Babysitter Safety Tips
Baby-sitting is a great way to earn money, help neighbors, and
gain some job experience. But it's also a big responsibility to
be in charge of someone else's children in an unfamiliar home,
and it can be a bit scary. Here are some guidelines to help you
be a first-rate baby-sitter.
Getting the Job Done
- Baby-sit only for people you know or who have been
referred by a friend. Answering newspaper ads is not as safe
as agreeing to
sit for a friend of the family.
- When someone asks you to baby-sit, find out what time the parents
expect to be back and tell them how much you charge and whether
you have a curfew. Discuss how you'll get there and back safely.
- Leave the name, address, and phone number of where you'll be
sitting with your parents or a trusted friend. Tell them what
time your
employer expects to be home.
On the Job
- Before the parents leave, have them write down the
name, address, and phone number of where they will be. You should
also have
phone numbers for the local police, fire, and ambulance services, the
poison control center, a neighbor or relative, and the
family doctor. Have the address of where you are sitting next
to the phone.
- Be sure you know the locations of all phones in the home in
case you need one quickly. If there is an emergency alarm
system, learn how to use it.
- Know how to work the window and door locks in the house. Use
them! Make sure the outside light is on.
- Ask about smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. If you are in
an apartment, find out where the emergency exits are.
- Ask about the children's bedtimes, favorite toys and stories,
and what they eat. Check on food allergies or medication.
Find out what you are allowed to eat and drink.
- Be sure to clean up after the children and yourself. Wash all
dishes, cups, and utensils that you use, and put all toys back
in the proper receptacles.
- Get permission and instructions on using the VCR, stereo, and
other appliances.
- Don't tie up the phone talking to your friends. Your employers
may want to check in or call about a change in plans.
- A friend should not come over to keep you company unless your
employer agrees in advance that it's okay.
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In an Emergency
- If you suspect a fire, get the children and yourself
out. Go to a neighbor's or public phone and call the fire department.
Then call your employer.
- Stay calm. Children probably won't panic if you don't.
Special Tips
for Daytime Baby-Sitters
- If you have children out in the back yard, make sure
the front door is locked...and vice versa.
- If you take the children for a walk or to the park, lock all
doors and windows before you leave. Be sure to take the keys
and some change with you.
- Never take the children to a deserted park or out alone after
dark. Be wary of friendly strangers. If you feel uncomfortable
in a situation, trust your instincts -- take the children and leave.
- If anything seems unusual when you return to the home -- like
a broken window, a screen ripped, a door ajar -- don't
go in. Go to a neighbor's home or public phone and call the police. You
don't need a coin to dial 911 or the operator.
When the Job Is Done
- Tell your employer if anything unusual happened --
a strange phone call, noises, a stranger at the door.
- Call your parents to let them know if your employer is going
to be late coming home.
- Be sure you are escorted home. If your employer cannot walk
or drive you home, or if he or she seems intoxicated,
ask someone from your family to come for you. Never go home alone at
night from a baby-sitting job.
- If your employers are unreliable -- always late, often intoxicated,
etc. -- don't sit for them anymore.
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Checklist for Sitters
- Find out when the parents will return.
- Make sure you know where they are and the phone number.
- Write down the street address and phone number of where
you are sitting.
- Have emergency phone numbers for police and fire near
every phone.
- Include the number of a neighbor on your phone
list.
- Ask parents about television, videos, video games,
bedtime, play, and food rules for the children.
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Safety Tools...
Sheriff of Wayne County
1231 St. Antoine
Detroit, MI 48226
Ph: (313) 224-2222
Fx: (313) 224-2367