Locked Out of the Office: What to Do and How to Prevent It

A locked office door with staff and customers waiting outside is stressful. Here’s how to handle it calmly and prevent it next time.

Common causes

• The last person out locked the only key inside
• A key snapped in the cylinder
• A keypad lock lost power or its code was changed
• A former employee didn’t return keys

First steps

Check who else holds a key: a manager, the property manager or the landlord. If nobody can get there, call a locksmith. Don’t pry the door or the frame. Commercial doors and frames are expensive to repair, and a damaged exit door may no longer meet fire rules.

What the locksmith will ask for

Expect to show ID that links you to the business: a lease, business card or company ID. That check protects you from someone else talking their way into your premises.

Why not DIY?

Commercial hardware such as storefront deadlocks, panic bars and high-security cylinders is built to resist forcing. Trying to bypass it usually means a damaged lock and a bigger bill.

Preventing the next one

• Keep a spare in a locking key safe or with a trusted manager
• Set up a master key system so more than one person can open each area
• Rekey when keys aren’t returned

See commercial locksmith services or call 941-676-3448.