Safety Tips for Babysitters
- It is extremely important that you take your sitting job very seriously and make a conscientious attempt to take the best care of a family's most important possession; their children.
- Do not look upon your babysitting time as leisure time for you to invite your friends over or to be constantly on the phone such that the children are left unattended.
- Remember that your first responsibility is to the children you are caring for.
- Lock all the doors when the parents leave.
- Watch the children carefully and keep them away from dangerous objects or chemicals to avoid household accidents.
- Do not permit your friends or guests to visit without permission.
- Do not leave the children alone in the house at any time.
- When the children go to bed they should be checked regularly.
- Stay awake while babysitting.
- If the telephone rings, do not tell the caller that the children are alone with a babysitter. Ask the caller to leave a message.
- Never allow a stranger into the house.
- Do not open the door to anyone unless the parents have given prior permission. Ask to take a message.
- If the children are taken outside in the yard, they must be watched carefully. The parent will let the sitter know who their children may play with or visit.
- If you take the children to a public place watch them carefully and do not allow them to wander. Make sure all the windows and doors are locked before you leave on your outing.
- When you return, if something seems suspicious (broken window or door open) call the police immediately from someone else's house.
- Arrange transportation to and from your babysitting assignment.
- Do not take a ride home from someone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol.