BABYSITTING SAFETY

 General Information

Caring for young children is an important responsibility.  A babysitter must know the following information before the parents leave:

• How many children he/she will be watching
• Where the parents are going and when they'll return
• Phone numbers of a parent, relative, and/or neighbor that can be reached in the event of an emergency
• If the children have special food or medicine needs
• What time is considered bedtime
• Where a flashlight can be located in the case of a power failure

Parent Responsibilities

• Post important information, such as:
  • Address
  • Health Insurance
  • Emergency Numbers (9-1-1, Poison Control, etc.)
  • Child Information (Name, Date of Birth, Medical Conditions, Medications/Dosage, Allergies
•  Have your home address clearly visible from the street

Post the Home Escape Plan

The babysitter should know this safety information:

•  If caring for infants or physically challenged children, consider how to get them out of the house in case of fire.
• Be sur the home has a working smoke alarm.
• Know CPR.  Attend a childcare program.
• If meals are to be cooked, remember kitchen safety rules.
• In an emergency, call 911.

Things to Remember

• If the home has a swimming pool, be sure all gates and access doors are closed and locked.
• A babysitter should NOT talk on the phone when taking care of children unless it's an emergency.
• Don't open the door to strangers, even if they claim to be friends or neighbors of the family, unless the parents have given prior authorization.
• Keep all doors and windows locked.
• Never leave a child unattended.
• Close and/or lock bathroom doors when not in use.