BABYSITTERS

Plan Ahead for Safety
PLANNING AND PREVENTION are the keys to fire safety. Protect yourself and the children you're watching against fire by taking simple precautions.

Plan Your Escape
Every household should have an escape plan. When you babysit, discuss what to do in case of a fire with the adults in the household.

Be familiar with their home. Learn all the exits, and know how to unlock doors and windows. Know two ways out of each room, especially bedrooms.

All households should have a meeting place outside where everyone gathers after escaping a fire. Have the adults show you the meeting place, and don't confuse children by changing the plan.

Discuss the escape plan and meeting place with the children. Make sure every child knows where to meet outside.

With an adult, complete a list of "Emergency Information" including the following information:

Fire:__________________________________
Police:________________________________
Poison Control:_________________________
Doctor (name and phone #):______________
Where Parents Can Be Reached:__________
Children's Family Name:__________________
Full Address Where You Are Babysitting:___
Town:_________________________________
Phone:________________________________
Neighbor (name, address, phone #):________
Other Instructions:______________________

Carry it in your pocket. Be sure you know the location of a neighbor who will be home. In case of a fire, call the fire department from a neighbor's phone, portable phone, or alarm box.

Put Away Matches and Lighters
Never smoke while babysitting. If you find matches, lighters, or other smoking-related materials, put them up high (preferably in a locked cabinet) where children can't see or reach them.

Be Kitchen Wise
Cook only if you have permission from the adults in the household. Never leave cooking food unattended. Set a timer to remind you to turn everything off.

Give Space Heaters Space
Keep anything that can burn - such as books, paper, and clothing - at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from space heaters. And keep children away from portable heaters and space heaters, too.

Turn Pot Handles In
Don't let pot handles stick out over the edge of the stove where children can bump or grab them. Turn handles in, pointing toward the center of the stove, to prevent spilling hot liquids or food.

Use Microwaves Safely
Never put anything into a microwave unless you are absolutely sure it is safe. Paper, glass, and microwave proof earthenware are safe. In many cases, metals are not. Read and follow the instructions on all packaged microwavable meals. Do not exceed recommended cooking times. If you are not sure of how to use the microwave, do not use it.

Keep children away from the microwave. Be careful when removing covers from microwavable containers; escaping steam can cause severe burns. Cool all foods sufficiently before serving them to children.

Never Leave Children Unattended
Supervise children when they are awake, and check on them often after they've gone to bed, until you are sure they are sound asleep. Even then, make sure you can hear them when they wake up.

In Case of Fire Crawl Low Under Smoke
If you encounter smoke while you are escaping a fire, use another exit route. If you must escape through smoke, remember that heat and smoke rise, so cleaner air is always near the floor. Crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) above the floor. Go first, making sure the children follow you.