A business lockout can shut down your operation for hours and cost hundreds — sometimes thousands — in lost productivity. Whether you own a small storefront in Parker or manage a warehouse in Aurora, preparation is the key to avoiding stressful (and expensive) lockouts.

Here’s what every Colorado business owner should know.

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1. Designate At Least Two Keyholders

One of the most common avoidable lockouts happens when a single manager or employee controls the only access key or fob. As a best practice:

• Have two separate keyholders
• Train them on how to lock/unlock the building
• Make sure they live reasonably close
• Keep a signed key agreement for accountability

A reliable backup prevents “waiting in the cold for two hours” emergencies.

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2. Use Restricted Keyways to Prevent Unauthorized Copies

Standard store-bought keys can be copied anywhere — which leads to lost key control and lockouts caused by unauthorized rekeys.

Restricted key systems offer:
✔ Patented keyways (cannot be copied without authorization)
✔ Better control over who has access
✔ High-security hardware that resists forced entry
✔ Peace of mind

These systems drastically reduce emergency lockouts and liability.

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3. Consider a Commercial-Grade Smart Lock or Access Control

Access control isn’t just for large corporations anymore. Many small businesses benefit from:

• PIN codes
• Employee-specific access
• Scheduled locking
• Instant revocation of access
• No physical keys to lose

And since you don’t offer alarms, these can be standalone access doors, not tied to monitoring systems.

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4. Maintain Your Locks & Doors Annually

Colorado’s dry climate, dust, and freeze-thaw cycles cause:

• Latch misalignment
• Deadbolts binding
• Doors sagging
• Keys sticking

A yearly tune-up includes:
✔ Re-lubricating internal lock components
✔ Adjusting hinges
✔ Ensuring proper door closure
✔ Inspecting weather seals
✔ Tightening screws and strike plates

This is inexpensive and prevents most lockouts before they happen.

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5. Have a Business Continuity Lockout Plan

You should ALWAYS know who to call and what steps to take if the worst happens.

A good plan includes:

• Emergency contact list
• Designated on-duty keyholder
• Backup key storage (secure, offsite, never taped under the mat)
• A trusted commercial locksmith (us!)

Most lockouts become emergencies because businesses don’t plan for them.

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6. Rekey Immediately After Staff Changes

Whether someone quits, is terminated, or stops communicating — rekey the business promptly.
Lost or unreturned keys lead to break-ins, liability, and emergency lockouts later.

A rekey is inexpensive compared to a nighttime emergency call.

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Locked Out or Want to Prevent One?

Our commercial locksmith team serves Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Englewood, DTC, Castle Rock, and the Greater Denver Metro.
📞 Aurora: (303) 745-5500
📞 Parker: (303) 745-5000
🌐 arapahoesecurity.com

We help businesses stay open, secure, and operational.

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