Monthly Archives: December 2012

General Safety Issues

DRINKING WITH COWORKERS: GETTING TO AND FROM WORK OUTINGS SAFELY (GUEST POST)

By Saam Banai

Meeting with coworkers after work is a common way to unwind after a hard day at the office. Sharing a few drinks with colleagues in the evening relieves stress, builds friendships, and facilitates interdepartmental communication. Some employees will meet for dinner and a couple of glasses of wine; others will hit the bars in a quest to forget the day’s troubles. Getting everyone home safely after the evening’s events can be a challenge for the unprepared, but it’s certainly worth it to save lives and prevent DUI.

Using a Designated Driver

Having a designated driver is the simplest and most highly recommended approach to ensuring that no one in the group drives home while intoxicated. Select a member of the group who will not drink for the evening and who will be responsible for driving home the rest of the partiers. If everyone in the group would like to drink, drawing straws is a classic approach to determining the designated driver. This approach usually requires a small group that carpools to the bar or restaurant due to the fact that the alternative consists of leaving vehicles at that location overnight.

This approach is not foolproof; it relies upon the designated driver to exercise fortitude and avoid drinking. Being the only sober person in a crowd of drunk people can involve substantial peer pressure to drink, regardless of whether the group has designated that person as sober. Additionally, the designated driver may have to shuttle different coworkers who live many miles apart. This takes time and effort on the part of the driver, and not all groups will have someone willing to do it.

There are professional services available for groups with too many cars to leave or too many people to realistically shuttle around all night. Some of these services are nonprofit services dedicated to making the roads a safer place; others are for-profit services that will charge a fee. These services will drop off a designated driver for the group who will shuttle everyone home. This method has the added benefit of getting everyone’s vehicles home; heading to work in the morning without a vehicle can be difficult. Some of these organizations will require the intoxicated parties to have a vehicle capable of holding a moped.

Taking a Taxi

Having a taxi shuttle everyone home is another option. Virtually any establishment that serves alcohol will have phone numbers for cab companies on hand. Especially in city areas like New York, New Jersy, and Boston, taxis are always available;  it’s good to call a NJ taxi service unless you want to have to call a  NJ DWI attorney. For coworkers who are intoxicated, who do not have a vehicle, and who need to leave separately, a taxicab can be the most efficient method to get home. Simply call a taxi, get in, and pay when getting home.

Using Public Transportation

Public transportation can be an option in urban areas. Taking a bus or train can be an economical way to get home safely. This approach requires public transportation services adjacent to the restaurant or bar that offer a destination adjacent to the traveler’s home. Additionally, anyone walking home intoxicated should beware of local laws prohibiting intoxicated pedestrians; while being drunk in public is not as serious as driving under the influence, it is still illegal in many jurisdictions.

Not all social gatherings will involve heavy drinking, but it is still important for people to think of staying off the roads after drinking. Driving home after a few drinks exposes the driver to the risk of being pulled over. If the officer smells alcohol, he or she will investigate the possibility that the motorist is intoxicated. Portable breathalyzers can malfunction and motorists who are sober can fail sobriety tests. Anyone who does take a chance on the drive home and who is accused of driving while intoxicated should consult an attorney as soon as possible. 

Saam Banai is a freelance writer, editor, and enjoys drinking with coworkers. His experience and knowledge of DWI law has made his firm nationally recognized and has led to the acquisition of multiple awards.

 

 

General Safety Issues

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK (GUEST POST)

European Week for Health and Safety at Work aimed to reduce number of workplace accidents

The European Week Health and Safety at Work week, which ran from October 22nd to October 26th was an initiative aimed at reducing the number of people harmed in accidents in their workplace. The scheme highlighted the key combination of good management and worker participation as essential to maintaining safety standards, and ran across Europe as a whole. 

It was organised by the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work and the group’s director Dr Christa Sedlatschek commented that when it comes to health and safety in the workplace, everyone is responsible, which is a sentiment I completely agree with. 

Employers are legally obligated to have strong health and safety codes in place to protect their workforce, but it should go beyond this – health and safety is a moral issue too, and any decent manager will not want to place their staff in harm’s way. 

However, staff also have a responsibility to behave sensibly, and to take personal responsibility for their own safety – if an employee follows instructions which they know to be unsafe the boss who gave them out is clearly to blame should injury occur, but so is the employee themselves. 

Dr Sedlatschek singled out the construction of the Olympic Park for the London 2012 Olympic Games as a great example of how “things can go well” when there is co-operation between employers and employees. She noted that “strong leadership, clear lines of communication and the engagement of staff and partners in health and safety” helped to make the build the first ever fatality-free construction of an Olympic stadium. 

