When you are babysitting, it is important to be prepared and know what to do in case there is a fire.

Be Prepared

• Know the address of where you are babysitting.
• Have a list of emergency contacts ready, including:
  • the adults that hired you,
  • another number of a neighbour, family member, etc.,
  • 9-1-1.

Have an escape plan

Ask the adults who hired you about the household's fire escape plan. 

Stay with the kids

Supervise the children when they are awake and check on them often when they are in bed.  Once they are asleep, stay close enough to hear them if they wake up. If there is a fire, you will know where they are and it will be easier to help them escape.

Basic precautions

• Do not smoke. 
• Keep matches and lighters away in a place where children cannot reach them.
• Keep any space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.  Keep the children away from any heating source.
• If you can cook, always get permission first. Declare a "kid free zone" three feet around the stove or microwave.  Turn pot handles in toward the centre of the stove so children cannot grab them. Never leave the room when you are cooking. Keep toys, clothing, paper and other clutter off the stove.
• Follow all instructions for cooking and never leave anything unattended. Review kitchen fire safety information frequently.

 If there is a fire

• If there is a fire, stay calm.  Your first job is to get everyone outside.
• Once you are outside, stay outside by the designated meeting area (e.g., the tree by the front yard). Do not go back for anything. 
• Call 9-1-1.  Use a neighbour's phone or call from a cell phone if you have one.
• Give the fire department the exact address of the fire and stay on the phone until they tell you it is okay to hang up. 
• Call the adults who hired you.

Resources

Canadian Red Cross babysitting courses - Participants learn how to provide care to younger children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. For ages 11 and up.

St. John Ambulance - Babysitting Basics - This course is designed for ages 11-14 and teaches new babysitters the skills necessary to care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. It e

Information courtesy of the Office of The Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Ontario