This is the third post in our Limiting the Wandering series. Be sure to check out Part One and Part Two!
Leaving the house without us is a big problem for Super D. He is very independent, yet not very safety conscious. Teaching him to respect the boundary of the street is not going to happen. So, we have an issue to solve.
The janitor closet lock set works great for non-essential doors. But securing main exit doors is another problem. Having to find a key is not an option.
I am not thrilled with the solution we found, but it serves the purpose.
The solution we settled on was to install a sliding bolt on the exit doors. We placed it high enough it is not a temptation, but low enough everyone else can reach it. If he really tried, Super D could reach it. On the front door I drilled into the jamb. This causes the lock to bind slightly unless a person pushes on the door. On the back door, the latch portion of the bolt is used.
During the day, when Daniel is home, the bolt is locked. At night I unlock these sliding bolts and lock the deadbolt.
If we planned on staying in this house, or knew we would need a permanent solution, I would have installed electric deadbolts in both doors. With the keypad on the inside of the door, the door could be secured but still allow you to enter into the house when it is locked. Programing a simple code using the same number would allow a quick escape when needed. However, for our current situation, I did not want to drill additional holes in the exterior doors.
How do you keep you children who are prone to wander safe and secure when the great outdoors calls?
Life With Super D! 