Babysitting safety

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Getting the job

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

Safety checklist (see attached)

Safety check of the house

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

Become familiar with the house

•  
Doors and window locks.
•  Lighting

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.

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.

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.

In an emergency

• CALL 9-1-1
• REMAIN CALM

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