Emergency Information

In an emergency, you're in charge!

• Never leave the children alone: When they are alone they have accidents with matches, the stove, deep water, poisons, and falls.
• Check that any matches or lighters are stored out of sight and above the stretch zone line : (an imaginary line around each room that is above the reach of the children)
• Heaters: move portable heaters away from play areas. Keep the heater away from curtains and furniture also.
• Safe objects: Trade sharp objects or electrical objects for something safe to play with.
• DON'T SMOKE: Baby-sitters have caused child deaths as a result of smoking. Also, children often try to copy what others do. Refrain from smoking around children if possible.
• Cooking safety: Supervise children every moment in the kitchen. This is the place where most accidents happen.
• Wear tight sleeves: Loose sleeves can catch fire when cooking, especially over gas cooking stoves.
• Pan fire: Smother a pan fire by covering it with a lid. Turn off the power or gas to the stove. Never put water in a pan fire.
• Pot handles: Turn pot handles into the stove so children can't pull them down.
• Dangling cords: Roll up electrical appliance cords so they can't be pulled down.
• Burns: Put cold water on any burns. Call for medical help if skin is damaged

Fire Escape planning

• Plan ahead: know how to get children out of bedrooms if the front or back doors are blocked by smoke. Make sure you know in advance what all your escape options are.
• Smoke danger: smoke kills, shut doors to where the fire is if possible, to stop the smoke from filling the house and blocking your escape route.
• Crawl in smoke: show the children by crawling in smoke they can get clearer air.
• Get outside: Make sure everyone is outside and don't try to go back into the house.
• Call the Fire Service : (you may need to call from the house next door)
• Know the address of the house: Give the address as, street number and name, town, and the nearest side street if you know it.

Home Security

• Lock the doors: but be sure they can be easily opened in case of emergency.
• Don't open the doors to anyone: The exception may be when your employer has personally told you that a caller is expected.
• Phone calls: Be brief and businesslike on the phone. Don't encourage conversation if you don't know who the caller is.
• Don't tell the caller you are the sitter: Tell them you will take a message and say that Mr and Mrs................ will be home shortly.
• Leave on exterior lighting.

Top Ten Safety Rules

• Smoke alarms save lives - install and maintain them.
• Smoking and drinking are a lethal combination. Smoking carelessness is a leading cause of fire. Don't empty ashtrays into the trash.
• Keep matches, lighters, and candles away from children.
• Be careful with candles. Don't leave them unattended. Never sleep with candles burning.
• Remove electrical cords from under rugs and behind radiators. Never nail or staple the cord to walls or molding.
• Don't overload outlets and extension cords.
• Never put a portable space heater near drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials.
• Move flammable liquids stored near the stove or other heat source to a safe, distant location.
• Remove all materials on or near your stove that could catch fire, including paper, dishcloths, etc.
• Early notification can make ALL the difference - in case of fire call 911.