Babysitter Safety Checklist

As babysitter and caregiver, you are responsible for the health and safety of the children under your care. The Firefighters Burn Institute would like to help by teaching you some basic fire prevention and first aid tips. Putting this information into practice could help prevent home accidents and ensure that everyone remains safe!

Safety Tips

Mealtime...

Don't cook while wearing long sleeves that are loose or dangle. The heat or flame from the stove could set your clothing on fire.
Always use the back burners on the stove instead of the front burners and keep pot handles turned inward. Keep children away from the stove while you are preparing meals. Children can easily knock over pots near the front of the stove. Remember that many kitchen hand tools - such as wooden spoons - can extend a child's reach.
Always test the temperature of food and beverages before feeding the children. Microwave containers may not be hot to touch but the food inside may be too hot for a child.
Make sure wires from electric appliances do not dangle over the edge of the counter. Children will often play with anything that is within their reach.
Keep hot liquids away from the edge of the table or countertop so that children can't knock the items over.
NEVER drink hot beverages while holding a child.
If children want to help prepare the meal, let them mix some dry or cool ingredients.
Make sure that toddlers are a safe distance away when you open the oven door so they can't touch the stove.

Playtime or Anytime...

Don't allow children to play by fireplaces, space heaters or wood burning stoves - especially when they are in use. Keep portable heaters away from furniture, curtains, clothing and play areas.
Keep matches and cigarette lighters in a safe place and out of the reach of children.
Don't allow children to play in cabinets where chemicals or cleaning products are stored.
Ask the parents to install child safety plugs in electrical outlets.
Keep a careful watch over children when they are playing on the floor to make sure they don't put any electrical wires or cords in their mouths.
Never let the children out of your sight! Encourage children to play games that will keep them within sight such as board games, books and puzzles.
Be aware of different exit routes in the house in case of fire.

Bath Time...

Always test the water before bathing the child. Remember, young children have very sensitive skin and what may feel nice to you may be too hot for the child.
Never leave the child unattended - even for a second. Bring all necessary items in the bathroom before putting the child in the tub.
Don't answer the phone or the doorbell during bath time. Take the receiver off the hook so the caller will get a busy signal and call back.
Don't allow the child to play with the faucets or to stand or jump in the tub.
Don't allow older children to bathe younger children even if the older child says, "My mom lets me do it all the time." Remember - all the children are your responsibility.
Don't encourage playtime in the tub. Be quick but thorough.

FIRST-AID SUGGESTIONS...

Burns

If a child touches something hot or scalds themselves with hot water, a small burn may develop.
If the burned area is covered by clothing, remove the clothing.
Immediately rinse the area with cool running tap water for a couple of minutes (not ice).
Cover the area with a bandage or clean gauze. If you cannot find a bandage, use a clean cloth.
Notify the parents, informing them of the accident.
If the burn appears to by serious or very large - call 911.

Poisoning

A child can become very ill if he/she swallows a substance that is not suppose to be eaten.
Call the Poison Control Center immediately. Have the container with you when you call so you can identify the substance.
Follow their instructions exactly - step by step.
If you need help, call a neighbor.
Notify the parents as soon as possible even if the child appears okay.

Bleeding

Using a dry sterile cloth or dressing, apply direct pressure to the wound for at least two minutes.
If the wound continues to bleed, the child may need stitches - call for emergency help.
For small cuts, stop the bleeding and then wash the cut with mild soap and water. Apply a bandage.
Remember to tell the child's parents about the accident.

Illness or High fever

Notify the child's parents immediately.
Do not give the child any medication unless you are specifically instructed to do so by the parents.

Scalds - LIQUID BURNS

Most people think burns happen because of fire. The fact is that burns - especially in children - most often happen from HOT LIQUIDS! These burns are 100% preventable.
Keep your water heater thermostat between 120 and130 degrees Fahrenheit or LOWER.
- At 156 degrees, hot water can cause a deep burn that may progress to a third degree burn in one second.
- At 149 degrees, hot water can cause a deep burn that may progress to a third degree burn in two seconds.
- At 140 degrees, hot water can cause a deep burn that may progress to a third degree burn in five seconds.
- At 133 degrees, hot water can cause a deep burn that may progress to a third degree burn in fifteen seconds.

THE BEST BURN CARE IS

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR

PREVENTION!!!

How to Report a Fire

Stay calm. Do not try to put out the fire.
Take the children out of the house as quickly as possible and do not return for anything.
Call 911 from a neighbor's house or an emergency phone.
Say, "I want to report a fire." Give the address of the home, your name, and tell the dispatcher that you are babysitting for the family.
Speak slowly and clearly.

How to Report a Medical Emergency

Stay calm.
Call 911,stating the emergency and the address.
Tell the dispatcher that you are the babysitter.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Follow any instructions exactly.

SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES!

Inspect your smoke detectors monthly to ensure they are in proper working.

Sacramento, CA