This document provides guidelines and safety tips for babysitters, including preparing an escape plan and meeting place in case of a fire. It stresses the importance of discussing fire safety with children and knowing the location of alarms, extinguishers, and two exits from each room. Babysitters should get information from parents on safety procedures and not attempt to fight fires themselves, but instead call 911 and get children to a meeting place outside. A babysitter information sheet is included to record important contact details.

1. Guidelines and Fire Safety
Tips for Babysitters
Preparation Is Key To Success

2. Having the knowledge to prevent fires is a
great asset, especially when babysitting
young children. Fire is the second leading
cause of death in the home. Many children
believe that playing with fire is a game. By
discussing the topic of fire with children
many injuries can be prevented.

3. Make sure to get all important information
regarding fire safety from the adult(s) who have
hired you to take care of their children.
Memorize the escape plan as well as the meeting
place outside in the event of fire. If they do not
have a plan in place, remind them of the
importance of planning and practicing two ways
out of each room in the home.
It is important to get all of this information in
advance.

4. Have the adults give a tour of the household.
Make sure that all windows and doors are
accessible to you.
Locate two ways out of each room
Have them show you where the fire alarm (if
applicable) and extinguisher(s) are located
Find out if the smoke alarm has been tested
recently and is working

5. Fill out the babysitter information sheet and keep it
with you at all times
Be sure to have a meeting place with the children to
make sure everyone has left the house safely
Note the children s prior knowledge on fire safety.
If they are unaware of how to escape a fire be sure to
have them talk with their parents. Do not make the
children scared of what you tell them.
If a meeting place is set do not puzzle them with
making a new safe place.

6. Be sure to monitor the kids while babysitting them.
Also make sure to check on the kids periodically if
they are asleep
Keep the sound of the television low and listen for
any strange noises.
Be firm with rules so there are no discipline
problems.
Do not tie up the phone lines with calls from friends-
it could divert your attention away from the
child(ren).

7. Do not smoke or use candles. Ask the parents to keep all
matches, lighters, and other fire devices out of reach from
children. Suggest they keep them up high or put them into a
locked cabinet.
Any space heaters should have three feet of open space
surrounding them. Do not put anything that can burn near or
on it. Keep the children from playing around the space
heater.
If you must cook for the children do not let them or their toys
near the stove. Set down rules for the kids before cooking.
Make sure all pots and pans handles are facing inward, and
never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking.

8. continued
If using the microwave use microwave
friendly containers. Do not leave the food in
longer then the directions say. Let all food
cool down before touching or eating.
If a fire starts, do not attempt to put it out
yourself.

9. Your number one priority is to get the children and yourself
out of the house safely and quickly.
Never go back into the house!
Once everyone is out of the house safely, and at the meeting
place call the fire department from a neighbor s house.
Make sure to give the dispatcher your exact address, phone
number, and any other information in a clear voice. Do not
hang up until they say it is fine to do so.
Call the adults who have hired you AFTER you call 911.

10. If your primary escape route is not passable due to
smoke or fire use your backup plan. If smoke is
unavoidable, crawl low to the floor with your head
no higher than two feet above the ground.
Check all doors for heat before trying to leave the
room. Use the back side of your hand to check the
door while kneeling down. If it is not hot open the
door slowly and make sure it is clear.

11. Once outside, keep the children you are
watching with you at all times. During a fire
they may try to run back into the house for a
pet. If the children that you are babysitting
cannot get out of the house call the fire
department from a neighbor s house or use a
portable phone. Be specific when telling
them where the children are located in the
house.

12. Babysitter Information Sheet
Emergency Personnel Numbers
Fire Department:
Police Department:
Poison Control:
Family Doctor:

13. Personal Information
Address of House:
Nearest Cross Streets:
Family s Name:
Where Parents can be Reached:
Expected Time the Parents will Arrive Home:
Children s Names and Ages:
Emergency Contacts:
Allergies:
Any other Pertinent Information: