Fire Department > Prevention

2605 Cumberland Drive | Valparaiso, IN 46383 | Phone: (219) 462-8325 | Fax: (219) 531-8812

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Fire Department > Prevention > Babysitting

When choosing a sitter for your children, never assume that he or she knows all that they need to know about babysitting.

Get references. Treat sitting as a legitimate business and check references.
Put your sitter to the test with "what if...." questions.
Write down information on where you plan to be and when you plan to return. Include names and numbers of the family or place where you are going.
Contact the sitter right away if your plans change.
Give a tour of the home to familiarize the sitter with the location of bedrooms, diapering supplies, bathrooms, etc.
Explain how doors and windows open, lock, and unlock.
Review your home fire escape plan. Explain where all exists are, especially from each child's room, safe meeting place, and trusted neighbor's home to go to in case of an emergency.

Information....

List all of the information that your sitter will need to be a Fire Safe Sitter.™ Include the following information:

Family:

Emergency:

Where to find:

• Your names

• Your children's names

• Address and phone number

• Where you will be

• Emergency phone numbers (police, fire, poison control)

• Family doctor (name and number

• Nearby relatives

• House keys

• Emergency money

• Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors

• Gas and water shutoff

• Fuse box, fuses, flashlight, batteries, and thermostat

• Mop, broom, and rags

• First-aid supplies

House Rules....

1. Explain rules on friends visiting, phone use, and off-limits food, VCR, T.V., or stereo.

2. Eliminate unnecessary tasks such as cooking, cleaning or giving baths. These tasks take the sitter's attention away from children and can be dangerous.

3. Eliminate any potential hazards in your home.

4. Give a written profile of each child including:

full name / nickname
allergies / medications
food restrictions
behavioral problems
favorite foods / games
bed times (state while children are listening)

5. Inform the sitter of behavior of pets and feeding schedules.

City Departments:

Local 1124