As part of the campaign two documents detailing best practice management and worker participation have been created, and both contain checklists which staff and employers can use to rate the effectiveness of their own workplace behaviour.

 

About the author: Grieves Solicitors specialise in providing legal support and advice for victims who have suffered from an accident at work

General Safety Issues

Electrical Devices and Testing (Guest Post)

 By Penny Cooper

With new gadgets, appliances and products being developed and many more being released in the market on a daily basis, our lives revolve around shunting from one electrical appliance to another. The three features of such electricity driven devices which has garnered them so much popularity is that they are affordable, easy to use and save us time. 

Advantages of electric gadgets & appliances  

To elaborate, when such devices were first introduced in the market, they were very expensive and considered a luxury item, but no more. This is because as demand for them has increased, so has their supply. Competitive pricing has ensured that cheaper versions of all such gadgets are easy to find and even easier to buy. 

Most such electrical appliances work on a simple closed circuit principle and can be turned off and on according to a conveniently placed, and plugged, switch with the simple flick of a hand, making them easy to operate. Lastly, these electricity charged devices be it a mixer, an oven or a printer save us a lot of time and energy which we can then channelize to a more constructive purpose.  

Dangers of such electric devices 

While the usefulness of such electricity powered devices has never been questioned, increasing number of deaths from exposure to raw electricity has certainly raised questions about the safety of such appliances in both, domestic and commercial settings. The most common dangers resulting from the use, and over use, of such electrical devices are infrared radiation, loss of electrical energy, short circuit, and in worst cases fire. 
Out of all these, the most potent threat posed by ill maintained electrical devices is infrared radiation which is known to have an adverse effect on our health, on long term exposure. What makes this infrared radiation dangerous is the fact that this kind of radiation is known to be absolutely undetectable to the human senses, and only specially designed and devised gadgets can isolate it and read its point of origin. 

Advantages of electrical testing 

This is why professional electric testing is simply a must for all domestic and industry spaces. While there are numerous electrical companies offering electrical testing, you need to find one that is reliable, affordable and thorough in their inspection. Also, it is generally a good idea to go with a company that is proficient in the latest developments in the electrical testing field, as this field is relatively new but evolving at a quick pace. 

Using cutting edge, new gadgets like the FLIR E40 Thermal Imaging Camera; such specialists can locate even the smallest radiation leak, overheating and electrical fault before it causes the circuitry in your establishment to trip or short out, thereby preventing the chances of a fire or electrocution.  

Not surprisingly, the USP of this useful handheld gadget is accurate and exact measurements of even the slightest temperature fluctuation that accompanies any and all electric faults, so that you and your electrical testing company can then nip them in the bud safely and in a timely manner.  

Penny is an expert associated with PASS, specialists in all aspects of electrical testing, test equipment and calibration. Visit http://www.pat-services.co.uk/flir-e40-thermal-imaging-camera-1844.htm to find out more about the new FLIR E40 Thermal Imaging Camera.

 

 

General Safety Issues

SAVE YOURSELF FROM ELECTROCUTION WITH SIMPLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES (GUEST POST)

Another valuable lesson on electric safety sent to us by Grace Beckett.

Electricity always finds a way to the earth, and the human body, most often, is an excellent path to earth. Generally electricity is used at a lower voltage to resuscitate a human heart. However, at higher voltages, it has the potential to stop a beating heart and cause cellular damage. The fatality of the current depends on the path it takes in the human body. It causes major destruction to the heart and brain. 

Electric shocks occur when the human body comes in contact with an electricity source. This causes an amount of electric current to pass through the layers of the skin, hair or muscles. If the voltage of these shocks is over 500V, it can cause burns on the skin. Electric shocks higher than 600V can cause cardiac damage, neural damage and finally death due to electrocution in people depending on their resistance capacity. So, avoid electrocution by following simple measures around your house. 

Protect all electrical outlets 

Maximum number of electric shock injuries is caused due to unprotected electric outlets. Children usually insert objects of metal into these objects while they are switched on, and end up hurt. You can try fixing these outlets away from your child’s reach. A safer method would be to protect these outlets with outlet covers available in the market. Never unplug or plug in an appliance when the switch is on. 

Keep an eye on extension cords

If extension cords are frayed or not used properly, they can cause electric shocks. Keep inspecting all the cords around your house for any sign of damage. Make sure that you do not overload any sockets. Do not pull the cord while disconnecting it. Pull the plug from the socket, but only after turning off the switch. 

Keep electric appliances away from water 

People generally have the habit of using blow dryers and other hair styling products in the bathroom. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination and can cause electrocution. So, do not use any electrical appliance in the bathroom or near kitchen sinks. Do not spill water near any electric outlet. Do not use any electrical appliance with wet hands. 

