Wandering toddler highlights need to childproof your home

LENEXA, Kan. - A toddler wandered away from home late Wednesday night while his mother was asleep, reminding parents of the importance of childproofing.

Three-year-old Zayden Henderson walked out of a Lenexa, Kan., apartment, setting off a frantic search in his neighborhood  and throughout the metro. He was found safe Thursday morning.

Nancy Besa is a volunteer with Charlie's House, a nonprofit organization committed to keeping children safe in the home.

The organization is named after Charlie Horn, a 2-year-old Kansas City boy who was killed when he attempted to climb a 30 inch dresser in his home on November 1, 2007.

Besa says there are several products on the market that make it harder for a child to get outside. Some of those products include door knob covers, door alarms and specially-designed locks.

"This story is a gift to a lot of people out there who may have a tragedy in their future that they don't know about," Besa said. "On your way home from work, first thing in the morning, go out tonight, go buy these products."

While 3-year-old Zayden was eventually found unharmed, Lenexa police are still investigating to determine whether the mother should be arrested and charged.

For more information about childproofing your home, go to www.charlieshouse.org.