The Prime Directive of Baby-Sitting: Safety First
Here are some safety tips for baby-sitting:
* Have the following information written down and readily accessible in the event of an emergency: family name; children’s names; house address with nearest cross street; instructions on how to contact the parents; phone numbers of close relatives and neighbors; doctor’s name and phone number along with a medical release.
* In the event of an emergency, call 911. Identify yourself by name, tell them you are baby-sitting and state the problem. State the address of the house where you are and the nearest cross street. (Be sure to specify north, south, avenue, street, etc.) Give the phone number you are calling from.
* Get written instructions about any medicines to be given to the children--how much and what time.
* Having visitors while baby-sitting is a bad policy. Always get approval if you would like to have a visitor. Find out which neighbor to see in case of an emergency.
* Be sure to meet the family dog.
* Take a walk through the house and check for locations of telephones, any special locks, windows that cannot be used for escape and anything that would be a problem in case of an emergency.
* During the walk-through, check for hazardous objects attractive to children, such as matches, lighter fluid, electric cords, plastic bags and medication.
* Look to see if there is a pool. Check for pet doors and unlocked doors or windows leading to that area.
* Have a mental fire drill. Plan more than one way to get yourself and the children out of the house in case of fire.
* Be sure to find out whether you are to give the children anything to eat or drink before bed.
* Make sure all the doors and windows are locked from the inside. Be sure to lock the front door after the parents leave.
What to do after the parents leave
* If it is evening, turn on the outside lights.
* If the children are asleep, check on them about every 15 minutes.
* If the children are up, know their location at all times and never leave them alone for long.
* Don’t open the door for anyone unless you know the person.
* If someone insists on coming in and you do not recognize them, or if you suspect a prowler, call police at 911.
In case of fire
* Sound the alarm--yell “fire” as loudly as possible.
* If possible, close the door to the area on fire.
* Do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Concentrate on saving lives.
* Get everyone out of the house, then do not go back in for any reason.
* Keep all the children together and go to the approved neighbor’s home.
* Call the fire department at 911. Leave the children with the neighbors and go back outside to direct firefighters to the fire.
Source: Los Angeles County Fire Department
