Streetproofing Tips for Babysitters
When you are given the responsibility of babysitting young children, we know that you'll use good judgement and common sense at all times. This means listening to that little voice inside you that will help you make good decisions and avoid any potential problems.
Here we've provided some basic streetproofing tips for you to follow to ensure your safety and the safety of the children you are caring for. Following these guidelines and trusting the power of your own instinct is the best way for you to stay alert....and stay safe!
TIP #1
Try not to take the children to lonely parks, woods, parking lots or even school yards at anytime, particularly late afternoon or evening.
TIP #2
When taking the children to after school activities, work out the best route with your employer in order to avoid unsafe places. Make sure you stick to the route each and every time and know where your neighbourhood Block Parents are located.
TIP #3
If a grown-up invites you and the children you are in charge of into their home or car, always say no unless the employer has given you permission and knows exactly where you are.
TIP #4
If someone does grab you or the children you are taking care of, scream loudly and keep screaming. Yell out "Help! Kidnap!". If screaming does not work, tell the child to spin around fast. This makes it hard for someone to hold onto them.
TIP #5
Remember, if you have to ride on an elevator to get to and from your babysitting job, stand by the control panel in case of an emergency.
TIP #6
Always listen to your radar. It is that little voice inside that tells you when something doesn't quite feel right.
TIP #7
Make sure that there is a message center with the following information in all homes that you baby-sit:
TIP #8
Make sure you get clear directions from your employer as to the rules around answering the door or answering the phone.
TIP #9
If you're in trouble, you choose the person you want to help you. Safe people to choose may be a police officer, a fire-fighter, a Block Parent, mothers or fathers with children, teachers, uniformed bus drivers or store clerks. Keep the children with you.
TIP #10
If you and the children find yourselves in a situation that feels uncomfortable, get out of it....fast.
These are just a few of the tips that are available. Discuss the matter with your parents and teachers. They will have other helpful tips. If you feel ready you may now take the streetproofing quiz.
For information on a wide range of additional materials, available free of charge to schools and community groups, please contact:
Post Office Box 237
Mount Vernon, GA 30445
Tel: (912)592-2323 Fax (912)583-2323
Email
chiefwt@hotmail.com
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