Lock the doors!

A friend had a very scary experience recently. Her 32-month old and 4 year old were put down for a nap. She was sitting in the one place in her living room where she can monitor both boys and make sure they don't get out of bed. A while later, both boys were asleep, so she went and took a shower.

When she came out of the shower, her husband walked in the door from work and told her the police were there. Yup, the 2 year old had gotten up, out of bed, put on his boots, and went out the front door. It was locked, but at the knob and at the dead bolt, both of which the 2 year old could figure out. He was found, crying on the sidewalk, 2 blocks away, by a woman who then called the police. THANK GOD he was fine!

My friend, who is SUCH a good, conscientious mom avoided being charged by the police, but they were very threatening. Needless to say, my friend was absolutely torn up! It was 30 degrees that day, but if it had been a day like today it would have been below zero. A few days later, there was a story all over the local media about a 2 year old who walked outside in the middle of the night and froze to death 10 ft from the door.

I just wanted to share the story in case it reminds anyone to put on an extra lock or put on a security system, even when you think your kids are safe. I know I can get lazy about that stuff thinking it couldn't happen here......that will end today!

 

oh my gosh, we have been very concern about our garage door because it is too easy to get out but then again they wouldn't be able to reach the garage door opener. But I wouldn't want them in the garage with all of the stuff and etc. that should not be around toddlers. Secondly, we also need to work on our front door with the screen door as well too. Because I am a SAHM as a deaf Mom and have fear that they would know how to use any household knobs especially going outside.

Thank you for sharing your story, a reminder we all need to figure out or prevent toddlers getting out of the house.

Diana w/Rianna and Justin

 

We have flip locks installed high on all exterior doors (and several interior ones). They were something like $1.50 each and took minutes to install.

 

We just put a bar on the sliding glass! Thanks for the reminder. There was a 2-year old in New Ulm found dead a few weeks ago because he had went outside in below zero temps.

 

For that reason I dont take my showers during nap. I never have been able to since my oldest was 2 because I just kept thinking what if......

I feel horrible for the mom. She was just trying to take a shower. You said she is a good mom and perhaps she will take this as a learning oppurtunity and move on. I am sure the police scared her enough. I would have beat myself up enough without the authorities giving me a what for.

 

That is so scary.

 

QUOTE(debid @ Jan 14 2008, 09:37 PM) [snapback]572706[/snapback]
We have flip locks installed high on all exterior doors (and several interior ones). They were something like $1.50 each and took minutes to install.


That is a great idea. I'm going to Home Depot today.

 

We have flip locks installed high on all exterior doors (and several interior ones). They were something like $1.50 each and took minutes to install.


I am going to check it out at Home Depot. Thanks for sharing your safety tip!

Diana w/Rianna and Justin