Babysitting Safety Tips     Last updated 2/18/2008

Accepting The Job...

You're in business for yourself, so be ready to tell your future employer:

• Days you are available.

• Pay you expect.

• Hours you are available.

• Experience you have had.

Know Your Employer...

If unfamiliar to you, ask who recommended you and check it out before accepting the job. If in doubt, advise your parents. Do not advertise for babysitting jobs in supermarkets, community bulletin boards, drug stores, or Laundromats.

Be Informed...

Obtain the parent's name, address, and telephone number.

• Number of children you will be sitting and their ages.

• Escort and transportation to and from the sitting job.

• Hours you are expected to work.

On The Job...

• Have them show you all the doors and windows and how to operate any locks or alarms you are unfamiliar with. Know where the deadbolt key is placed!

• Have them explain any types of medical problems to you and how to treat them.

• Find out where first aid supplies, clean clothing, and fire extinguishers are located. Check to see if the home is installed with smoke detectors.

• Obtain any special instructions (children's snacks, bedtime, use of TV or radio).

When On Your Own...

• Check all the doors and windows after parents leave.

• Keep a constant watch on children to avoid any accidents.

• If you hear any suspicious noises, check them out by turning on the outside lights. Do not go outside. If you suspect someone is there, call the police immediately.

• If you receive unusual or obscene telephone calls do not let the caller know you are alone. Hang up and call the police.

• If someone comes to the door requesting the use of the telephone, do not let them in the house. Make the call for them. If they attempt to enter, call the police.

• Keep drapes and shades closed and leave the lights on.

In Case of Fire...

• In case of a fire, get the children out of the house first, then call the Fire Department from a neighbor's home.

When Parent's Return...

• Report any unusual happenings to the parents. Make certain you are escorted by an adult. If your employer appears intoxicated, insist that someone else take you home.

Babysitting Checklist

Where Are You Sitting...

Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:______________________________________________________________

Where Parents Will Be:

Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:______________________________________________________________

Close Friend or Relative:

Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:______________________________________________________________

Family Doctor:

Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:______________________________________________________________

Hospital:

Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Phone Number:______________________________________________________________