PSA - PLEASE childproof your exterior doors. This tragic story WILL make you cry.
I've been crying off and on all day about this absolutely horrible tragedy that happened just last night in Toronto. A little 3yo boy managed to wander out of his apartment in the middle of the night, on a night that hit -18C (that's 0F and even less with the windchill). It's so cold right now that Southern Ontario is still in a deep freeze frostbite warning state.
Warning, this story is incredibly horribly heartbreaking. I think that image of the little toddler, clad only in his tshirt, diaper, and boots (caught on the security cam) will haunt me forever.
Elijah March, 3-year-old boy who went missing overnight, dies in hospital - Toronto - CBC News
Please PLEASE PLEASE I beg everyone, childproof your exterior doors if you have young rugrats!!! I shudder to think how this could happen to just anyone. 3-4yo's are curious little things but often their physical capabilities outstrip their good sense.
I highly recommend a product like The Door Guardian, they make them for regular and patio type doors.
https://thedoorguardian.com/product/the-door-guardian/
Even better if you have a security system, make sure the alarm is on at night. Both to keep burglars out, and young'uns in! I admit at those ages (when my boys were still in night diapers) I even locked them IN their rooms after they tried to pull an escape act on me.
If that little boy could get out of an apartment building, with at least the apartment door & deadbolt, elevator, and probably TWO sets of exterior doors out of the building, just think how much easier it could happen in a house. Please don't think it can't happen to you! This story will stick in my head forever. :(