If your household is anything like mine with multiple children, busy work schedules, and non-stop activity going on, you know the importance of having access to your home, even if you forget your keys.
Today, my Guest Blogger from RocLok Hide a Key gives tips for hiding keys outdoors to help you, your kids, and even a caregiver have peace of mind when getting locked out of the house.
The alarm goes off and you realize you hit snooze one too many times. In a hurried frenzy you throw on your clothes, grab your purse and rush out to the car. Just as the door latches it occurs to you that you don’t have your keys. You’re locked out!
Being locked out is by far the most common reason people decide to keep a spare key outside, but if you stop and think about it there are so many more reasons everyone should have a back up handy. Here is a list of the other top 8.
1. For an emergency
Most of the time, being locked out is not life threatening. 24 hour locksmith services and cell phone usually make it possible to get back inside in a couple of hours. But what about the times when every second counts?
Statistically, most accidents occur inside the home. If you or someone you love lives alone a spare key will allow help to get inside quickly without having to break down the front door. This is especially true of the elderly or anyone with limited mobility needs as they are more susceptible to falls.
2. For your kids
Kids and keys are notorious for not being in the same place at the same time. Older kids that spend time alone after school should have a backup key, or three, stored safely outside in case they have a forgetful moment. Not only could the spare keys save parents from having to leave work to let them inside, not to mention gas, but it also reduces the risk of potential dangers outside by allowing kids to get safely inside quickly.
3. For your pets
Our pets spend a lot of time alone during the week. If you have a caregiver for your pet a hidden key will give them access to care for your animals when you can not. Even if you only have a caretaker when you are out of town, it’s better to allow them access to the hidden key rather than giving them a key to keep all the time.
4. For in-home service providers
House keepers, pest control, the plumber… you name it. You can’t always be home to let in a service provider. If you trust that person to be alone in your home, giving them access to the spare house key rather than giving them a copy not only frees up your schedule but also means you won’t have 100’s of extra keys floating around town.
5. For when the power goes out
The garage door opener will not work unless there is power. Unless your home is equipped with a backup generator, an extra key will get you back in during those Murray’s Law moments in life.
6. For when the batteries die
Now a days it’s easy to fit your deadbolt with a keyless entry model. Not only is it a great way to get rid of some bulk off your key ring but it gives you the freedom of letting people in without giving them an extra key. There is however one fatal flaw, these units require batteries. Normally not an issue, but when combined with temperature fluctuations and busy lives, the batteries like to die at the most inconvenient times. You’ll note that all keyless entry systems also have a standard keyed lock, hiding that key outside will save you a trip through the doggie door when the batteries decide to give up the ghost.
7. For vacation homes and rentals
Many of us can only dream of having extra homes to go to for some much deserved R&R or better yet homes that bring in extra income. If you are one of the lucky ones keeping a spare key available on the property will allow you, your visitors and/or your tenants access if the dreaded lockout should happen. Nothing is more frustrating then driving 4 hours only to find you can’t get in!
8. For traveling
I don’t bring my key ring with me when I travel by air, bus or train. What’s the point really? Add to the fact that in all the excitement of travel things get lost and it just makes sense to leave them safely at home. Keeping that backup key outside will get you back to your comfy bed when the airport shuttle drops off at 3 in the morning.
As you can see, there are a multitude of reasons we all should have an extra key outside. However, hiding a key safely is extremely important. It is well known that thieves are familiar with all the statue and fake rock key hiders on the market. Just because you like the cute bunny or turtle doesn’t mean leaving the key to your house in it is a good idea. Always opt for a locking option. If you lock your doors it doesn’t make sense to leave the key outside unprotected. Additionally if you decide to use the contractor lockboxes that are available, be sure to put it in an inconspicuous place. These units invite unwelcomed guests when visible and the push button style is extremely easy to pick.
The RocLok Hide a Key offers a mixture of security features that give homeowners additional peace of mind when keeping their keys outdoors. Available in five styles, ranging in weight from 6 to 12 pounds; a stout fiberglass reinforced faux rock gives the illusion of being natural stone but has a 3 digit lockbox built into the bottom for storing several extra keys. Similar to contractor lockboxes, the RocLok Hide a Key’s combination lock code is set by the units owner and can be reset as needed when in the unlocked position.
Additional information about the RocLok Hide a Key including purchasing information is available online at: www.RocLok.com
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NancyU says
The rock looks so real, it is a perfect place to hide an extra key!
Car Shipping says
Rock style key hider is very nice…