BABYSITTING SAFETY

GETTING THE JOB

A. KNOW THE EMPLOYER

  •  Know the due back time.
  •  Leave the name, address and phone number where you are at with your parents

 ON THE JOB

A. SAFETY CHECK LIST (see attached)

B. SAFETY CHECK OF THE HOUSE

  • Emergency Exits
  • Smoke Alarms
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Emergency phone numbers posted (Police, Fire and Doctor).
  • Know the fire exit plan.

C. BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE HOUSE

  •  Doors and window locks.
  •  Lighting

D. TELEPHONE AND HOUSE DEMEANOR

  • Don't admit that you are alone.
  • Explain residents are unavailable.
  • Take any messages ( keep paper and pencil handy).
  • Don’t open the door to strangers.

E. DAYTIME SAFETY RULES OUTSIDE

  •  Lock doors when outside with children.
  •  Keep house key with you.
  •  Use house restroom before leaving the home to avoid public restrooms.
  •  Don’t talk to strangers.
  •  If you are followed, go to a house or business and call the police.
  •  Upon returning home check the house for anything unusual, don’t go in and call the police if you see anything unusual such as:  an open or broken window or a strange vehicle in front of the house.

F. KNOW THE HOUSE RULES

  • Always ask about the rules set for the children you are watching.
  • Medications
  • Friends allowed in the house.
  • Homework
  • Medicine and any medical conditions of the children.
  • Eating times and what foods to avoid if any.

G. IN AN EMERGENCY

  • CALL 9-1-1
  • REMAIN CALM

H. WHEN THE JOB IS OVER

  • Give a full report to your employer.
  • Call Home.
  • Be sure you have a ride home.
  • If employer is unable to escort you home, ( i.e. intoxicated), call your parents.
  • Be sure and talk to your parents about your experiences babysitting.

Click here for printable Babysitting Checklist