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Have each participant post SAFETY articles/pictures on newsprint on the walls.
Have participants say their names.
Introduce Guest Speakers.
Guest speakers lead discussions in fire and home safety/emergency procedures. At some point - have each participant share article/clipping he/she has brought in. Also, ask questions participants asked during First Session.
Distribute "SECURITY PRECAUTIONS" and "FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY." These should be reviewed with the participants.
Thank guest speakers.
As a group, brainstorm other areas babysitters need to be aware of to keep children safe in the home.
Distribute Handout "HOME SAFETY." Discuss briefly.
Divide participants into small groups or pairs. Give each group a pen and paper and a location (bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, etc.) in or around the home. Explain that they are babysitting a three-year-old. Have each group brainstorm all the possible problems a child could get into. Share with entire group.
Ask each participant to bring one safe and one unsafe toy to the next session.
Remember, keeping the child(ren) safe is your NUMBER ONE responsibility. Take precautions and don't take chances with strangers.
Get the name of the caller.
Don't give out information.
Just take a message or get a phone number.
Don't get into conversation with strangers.
If someone gives you trouble, just hang up.
If abusive, report the call to the police.
Always keep the doors locked.
At night, turn on outside light if one is available.
Look out window if possible, or ask who it is without opening the door.
If it is a stranger, have person come back.
Don't let strangers in the house.
Don't say that you are babysitting or give any information about the people for whom you are sitting. If anyone gives you trouble or does not go away, call the police. Don't feel that your problem is too small or that you are making a nuisance of yourself.
In a fire, seconds count! Plan exactly what you would do in case of an emergency!
If you suspect a fire, do not investigate. Get all children out first! Once children are out, get help at neighbor's, call fire department or use nearest fire alarm box.
If clothes catch fire, do not let child run. Place him/her on the floor and roll them.
If a fire occurs:
1. Gather children and get them out quickly.
2. Once outside, close doors behind you. Keep children together. Do not go back into a burning house for anything once you get out.
3. Phone for help. Tell who you are and what the trouble is.
If you are trapped:
1. Open any doors cautiously. Keep face to one side. If trapped, slam door shut. Seal cracks around door with cloth, rug, blanket, or anything else suitable.
2. Get children to window, open it slightly at top and bottom for fresh air. Yell, hang out a sheet to signal. Do not risk high jumps. Wait for the fire department.
HOW TO PREVENT FIRES:
Keep children away from matches and lighters. Keep children away from stove and heaters.
Keep Alert! Give full attention to children. Avoid long phone calls or having visitors without permission.
Most fatal fires happen at night when children are asleep. Be sure you know a fire escape route and go over it with the children! Have two escape plans - a normal and an emergency one in case stairs or other passageways are blocked.
On the job, it's safety, safety every second! Be alert and be ready for anything.
1. KEEP THESE THINGS AWAY FROM THE CHILD(REN):
knives, scissors, pins, other sharp objects
plastic bags
small objects such as beads, buttons, nuts, coins
matches
cigarettes
dishes, glassware
medicine
hot liquids
2. KEEP THE CHILD(REN) AWAY FROM THESE THINGS:
plugs, cords, outlets
heaters, radiators, electrical fans
fires and fireplaces
open windows
stoves, cooking appliances
cords on venetian blinds
guns and ammunition
tablecloths
3. OTHER HAZARDS:
ladders
cellar stairs
climbing trees
rope swings
rakes, hoes, axes, sharp tools
piles of leaves and snow near roads
stray animals
tall grass
river banks
railroad tracks
jaywalking
bow and arrows, slingshots, BB guns
riding double on bicycles
Adapted from "About Babysitting," Channing L. Bete Co.
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