Intro / Safety

In the event of an accidental poisoning, call your Poison Information Center or doctor immediately. Attach your Poison Information Center number to your phone. Keep syrup of Ipecac on hand, but only use it if instructed to do so by the Poison Information Center or your doctor.

Poison Control 1-800-282-3171

• Meet the sitter and check references and training in advance.
• Be certain the sitter has had first-aid training and knows CPR.
• Be sure the baby-sitter is at least 13 years old and mature enough to handle common emergencies.
• Have the sitter spend time with you before baby-sitting to meet the children and learn their routines.
• Show the sitter around the house. Point out fire escape routes and potential problem areas. - - Instruct the sitter to leave the house right away in case of fire and to call the fire department from a neighbor's house.
• Discuss feeding, bathing and sleeping arrangements for your children.
• Tell your sitter of any allergies or specific needs your children have.
• Have emergency supplies available including a flashlight, first aid chart and first aid supplies.
• Tell the sitter where you will be and when you will return.
• Be sure any guns are stored unloaded in a locked cabinet.

• Be prepared for an emergency.
• Always call for help if there are any problems or questions.
• Never open the door to strangers.
• Never leave the children alone in the house-even for a minute.
• Never give the children any medicine or food unless instructed to do so by the parents.
• Remember that your job is to care for the children. Tender, loving care usually quiets an unhappy child.

Below is a list of information that you should collect before the parents leave the house:

In Florida, pools play an integral role in beating the heat. Unfortunately, they are also the scene of many accidents and children are often the victims. Without supervision, playtime can take a tragic turn, so keep a close watch over children near water.

• An adult who knows CPR should supervise children near water at all times.
• Swimming lessons are a must, but even this does not make children drown-proof.
• Teach children to use the buddy system.
• State laws require fencing around all pools to prevent accidental drowning. (Always lock the gate after use to discourage unsupervised swimming.)
• Safety equipment (such as a life ring, life hook, and a poolside phone) should be easily accessible.
• No one should dive into pools, except in designated deep areas. (Hitting bottom is the cause of many serious neck and spine injuries.)
• Never run around the pool or leave toys where someone might trip over them.
• Keep pool chemicals out of reach of children.
• If the phone rings, let it ring. Never leave children alone, even for a "minute."

• Children should always wear life vests when in a boat or around unfamiliar waters. (Before buying or using a life vest, check to make sure it meets national safety standards.)
• Only take children to beaches when and where lifeguards are on duty.
• Never leave designated swimming areas at the beach. (There could be drop-offs or strong under-currents.)

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable, especially if you're sun-smart from the start. Putting on sunscreen should be part of every child's morning routine. Always wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, even if it's cloudy or you only plan to be outdoors for a short time. Regular use of sunscreen during a child's first 18 years can reduce his or her risk for skin cancer by 78 percent.

• To call the police, firemen or rescue emergency, dial 911or call "O" for operator.
• State the problem briefly.
• Give your full name and address.
• Remain on the telephone, don't hang up.
• Hang up only when you are told to do so.

• Say "No". It takes courage to do what's right.
• Change the subject.
• Suggest other activities like sports or games.
• Choose friends who avoid alcohol or drugs.
• Walk away and report it to a trusted adult.

• Never touch them!
• Leave the area.
• Tell a trusted adult.
• If an adult is not present, call 911 or "0" for operator.
• Don't hang up until you are told to do so; listen for instructions.

• It takes real courage to walk away from a fight.
• Fights are not the answer to solving problems.
• Take a step back.
• Get the facts straight.
• Be willing to listen and don't be afraid to admit you might be wrong.
• Discuss ways to solve the problem.

• The first thing you need to do is stay low and leave the building immediately!
• Call 911 from a neighbor's house.
• Never attempt to put out a fire yourself, no matter how small it is!
• Don't stop to take anything else with you.
• Never go back into a burning building.

• Never play with matches or lighters.
• Always be careful around a stove, heater or open fire.
• Don't cook without an adult being present.
• If your clothes catch on fire, "Stop, Drop and Roll!"
• If your friend's clothes catch on fire, don't let him or her run.
• Yell, "Stop, Drop and Roll!"
• Get adult help or call 911 or "O" for operator.
• Don't hang up until you are told to do so; listen for instructions.

• STOP!
• Guns, knives and other weapons are very dangerous!
• Never touch a weapon, no matter where you find it.
• Leave it alone and contact a trusted adult right away.
• If an adult is not present, call 911 or "O" for operator.
• Tell the operator who you are and where you are.
• Don't hang up until you are told to do so; listen for instructions.

• Keep the doors and windows locked.
• Don't open them to anyone you don't know and trust.
• Speak through a closed door or peephole.
• Never tell anyone you are home alone.
• Immediately call your parents or a neighbor if you are afraid.
• Keep emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
• If the person doesn't leave, call 911 or "O" for operator.
• Don't hang up until you are told to do so; listen for instructions.

• Stay calm and alert.
• Stay where you are and think.
• Your parents or your group may be looking for you.
• Give them a chance to find you.
• If no one arrives soon, look for a police officer or other trusted adult.
• Know your address and phone number.
• Find a telephone and dial 911 (did you know that pay phones are "free" for 911 calls).

• Be alert, avoid danger, arrive safely.
• Always obey all traffic lights and signals.
• Plan to walk with schoolmates whenever possible, facing the traffic.
• When crossing streets, always cross at crosswalks and intersections.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Pushing and shoving can cause accidents.
• Remain on the curb and alert to danger.
• Don't approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop.
• Be careful when approaching the bus.
• If you can't see the bus driver, the driver can't see you.
• Enter and leave the bus in a single file.
• Always obey school bus rules.

• Don't accept anything from a stranger.
• Don't agree to anything offered by a stranger.
• If a person makes you feel uncomfortable, walk away.
• Don't talk to strangers. they may not be telling the truth.
• NEVER accept a ride or go with a stranger.

• Shout "NO!" and get away quickly.
• Tell a trusted adult, or if an adult is not present, call 911 or "0" for operator.
• Don't hang up until you are told to do so; listen for instructions.
• Remember the details about the person.

• If possible, stay indoors during bad weather.
• Discuss with your parents the safe areas of the house.
• Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Safe places are usually hallways, closets and bathrooms.
• If you are outdoors and the weather turns bad, go straight home.
• If your home is not close, go to a safe place and call your parents.
• Watch for falling branches and trees.
• If there is lightning, don't stand under trees, try to go into a safe building.
• Stay indoors until the bad weather is over.