Helping Babysitters “Think Safe”: March 5th is “Babysitter Safety Day”

San Jose, CA (February 2005) – Whether you are a parent with a babysitter coming into your home or you are the parent of a teenager about to take on the responsibility of babysitting, you need to take precautions to make sure your children are safe. In fact, babysitting is such an important matter that March 5th is Babysitter Safety Day – a day set aside to promote the importance of babysitter safety to all parents and children alike.
Personal security and safety expert and author James M. McGrew offers valuable safety tips for both parents hiring a babysitter and the parents of a babysitter. He advises, “Because babysitters frequently care for the child or children in your home, a review of household conditions is important to ensure the babysitter is working in a safe environment.” Some examples of items that should be in place at all times, but especially before asking someone to accept responsibility for your child’s welfare in your home, include checking smoke alarms regularly and having fire extinguishers fully charged, having an emergency phone list posted by each phone, securing all firearms in a gun safe, and securing all medications.
In addition, in his book, Think Safe: Practical Measures to Increase Security at Home, at Work, and Throughout Life (Cameo Publications, $19.95, ISBN 0-9744149-6-4), McGrew provides a list of requirements to go over with your teen to make sure they are ready for babysitting responsibilities. A babysitter has an enormous responsibility, so always be sure your teen is prepared for the job.
“By becoming aware of what dangers exist, and of the ways to protect yourself and your children, you will make better decisions. And making better, more informed decisions is truly the foundation of personal security,” states McGrew. The advice and strategies in Think Safe about babysitting as well as other personal safety issues can help you make better decisions to increase the safety and security in your own life and in the lives of people you love. You will learn that the key for you and your family to remain safe is to “think safe.”
James McGrew is president and CEO of a full-service investigative and security consulting firm. With over thirty years of experience in planning, implementing, and managing security programs in the public and private sectors, his techniques stress the value and implementation of risk assessment and prevention. Jim’s proactive management programs have successfully addressed violence in the workplace, travel safety, emergency action and contingency plans, and other vital security issues.
For more information or a review copy of Think Safe: Practical Measures to Increase Security at Home, at Work, and Throughout Life, please call 866-372-2636 or send an email to Amy@cameopublications.com.

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