Being asked to baby-sit for someone means they trust you enough to put the lives of their children in your hands. There are a few simple things you can do as a babysitter to ensure the safety of the children you are watching:

• Know the following information: Family name, children's names, numbers of emergency contacts, parent's contact information, neighbor's phone numbers, and doctor's name and phone number along with a medical release.
• If an emergency arises call 911, identify yourself, state the problem, give them your location, and tell them your phone number.
• Get written instructions on any medications the children are to receive.
• Get visitors approved prior to babysitting.
• Go through the house and look for any special locks or windows that cannot be climbed out of as well as anything else that could become a problem if an emergency arises.
• Go through the house and look for potential hazards for the children, matches, electric cords, plastic bags, etc.
• Check for a pool and any access points to the pool area if there is one.
• Develop a plan in case of fire.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked once parents leave.

When the parents leave

• If in the evening, turn on an outside light.
• Know where the children are at all times.
• Check children every 15 minutes after they fall asleep.
• If you absolutely must leave the house for some reason, take the children with you.
• Don't open the door for anyone but people you personally know.

In case of fire

• Yell "fire"
• If the fire is contained in a specific area close the door if possible.
• Don't try and put the fire out, get out of the house as quickly as possible.
• Once everyone is out outside do not go back inside the house for any reason.
• Call 911 from neighbors home.

As your kids go back to school there are a few easy things you can do to make sure they have a safe school year.

• Make sure your child knows your home telephone number, address, work number and 911. Also, make sure you're child has a way to reach a phone, whether it's some extra change for a pay phone, a calling card or a cellular phone.
• Be sure that your kid knows and follows all traffic signals whether they are walking or riding a bike.
• Make sure your children walk to school with others- a friend, neighbor, brother, or sister.
• When dropping your child off, do so as close to school as possible and don't leave until you see your child enter the school.
• Teach your children never to talk, ride, or accept gifts from strangers

Bus Safety

• Be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled for pick-up.
• Stand at least 4 steps back from the curb and always line up away from the street.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• If you must cross the street in front of the bus take 10 steps forward on the sidewalk before turning to cross the street, this way you are clearly visible to the bus driver.
• If you drop something near the bus tell the driver before you attempt to get it.
• Make sure your child is aware of straps and drawstrings on their clothes or book bag. Any loose clothing or straps could easily get caught in the door or on railings.

There are steps that can be taken to protect your children from swimming pool accidents.

• Never leave children alone, if you must leave the pool area take the children with you.
• Always keep your eyes on the children.
• Use a fence to separate the pool from your house.
• Keep rescue equipment (such as a life preserver or a shepherd's hook) and a telephone near the pool at all times.
• Do not let children under three swim without a life jacket or personal flotation device.
• Anyone watching children around the pool should know CPR.
• Secure pool when children are done swimming.
• Have children take swimming and water safety lessons.

The following contains information for reading, taking, and respecting prescription medications

The Basics

A prescription has four parts:

• Superscription: The heading where the symbol R or Rx is located
• Inscription: The area of the prescription that contains the names and quantities of the ingredients
• Subscription: The directions for compounding or mixing the drug
• Signature: Preceded by the sign "s," this is the portion of the prescription that gives the directions to be marked on the bottle, vial, or container

Glossary of Prescription Abbreviations

a.c.: before meals
Ad lib: use as much as one desires.
b.i.d.: twice a day
da or daw: dispense as written
gtt.: drops
pc: after meals
p.r.n.: when necessary
q.d.: once a day
q.i.d.: four times a day
q.h.: used where a medicine has to be to be taken every so-many hours
t.i.d.: three times a day
ut dict.: as directed

Prescription Safety

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your safety when taking prescription medications:

• Make sure your physician knows all medications you are on, including over-the-counter and alternative medications.
• If possible, keep as much of your medical care with the same group or practice so your physician has easy access to your records.
• Keep track of your medications by listing what they are and when to take them.
• Only take the doctor recommended dosage.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you have an adverse reactions to your medication.
• Make sure to keep medication away from children.
• Never take another person's prescription medication.

Traveling with the family can be stressful enough, below are some tips to make sure the only problem you run into is sharing the bathroom.

Before you leave

• Make sure all the locks on your doors and windows are in proper working order.
• Never leave a hidden key outside.
• Make your residence appear like someone is home. Use timers for lights and radios.
• Have friends or neighbors collect your mail and newspapers to keep them from piling up.
• Leave a number where you can be contacted with a trusted friend or neighbor.
• Have someone mow your lawn while you're away.

Your bags

• Take only the essentials in your purse or wallet.
• Keep purse close to your body and your wallet in a front pocket.
• Pack as lightly as possible.
• Expensive luggage can attract the some unneeded attention to your bag. Use inconspicuous bags.

On the road

• Use travelers' checks instead of carrying large amounts of cash.
• Have the number to call in case your credit card or checks are lost or stolen.
• Never tell strangers your travel plans.
• Carry a cell phone.

• Install a fire alarm on every level of the house. Check smoke detectors at least once a month and change batteries at least once a year.
• Make sure you and your family have a fire escape plan for all situations.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from any flammable materials.
• Never smoke in bed when drowsy.
• Trust your senses, if an appliance smokes or smells unusual, unplug it immediately and have it replaced.
• Keep matches, lighter fluid, and lighters in a safe place out of reach children's reach.
• If you have halogen lights, make sure they are away from flammable drapes and low ceiling areas.

The best way to stay safe while riding your bike is to observe all traffic laws. Below are some extra tips to ensure that the only problem you run into while riding your bike is a puddle of mud.

• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can predict your movements.
• Use hand signals
• Never ride against traffic
• Ride in a straight line
• Follow lane markings
• Don’t pass on the right
• Ride defensively
• Watch for cars pulling out
• Avoid road hazards
• Be ready to break
• Make sure your bike is in good condition
• Use lights and wear reflective material at night
• Always wear a helmet