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It’s the stuttered strain of a hinge, the rattle of a handle. A front door is being… opened, and panic suddenly consumes you. The hour is late and no one of good intentions should be slinking into your home. You hurry to stand then, creeping into the hallway (grabbing an umbrella from the corner as you go, regretting the weakness of a weapon). There’s light peeking in from the crack in the door. It’s been pushed only a little. And you wonder how an intruder could slither in through such a tiny entry.

He couldn’t — but your child could. And you find him standing on the porch, unaware of the worry he’s caused.

Toddlers are shaped by impulses. They follow whims that can’t be defined or explained, are unconcerned with the consequences — and this can cause them to slip from their cribs and approach the front door, wanting to see what waits beyond it.

This is dangerous. It is estimated that two million children are harmed each year because of unsafe environments: and the lack of proper locks on the doors contributes greatly to these numbers. Deadbolts therefore are necessary. Parents must secure all entryways with these devices — which require specific keys to work and offer the necessary resistance. They cannot be reached by young children and can’t be simply undone (like traditional handle locks).

The need for deadbolts is absolute. All doors — including those that lead to the basement, attic or garage — should be offered one. This will keep children from escaping the house for midnight explorations and provide the necessary protection.