Being locked out is one of those situations where the right next move is not obvious — especially when it is cold, late, or you are somewhere unfamiliar. As a certified Journeyman Locksmith serving Fort McMurray, I get lockout calls at all hours. The calls that go smoothest are from people who know what to do in those first few minutes. Here are three things to do when you are locked out — whether it is your home, your car, or your business.
Fort McMurray Locksmith is a proud member of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, serving this community for over two generations.
1. Stay Calm and Assess Before Acting
The immediate reaction to a lockout is panic — and panic leads to decisions that make the situation worse. Before doing anything, take sixty seconds to think clearly.
For a home lockout, ask yourself:
- Is there another door or entry point that might be unlocked — back door, garage, basement window?
- Does anyone else have a key — a partner, family member, neighbour, or property manager?
- Is your spare key somewhere accessible?
For a car lockout, ask yourself:
- Is the engine running? If yes — this is a priority, call immediately
- Is anyone inside the vehicle, especially a child or pet? If yes — call 911 first
- Does your vehicle have a manufacturer app that allows remote unlocking?
- Do you have a spare key at home or with someone you can reach?
If any of those options apply — pursue them before calling a locksmith. If none do — move to step two.
2. Do Not Attempt to Break In Yourself
This is the step most people skip — and it is the one that causes the most unnecessary expense. The methods people attempt most often are coat hangers through car door weather stripping, credit cards against door latches, and forcing or wedging windows. Here is what actually happens with each:
- Coat hangers in car doors — tears weather stripping ($100-300 to replace), scratches paint and door frames, and often does not work on modern vehicles with complex door linkage
- Credit card on a door latch — only works on spring latches, not deadbolts. Most exterior doors have deadbolts. If the door has only a spring latch and no deadbolt, that is actually the security problem worth addressing
- Forcing windows — damages frames, breaks seals, and on a vehicle can cost $150-600 to repair
In almost every case, the DIY attempt costs more than the locksmith call would have. Call first.
3. Call Fort McMurray Locksmith
When a lockout cannot be resolved through a spare key or remote access — call a professional. Fort McMurray Locksmith responds to residential, automotive, and commercial lockouts across Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo region, any time of day or night.
When you call, have the following ready:
- Your exact location — address or intersection, or the name of the parking lot or building
- For a car lockout — year, make, and model of the vehicle
- A callback number — in case we need to reach you when we arrive
- Whether the situation is urgent — running engine, child or pet inside, extreme cold
We will give you an honest estimated arrival time before dispatching. Most calls within Fort McMurray city limits are on-scene in under 30 minutes. We use professional non-destructive entry tools — no damage to your vehicle or door.
After the Lockout — Prevent the Next One
A lockout is a good reminder to put a few things in place before it happens again:
- Get a spare key made — for your home, leave one with a trusted neighbour or family member. For your vehicle, get a spare cut and programmed while you still have the original — it is significantly less expensive than an emergency replacement
- Save our number — 780-588-5383 — in your phone before you need it. When you are locked out in the cold is not the time to search for a locksmith
- Consider a smart lock or keypad — eliminates the possibility of a home lockout entirely. A code you know is always with you
- Set up your vehicle’s app — most vehicles from 2018 onward have manufacturer apps that allow remote unlocking from your phone
For more detail on what to do in a car lockout specifically, see our post on emergency car lockouts in Fort McMurray.
Fort McMurray Locksmith — 24/7 lockout service for homes, vehicles, and businesses across Fort McMurray.
Call 780-588-5383 or Book a Locksmith in Fort McMurray.