Babysitting Safety
Getting The Job Done
- Babysit only for people you know or who have been referred to you. Don't place advertisements in newsletters or on bulletin boards.
- Leave the name, address, phone number, and expected duration of where you'll be sitting information with your parents.
- Discuss curfew and payment rates, as well as travel arrangements, prior to accepting a job.
On The Job
- Before parents leave, have them write down where they will be, along with the phone number.
- Know all telephone locations, and know how to operate the alarm system if there is one.
- Check on food allergies and medications.
- Don't tie up the phone, as parents may be trying to reach you.
- Don't have friends visit unless parents agree in advance.
- Stay out of closets, desk drawers, and personal papers.
- If the house is suddenly quiet check immediately, as the children may be up to something.
In An Emergency
- In case of a fire, get you and the children out of the house. Go to a neighbor's house and call 911, then the parents.
- Try to stay calm. Children probably won't panic if you don't.
When The Job Is Done
- Inform employer if anything strange occurred (strange phone calls, etc.).
- Always be escorted home. If your employer cannot walk or drive you home, or if he/she seems intoxicated, call home and have someone pick you up.
Daytime Babysitting Tips
- If children are in the backyard, make sure the front door is locked, and vice versa.
- If you take the children for a walk or to the park, etc., make sure you lock all doors and windows. Remember to take keys and a cellular phone, if you have one, with you.
- Never take the children out after dark.
- If you notice anything unusual when you return to the house (broken window, ripped screen, or door ajar) don't go inside. Take the children with you to a neighbor's house or to a public telephone and dial 911.
