Babysitters Beware!

Tips to help teen babysitters handle the special challenges of babysitting in the summer. Tips developed by Patricia A. Keener, M.D., founder and medical director of Safe Sitter. Safe Sitter is a national, nonprofit that trains adolescents to be safe,nurturing babysitters.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Sally Herrholz
Safe Sitter, Inc.
5670 Caito Drive, #172
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: 317-543-3840
www.safesitter.org
sally@safesitter.org

Babysitters Beware!

Indianapolis, IN – May 3, 2002 –More children are injured in the summer than any other season," according to Patricia A. Keener, M.D., founder and medical director of Safe Sitter. Dr. Keener offers the following summer safety rules for teen babysitters.
1.Never let children play in or get near swimming pools or wading pools when you are babysitting.
2.Never let children play in or near the street. This is especially important because playing near the street could mean that a child might dart into the street before you could catch them.
3.Never let a child climb trees, skateboard, or do other dangerous activities, even if they are allowed to do these things when their parents are home.
4.Never light matches, fireworks, or fires of any sort.
5.Never allow more than four children—including the ones you are babysitting—to gather in the yard. It is too hard to keep everyone safe.
6.Always lock the doors when you go inside. Close the curtains after sunset.
7.Always be cautious of stray dogs, strangers, and groups of teenagers who hang around. Go in immediately if you are concerned about your safety and call an adult. If you feel truly threatened, call the police.
Have fun, but remember that keeping children safe is hard work.

For information: www.safesitter.org

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