IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Before you take on a babysitting job let one of your parents speak with a parent of the children you will be babysitting so they can get to know them and ask questions that may be of concern.

• Always provide your parents with the name, address and phone number 
  of the family you will be sitting for.

• When you arrive make sure you speak with the parent(s) and ask 
  any questions before they leave. Make sure you understand their directions. 
  Don't be afraid to ask again if something is not clear.

• Get a telephone number and location where the parent(s) will be. 
  Also get an expected time of return.  Write this information down.

• It is a good idea to have one of your parents call you at the location 
  just to ensure everything is okay. Think of this as a way to find out 
  if the phone is working properly.

• Try to learn the phone number and address of the location you are at. 
  This can be very valuable if there is an emergency. 
  Keep the following numbers nearby.

POLICE_________________ FIRE_____________________ 

DOCTOR____________________________

NEIGHBOR_________________________________________________

WE ARE AT T/P# ____________________________________________

• Learn the full names of the children and their descriptions, 
  such as:

AGE_________ HEIGHT_______ WEIGHT______

HAIR__________________ EYES_________

CLOTHING _________________________________________________

• If the children are allowed to go outside to play 
  make sure you know where they are and when they will return.

        ***** If the family has a swimming pool never leave the children unattended.         
               NOT EVEN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME!*****

• It is not a good idea to have friends visit you or have long phone conversations 
  while you are babysitting. Think about it.  Your attention is not directed 
  toward the children while this takes place.

• If the parent(s) you are sitting for arrive home and have been drinking 
  politely refuse a ride home.  It is a good idea to pre-arrange transportation 
  anytime you baby-sit in the event of a change in plans.  Staying the night may also be an alternative if you are comfortable with that.

CRIME PREVENTION/SAFETY

• Know the layout of the home you are in.  Plan in advance  
  an escape route for a fire or if an intruder enters.

• Keep all doors and windows locked and turn on outside lighting 
  front and back.

• Close curtains and shades at dark to keep others from knowing 
  you are there alone.

• NEVER LET A STRANGER IN! Don't be embarrassed to insist on 
  proper identification from anyone. If he/she can't produce it 
  don't let him/her in. Call 911 and let a police officer check them out. 
  All police officers and utility employees carry photo identification.

• If there is a peephole on the door use it. Then you can see 
  who you are dealing with.

• Make sure the children understand they are not to open the door 
  for any reason.

• If someone comes to the door and asks to use the phone for an 
  emergency offer to call 911 for them. DO NOT LET THEM IN!

• Do not provide any information over the phone to someone you 
  do not know. Tell the caller that the residents are busy and you 
  will take a message or ask them to call back. Do not tell them you 
  are by yourself or when the residents will return home.

• If you become frightened or suspicious by noises or subjects 
  in the area CALL 911.

• If you should call 911 be prepared to answer the following questions:  

            - NAME

            - ADDRESS

            - WHERE ARE YOU CALLING FROM?

             - WHAT HAS HAPPENED?

             - WAS ANYONE HURT?

• Once police have arrived there may be more questions.

• When you call 911 DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO!

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