The door slams. You reach for your keys. They’re inside. So is your toddler. Or your dog. Alone.

This is a genuine emergency. Not because locks are dangerous—but because the vulnerable person or animal inside needs access to you, may be frightened, or could be at risk. If your door is also jammed or stuck, the situation becomes more complex. Here’s exactly what to do.

The short answer

First, assess immediate safety—is there any danger to those inside? If immediate danger exists (fire, medical emergency, very young infant), call 999. If the situation is urgent but not life-threatening, call an emergency locksmith. While waiting, keep communication through windows or letterbox, keep everyone calm, and don’t attempt dangerous DIY entry.

Assess the Situation

Immediate Questions

Before acting, quickly assess:

  1. Who is locked inside?

    • Infant/non-mobile child
    • Toddler/young child
    • Older child who can follow instructions
    • Pet (type and temperament)

  2. What dangers might exist?

    • Cooking or heating left on
    • Accessible hazards (chemicals, medications)
    • Hot weather (overheating risk)
    • Duration since they last ate/drank

  3. How long has it been/will it be?

    • Minutes while you get help
    • Potentially longer if help is delayed

If the Situation Is Urgent But Not Life-Threatening

Most lockouts are stressful but not immediately dangerous. A toddler locked inside for 10-15 minutes while a locksmith arrives is frightening but manageable.

Step 1: Stay Calm (Seriously)

Your panic transmits to those inside:

  • Children sense your fear through voice and behaviour
  • Pets respond to your stress
  • Calm communication keeps everyone safer

Step 2: Establish Communication

Talk to them through:

  • The letterbox
  • Open or cracked windows
  • The door itself (small children may hear you)
  • If an older child, call them on a device inside

For young children:

  • Keep your voice calm and cheerful
  • Tell them you’re right outside
  • Ask them to sit somewhere safe
  • Play a game (count to 100, sing a song)

For pets:

  • Speak in normal, reassuring tones
  • Dogs especially respond to calm voices
  • Don’t shout or bang—increases stress

Step 3: Call for Help Immediately

While maintaining calm communication, call for professional help:

  • Emergency locksmith (often the quickest route)
  • If genuine danger, call 999 first

When calling a locksmith:

  • Explain the urgency clearly
  • Mention child/pet locked inside
  • Ask for arrival time estimate
  • Get a name and callback number

See our guide on lockouts at night for more on finding reliable help.

Step 4: Check Alternative Access

Before the locksmith arrives, quickly check:

  • Other unlocked doors (back door, garage)
  • Windows that are safely accessible—but be aware of window security features that may prevent entry
  • Spare keys with neighbours

Only attempt entry if:

  • It’s clearly safe (ground floor, easy access)
  • It won’t cause injury to you
  • It won’t frighten the person inside

Keeping Children Safe While Waiting

For Toddlers and Young Children

Keep them engaged through the door:

  • Food games: “Can you go get your teddy and show me through the window?”
  • Singing: Familiar songs are calming
  • Counting: Give them a counting task
  • Reassurance: Keep saying you’ll be inside soon

Keep Them Away from Hazards

Through the letterbox or window:

  • “Stay in the living room with your toys”
  • “Don’t go near the kitchen”
  • “Sit on the sofa and watch for me”

Signs of Distress to Watch For

If you observe through windows:

  • Excessive crying that won’t calm
  • Signs of overheating (hot weather)
  • Attempts to reach dangerous items
  • Physical distress

If distress escalates, escalate your response—consider 999.

Keeping Pets Safe While Waiting

Dogs

  • Keep talking—dogs respond to familiar voices
  • Don’t make them excited (they may jump at windows)
  • Check they have water visible
  • Keep watching for signs of distress

Cats

  • Usually self-sufficient for short periods
  • Check through windows if possible
  • Less likely to injure themselves from panic

Other Pets

  • Small caged animals are usually safe short-term
  • Reptiles in heated enclosures—note any temperature concerns
  • Fish are fine for the duration of a lockout

What NOT to Do

Don’t Break Glass Unless Absolutely Necessary

Breaking windows:

  • Creates dangerous shards that could injure those inside
  • May frighten children or pets into running toward danger
  • Often costs more than locksmith fees
  • Leaves your home unsecured

Don’t Attempt Dangerous Entry

  • Climbing to upper windows
  • Forcing gaps you can’t safely fit through
  • Using tools that could cause injury
  • Entering through spaces that might collapse

Don’t Leave to Get Spare Keys

Unless someone else can stay:

  • Don’t leave a young child alone without communication
  • Even a few minutes of silence can escalate fear
  • Send someone else if possible

Don’t Panic-Buy on Price Alone

In this situation:

  • Speed matters more than saving £20
  • A responsive professional is worth premium pricing
  • Don’t wait for multiple quotes—call and commit

After Entry: Lessons Learned

Once everyone is safe:

Immediate Comfort

  • Reassure the child or calm the pet
  • Check for any issues that developed
  • Take a breath yourself

Prevention for Next Time

Key habits:

With young children:

  • Never leave keys inside when stepping out “briefly”
  • Attach key to your body when in the garden
  • Consider a key safe for emergencies

Preparation Prevents Panic

Take action now before this happens:

  1. Give a spare key to a trusted nearby person - see our guide on spare key storage
  2. Save an emergency locksmith number in your phone
  3. Establish a habit of checking keys before closing doors
  4. Consider a key safe on your property

The five minutes spent on preparation could save you the worst 15 minutes of your week.