation and the cold weather. For example, if your property has a storage shed, this is an excellent spot to seek refuse. Your vehicle is another potential waiting spot. When no other options are available, huddling under a large tree may provide some protection against the wind and falling precipitation.

When you're locked out in a storm with lightning, your car is another viable spot to shelter yourself. If you can't access your car and have no other options for shelter, get as low to the ground as possible in an area away from a body of water.

Avoid seeking shelter under a gazebo or tent, as these tend to have metallic frames that can conduct the electricity from lightning. You should also steer clear of tall trees or trees standing by themselves.

2. Make Sure You Avoid Waiting Near Roads

Check that your waiting spot isn't located in close proximity to the road or anywhere else someone might be driving (either intentionally or accidentally), such as a driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot. During severe weather, it's possible that falling precipitation may obscure any passing driver's visibility. They may not be able to see you, potentially putting you at risk of getting hit by their vehicle.

3. Call Emergency Lockout Services

In other situations, you may be able to pry open your locked door on your own or jiggle it open using a credit card or other lock-picking tool. However, fiddling with your lock during severe weather exposes you to the elements. Instead, use your cell phone to call an emergency lockout service.

If you don't have your cell phone, consider asking a nearby neighbor if you can use their phone. An added bonus of asking a neighbor to use their phone is that they may also be willing to provide shelter while you wait for the lockout service to arrive. 

Keep the number of a company like Bilco Safe & Lock, Inc. on hand so you know who to call if you're locked out. 

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