There are dozens of scenarios where having a spare key available is ideal. Maybe your children forgot their keys when they went to school in the morning or you lost your keys at the restaurant you went for dinner one evening. In these scenarios, a well-placed spare key can instantly solve your problem.  Just like anything else regarding security and safety, however, there are do’s and don’ts that should be followed to assure that only people you intend to find your spare key will.

Hide Your Key Here:

• A Magnetized Lock Box With a magnetized lock box, you gain a lot of flexibility as to where your key can be hidden. You can attach it under a railing or to the back of a gutter, places out of sight and easy to remember. Another great use of a magnetized lock box is to place it under your car. This assures that the key can only be found when your car is home – most likely meaning you’re home – which will help deter burglars from trying to find the key in the first place.
  
  
• With a Trusted Neighbor This one is tricky because it would require the neighbor to be home and available to provide you the spare when you require it, but it eliminates any potential of a stranger stumbling across your key outside. Make sure your neighbor is comfortable holding on to the key for you and make sure you trust them entirely.
  
  
• In a Ziploc Bag under a Real Rock The key word here is “real”. Because the key is hidden among natural elements, there is no clear give away or call to attention. It is very important to put your key in a Ziploc bag as to prevent any weathering or damage. For additional camouflage, cover the key with some dirt before placing the rock on top, but make sure everyone who has access to that key is aware of this addition.

Don’t Hide Your Key Here:

• A Fake Rock While some fake rocks are very well designed and manufactured, others stick out like sore thumbs. Someone who is looking for a spare key would most likely know to look for a rock that doesn’t quite fit in with the others.
  
  
• Under the Welcome Mat Much like the above example, a welcome mat is one of the first places a burglar would check for a spare key. They main thing to remember here is not to think like everyone else. While under the mat may be a quick, convenient and easy-to-remember location, it is also the most obvious location to everyone else.

Being locked out of your own home is frustrating and embarrassing. By following the steps above, you can help assure you’ll always have a spare key waiting for you in a safe place. You can also assure that you’ll never get locked out of your home with the addition of Doyle Security’s smart locks. With our electronic door locks, you can lock and unlock your door from your smart device or by using the backlit keypad located directly on the lock. You’ll never be scrambling for your keys again! Call 1-866-GO-DOYLE for a free door lock consultation.