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In Case of an Emergency:

Although emergencies are typically few and far apart it is always important to be prepared to handle any type of situation that may arise as a babysitter. Here are a few tips and reminders that will hopefully be of assitance.

- Always have a list of phone numbers to contact for varying reasons. On this list you may want to include the parents, a close neighbor, the family doctor, a close relative and possibly one other person. Knowing all of these numbers can help greatly for serious emergencies, as well as smaller issues. Also, have written down with these numbers the full address of the house in which you will be watching the children. This is important if you would have to rely the information to a 911 dispatcher. (or for ordering pizza.)

- Always know all of the children's allergies. Food allergies are especially important to ask, as well as medication allergies, bee sting allergies or even just seasonal. Typically parents will inform you of anything major; however, it never hurts to ask.

- Know where a first aid kit and/ or medicine cabinent is located in the home. Also know what medications are acceptable for a child to take. Never give a young child medicine without first contacting the parents, unless it is an emergency. In this first aid kit there should be basics such as bandaids, gauze, antiseptic cream, medications, ice pack, hot compress etc. If the family does not have one, it would never hurt to keep one in your bag. Also, if you are keeping the kids somewhere other than the home (a park, your house, the mall, wherever) try to have some type of first aid in a readily available location. For everything you need to know about first aid kits, Click here.

- If you are old enough to drive, always discuss with the parents prior to them leaving if it is acceptable for you to transport the children for any reason. If the children are still in a car seat, it is always a smart idea to ask the parents if they mind leaving the seat at the house. This way if an emergency would happen to arise you can get the child to the acceptable location promptly and safely.

- If at all possible, become CPR certified. This will not only make you a more appealing hire, but can obviously help if a serious emergency would arise. At the bottom of the page there is a link to a website regarding the CPR certification.

- Keep the doors to the home locked. This not only keeps any unwanted guests from entering the home, but it can also keep the younger children from "getting out". I would also recommend keeping the doors closed to places in the home that you would prefer the child not enter. For example, an unfinished basement or the parents bathroom.

- I would recommend that all babysitter carry a cell phone with them while they babysit. Make the parents aware of the number that you can be reached at. Keep your cell phone with you at all times, especially if you were to leave the home for any reason.