Locked Out? How to Tell If You Need Emergency Service or Can Wait

Signs It's a Real Emergency

Being locked out in unsafe conditions — severe weather, an unsafe area, a medical concern — is worth treating as urgent. Signs of forced entry or an actual break-in call for immediate attention, both for security and often for the police to be involved first. A business locked out during operating hours with customers or staff waiting outside, or a broken key or damaged lock leaving your home or business insecure, both fall into this category too.

Signs It Can Probably Wait

A lock that's simply stiff or slow to turn but still works isn't an emergency, even if it's annoying. Wanting to rekey or upgrade a lock with no specific urgency behind it, cosmetic wear on hardware, or planning ahead for a move-in that's still days away are all things that fit into a scheduled appointment rather than a rush call.

What Actually Affects Response Time

How quickly a provider can respond depends on their availability, how far they are from you, and the time of day. Emergency calls are typically prioritized over scheduled work, but that doesn't mean instant arrival — ask directly about realistic timing for your area when you call, rather than assuming.

If You're Genuinely Not Sure

You don't have to make the emergency-or-not call entirely on your own — describe your situation honestly when you call, including anything that feels relevant even if you're not sure it matters, and we'll help you understand which category it falls into.

Once You Know It Can Wait

If your situation turns out to be one that can be scheduled rather than rushed, our guide on preparing for a locksmith visit covers what's useful to have ready before the appointment.