|
Baby Sitters Guide
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 ask 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 will 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/ambulance services, the poison
control center, a neighbor or relative, and a 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.
-
Ask about smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
If you are in an apartment, find out where the emergency exists are.
-
Ask about the children's bedtimes, favorite
toys and stories, and what they eat. Check on food allergies and
medications. Find out what you are allowed to drink and eat.
-
Be sure to clean up after the children and
after yourself. Wash all dishes, cups, and utensils that you use, and put
all toys back in the proper receptacle.
-
Get permission and instructions on using the
video cassette recorder, stereo and other appliances.
-
Do not tie up the phone talking to your friends.
Your employer 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 is okay.
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.
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 and let them know if your employer
id 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
babysitting job.
-
If your employers are unreliable-always late,
often intoxicated, etc- do not sit for the anymore.
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 door 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
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 do not need a coin
to dial 9-1-1 or the operator.
All information taken from the Brochure Baby-Sitter's Guide to
being safe published by the National Crime Prevention Council
Safety Central
Top of page
|
Bryan
Police Department