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The Importance of Carrying a Spare Key and the Best Places to Keep It

2024-07-27 13:49

Carrying a spare key is a practical precaution that can save you from a lot of trouble and inconvenience. Whether it's your home, car, or office, having a backup key ensures that you are never locked out, stranded, or forced to pay for costly locksmith services. Here’s why you should always have a spare key and some of the best places to keep it.

Why You Should Carry a Spare Key?

1. Preventing Lockouts

Locking yourself out of your home or car is a common mishap that can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. In such situations, a spare key can be a lifesaver, allowing you to quickly regain access without needing to break a window or call a locksmith. This is especially important in emergency situations where quick access is crucial.

2. Handling Emergencies

Emergencies often arise when you least expect them. Having a spare key can be essential in situations where you need to enter your home urgently to retrieve important items or provide assistance to someone inside. It ensures that you are always prepared for unexpected scenarios.

3. Convenience for Family and Friends

Sharing a spare key with trusted family members or friends can be very convenient. It allows them to access your home if you are not around or in case of an emergency. This can also be helpful if you have house sitters, pet sitters, or guests who need temporary access to your home.

4. Cost Savings

Locksmith services can be expensive, especially if you need them outside of regular business hours. By keeping a spare key, you can avoid these unnecessary costs. Additionally, it can save you from the hassle and expense of having to replace locks or repair damage caused by forced entry.

Best Places to Keep a Spare Key

1. With a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

One of the safest options is to give your spare key to a trusted neighbor or nearby friend. This way, you have quick access to your spare key without the risk of it being found by strangers. Choose someone who is reliable and lives close enough to provide quick assistance if needed.

2. In a Secure Lockbox

A lockbox with a combination lock is an excellent solution for keeping your spare key safe. Place the lockbox in a discreet location near your home. Only you and trusted individuals should know the combination. This adds an extra layer of security while still providing easy access to the spare key.

3. In Your Wallet or Purse

Keeping a spare key in your wallet or purse ensures that it is always with you. This method works best if you rarely lose your wallet or purse. It minimizes the risk of someone finding the key around your home and gaining unauthorized access.

4. Hidden on Your Property

If you choose to hide a spare key on your property, be sure to avoid obvious places like under the doormat or in a flowerpot. Instead, consider more creative and secure locations such as inside a fake rock designed to hold keys or in a magnetic key holder placed under a metal surface. Regularly changing the hiding spot can also enhance security.

5. At Your Workplace

For those who spend a lot of time at work, keeping a spare key in a secure drawer or safe at your workplace can be convenient. Ensure that the location is known only to you or trusted colleagues to prevent unauthorized access.

Security Tips

Change Hiding Spots Regularly: Periodically changing the location of your hidden key reduces the risk of it being discovered by someone else.
Use Key Safes: Key safes or lockboxes that require a code provide extra security for your spare key.
Limit Access: Only give spare keys to individuals you trust completely, and consider retrieving keys if your relationship with that person changes.

Conclusion

Carrying a spare key and keeping it in a secure place can save you from a lot of trouble and ensure you are always prepared for emergencies. Of course, you can also prepare lock picking kit to help you open the lock. By choosing a reliable storage method and considering security tips, you can prevent lockouts and avoid unnecessary costs, all while maintaining peace of mind.