Be a Safe Baby Sitter

Caring for young children is a big job.  A babysitter must be able to react quickly and correctly in case of an emergency.

---

Important Information A babysitter must be certain of important information before the parents leave. Remember to ask these questions:

• How many children will be watched?
• Where are the parents going and when will they return?
• Is there a phone number where parents, a relative and/or a neighbor can be reached in case of an emergency?
• Do the children have special food or medicine needs?
• What time is bedtime?
• Where is a flashlight in case of a power failure?

---

Parent Responsibilities

• Have and post important information:
  • address
  • health insurance
  • emergency numbers (9-1-1, poison control)
  • child's information (name, date of birth, medical conditions, medications/dosage, allergies)
• Have your home address clearly visible from the street and posted near the phone.

---

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 sure 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 9-1-1.

---

Things to Remember

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

Remember, Children need to be watched
at all times!