Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by Alan Weir
Handling a Lockout: What To Do If Your Child is Locked Inside the Car
Picture this: You’re out running errands, and you quickly hop out of the car to grab something. In your haste, you accidentally lock your car’s doors—and, more critically, your child is still inside. The moment this happens, panic might start to set in. But you need to remain calm. As a professional locksmith who’s seen this scenario many times, I want to guide you on the best steps to take if you’re faced with this daunting situation.
Understanding the Situation
First, let’s acknowledge how distressing this can be. Children can become frightened or uncomfortable in situations like this, and it’s your top priority to ensure they are safe and secure. You might think that it’s a simple matter of retrieving your keys or calling for help, but it requires a managed approach to keep everyone safe, including your child.
Assess the Situation
As soon as you realise your child is locked inside, take a deep breath. Assess your immediate environment:
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Look Inside the Car: Can you see your child? Is he or she calm and relatively comfortable, or are they clearly upset? Knowing their state can help you determine how urgent the situation is.
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Check the Weather: If it’s a hot day, the heat inside the car can rise quickly. Conversely, if it’s cold, you need to ensure your child isn’t exposed to the elements for too long. Rapid temperature shifts can be dangerous.
- Time is of the Essence: If you’re parked in direct sunlight, it’s best to act quickly. The UK often has unpredictable weather, but in sunny conditions, cars can heat up rapidly.
Get Their Attention
Try to keep your child distracted while you sort out your next steps. Call their name or sing a song to engage them. If they’re old enough, reassure them that you’ll be with them shortly and everything will be fine. Keeping the communication lines open is key to reducing their stress—and yours!
Check for Unlocked Doors
Before moving into any drastic measures, check if any doors are unlocked. With some makes and models, it’s surprisingly common for a back door or even the boot to remain unlocked. This is especially true if you’ve been in and out of the vehicle.
Tools of the Trade: What You Can Do Yourself
If none of the doors are unlocked, you might be tempted to take matters into your own hands. In many cases, this isn’t recommended unless you’re absolutely sure of what you’re doing. Here are a few no-go zones:
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Slim Jim: While you might have seen a locksmith use this tool in movies, it’s not something that the average person should toy with. It’s easy to damage the locking mechanism or airbag components.
- Wire Hangers: The same goes for using makeshift tools like wire hangers. Even if you think you might be able to fish the lock, you risk scratching your car’s interior or running the risk of injury.
Calling for Help
If your DIY efforts haven’t panned out, it’s time to call in the experts. Here are the steps to efficiently get help:
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Contact Emergency Services: If your child is in distress or the weather conditions are worsening, don’t hesitate to call 999. Explain the situation clearly: that a child is locked inside the vehicle and may be at risk.
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Call a Locksmith: Even if you do call emergency services, a professional locksmith is trained to quickly and safely open your vehicle without causing damage. Ask around for recommendations or check local online reviews to find someone reputable.
- Roadside Assistance: If you have breakdown cover, many companies will be able to assist with locksmith services. In this case, check your policy details beforehand, so you know who to call and what services are included.
What to Do While Waiting for Help
Use this time to keep your child engaged. If they’re old enough to understand, explain to them that help is on the way. Try to stay within their line of sight if possible—this helps reassure them that everything is under control.
Emergency Protocols
While you wait, you might want to consider some emergency protocols:
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DO NOT Break the Glass: You might think this is the easiest solution, but breaking the window can lead to cuts and further distress. If it’s hot, broken glass can also generate a lot of noise, which may scare your child.
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Stay Nearby: If your child can see you, they’re likely to stay calmer. You can also monitor their condition and provide comfort.
- Be Aware of Bystanders: If people gather around, try to remain composed, despite the attention. Typically, onlookers want to help but be aware that not all suggestions offered are useful or safe.
Once Rescued
When help arrives, it may be tempting to give your child a stern word about not playing with the locks. But many children don’t fully understand potential dangers just yet; instead, offer comfort and assurance. Check for their wellbeing, and spend some time in a calm space to help them recover from the scare.
Prevention is Key
Once the situation is resolved, it’s advantageous to think about prevention:
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Keyless Entry Systems: Modern vehicles often come with keyless entry systems, which can be quite handy. However, always make sure everyone understands how these systems function.
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Child Door Locks: Familiarise yourself with how your car’s child locks operate. Knowing you can easily ping them off can take a weight off your shoulders.
- Safety Reminders: Consider teaching your child about the car’s features in a fun, engaging way so they know what they can and can’t do when seated inside the vehicle.
In those anxiety-inducing moments when your child is locked inside the car, remember that staying calm and thinking rationally can make all the difference. By being prepared and informed, you not only ensure your peace of mind but also the safety of your child.
Alan Weir – Master Locksmith with 30+ Years of Experience
Alan Weir is the founder of Weir Locksmiths and a Master Locksmith with over three decades of experience. Renowned for his expertise in home and automotive security, Alan has built a reputation for providing reliable and innovative locksmith solutions across the UK.
A certified member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), Alan specialises in residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services including car key replacement, transponder programming, and advanced security systems. His dedication to the field has earned him thousands of satisfied customers and glowing reviews on platforms like Checkatrade.
Now contributing to RevLock, Alan shares his expert knowledge to all of RevLocks visitors.
