Babysitter Safety Tips

You have left your children home with a babysitter. Will they know what to do in the event of an emergency? As we all know babysitting is a great responsibility. The babysitter has been trusted with the care of someone else's life. Emergencies are just that--emergencies. All that you would need to know for all types of emergencies can not possibly be covered in this one message. However, we can identify some characteristics and guidelines to follow when caring for young children.   Here are a few safety considerations: Never let strangers in the house. Become familiar with the home. What is the address? What bedroom are the children sleeping in? Are there working smoke & carbon monoxide detectors in the house? Would you know the house phone number if needed? Where is the first aid kit? Cooking guidelines: Keep children and toys out of kitchen area. Pot handles should be turned inwards. Know where the children are when carrying hot objects from the stove to the table. Keep a pot holder nearby to avoid burns. Follow directions when using a microwave. Look to see if there is a fire extinguisher around. Swimming pools: Are gates, doors and windows locked? Remove chairs and tables that children could use to climb over the fence. Do the children have permission to use the pool while their parents are gone? If the phone/doorbell distracts you, make the children go with you. No running, no pushing, no jumping, no diving. What to do if an emergency occurs: In the event of fire, help the children get out of the house and call 9-1-1 (or your emergency number for  your area) from a neighbors house.   Know the number for an accidental poisoning. In the event of a power outage, know where the flashlights and spare batteries are. Know how to reach children's parents. Young children require constant supervision. Supervision is the key to avoid most emergencies.