Safety Tips for Babysitters

Babysitters are responsible for both the children and the property of their employer. Here are some tips to help you keep yourself and your charges safe:

Bring with you...

  • a smoke alarm,
  • flash light,
  • night light,
  • babysitter's pamphlet, and
  • telephone stickers of emergency numbers.

When you arrive, ask:

  • for emergency phone numbers such as the Poison Control Centre number;
  • the full address of the residence;
  • a phone number where your employer can be reached;
  • for a tour of the house, and take careful note of exits;
  • how door locks and windows work;
  • if the family has a fire escape plan and if the children have practised it; and
  • where the smoke alarm is, if it works, and if the children know what it sounds like.

When the parents leave, check:

  • that doors and windows are locked;
  • the kitchen to ensure that the oven and stove are off,
  • the living room to ensure there are no lit cigarettes, and
  • the bedrooms to be sure that nothing unsafe is lying in a child's reach.

We recommend that babysitters do not use cooking or heating stoves.

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What to do in case...

of a gas leak

  • Do not turn off any lights or electrical appliances.
  • Get out.
  • Call 9-1-1 from a safe place.

of smoke

  • Shout "fire"!
  • Stay close to the floor, where there is fresh air.
  • Close all doors as you leave.
  • Call 9-1-1 from a safe place.
  • Do not go back into a burning building.

of fire

  • Get the children out. Do not waste time getting them dressed, just wrap them in a blanket.
  • Once the children are in a safe place, call 9-1-1.
  • Do not go back into the building.

If you are in an apartment building and the alarm sounds, check the door.

  • If it is not warm, check the corridor for smoke. If there is no smoke, proceed to the nearest exit. Take the key with you. Sound the fire alarm and use the stairs - NOT the elevator - to leave the building.

  • If it is warm or if there is heavy smoke in the corridor, it may be safer to stay in the apartment. Close the door and place a wet towel at its base. Call 9-1-1 and tell them where you are- even if there are already rescue workers on the scene. Go to a window and signal your location. Wait for firefighters to rescue you.

  • If a fire should start in your apartment, stay low. Get the children out and close all doors behind you, especially your apartment door. Sound the fire alarm and use the stairs the get out of the building. If your clothing or the children's clothing catches on fire, smother the flames with a towel, blanket or other thick material, or stop, drop and roll out the fire.

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