Gald to hear shes ok! And yea i suggest using that lock from now on lol!
I dont get why she would go into a big open cold space though? Like whenever a snake gets out people find them, live or dead, usually near a dryer vent, in a drawer, or any other warm place or dark and tight place...Also thats weird that she just completely ignored the rat and decided that would just weigh her down in her escape lol