Ensure your circuits are grounded 

Major electric problems occur when high-power appliances and circuits around the house are not grounded. Protect all the circuits by using GFCIs – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – that can prevent electrocution. 

Do not be a dare devil 

When there are storms outside, it can result in frequent lightning strikes and loose live power lines around the neighbourhood. Do not be adventurous and walk into a death trap. If you are caught in a storm, look for safe shelter indoors and stay there until the storm passes away. 

What to do when someone is electrocuted 

  • Do not attempt to touch the victim while still being electrocuted
  • Move the victim only if there is a chance for immediate danger
  • Do not attempt to provide first-aid
  • Call for help immediately 

XYZ is an expert with PASS Ltd. They specialise in PAT testing courses, so you can actually book courses online and gain knowledge from them on testing electrical equipment.

General Safety Issues

SYMPATHY FOR VICTIMS AND FAMILIES AT NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT

There are no words that can express the sadness that this country has felt after the news that a gunman walked into a school building and shot and killed twenty children and 8 adults.  One adult victim was his own mother, who experienced her death in her own home, shot by possibly her own gun, and her own car being used by her son to drive to the school. 

Many heroes have been mentioned: teachers, the principal, and others who tried to hide or protect those little innocent students.  Having a six-year old granddaughter, I know how special and meaningful it is to embrace her.  How very sad that their families will never get to hug their children again.  They will never forget that tragic day, taking their kids to school and planning to pick them up at the usual time.  We take that everyday habit for granted. 

It isn’t my place to determine what could put a stop to this madness, but here are some thoughts:  There are movies and video games that give the wrong people bad ideas.  Do we demand that they quit making these games and movies, and/or that people stop buying them for their kids? 

 Do we ask gun owners to give up their weapons?  We have a shotgun in our home for our security.  I do not know how to use a gun, have never had the training and certification that is required.  And I am ready to wage a bet that there are a multitude of folks out there who haven’t had training and certification either.   Is it necessary for people to own the same types of guns that law enforcement and the military to use? 

I do know that there is too much violence on television; types of reality shows that glorify gangs, drug pushers, users, then figuring out who killed whom, and why? Many times they are kids who have known each other all of their lives.  It’s a shame that this type of programming violence sells advertisements.  If only we could bring back the days of clean, wholesome television programs and movies.  (Sorry, but you know this is right!)  There are some good shows, but they are few and far between. 

We all need to live our lives in ways that especially keep our children safe; whatever it takes to fortify the schools, and extracurricular activities they participate in.  They deserve to have the same safety that we had back in the old days.  Blog4Safety and Texas America Safety Company hope that someone, somehow, will figure out just how to make this safety for children a top priority, and in the meantime, we pray for the families of Newtown, Connecticut for healing.

General Safety Issues

WHO NANNIES ASSOCIATE WITH DOES MATTER (GUEST POST)

In many jobs, who you have as friends isn’t something that’s really important to your boss. But like with government and high profile jobs, many nanny employers do care about what you do and who you associate with.

While it may seem unfair that an employer judges you by your associations, for many parents, knowing as much about a caregiver as possible helps to them to make informed and educated hiring and managing decisions.

When it comes to evaluating a nanny’s character and judgment, which are unquestionably important in evaluating nannies, the type of people a nanny spends her time with can provide insight into those both of those qualities.

Nanny employers typically care about four main things when it comes to who their nanny keeps company with: they care if there is a safety risk to their children, a security risk to their children, a security risk to their property, and a risk of their children being influenced negatively.

A safety risk to their children. It’s only natural and necessary for parents to be concerned about their children’s safety. A nanny who hangs around with individuals who have poor judgment, are unstable, or who have a history of criminal problems can be concerning to a parent. This is especially true if a nanny is in an abusive domestic relationship. Parents may be concerned that the nanny’s abusive partner may show up at the home, either uninvited or not, or that the nanny may be persuaded to assist a friend in trouble during her on duty hours, taking her focus off of the children.

A security risk to their children. Nanny employers may also be concerned about the security of their children, especially if the family is wealthy or is a high profile family. Parents may feel that the more people who know the nanny cares for their children, the greater their children’s security risk is. A parent may be paranoid that if the nanny has shady friends, they may have less than genuine motives for getting to know the family, the children’s schedule and classified family information.

A security risk to their property. For live-in nannies especially, the prospect of having visitors is appealing. However, if the parents aren’t confident that the nanny’s pals are people of integrity, she may be concerned with them coming to the home. Fears of thievery, snooping or property destruction may cause some concern.

A risk of their children being influenced negatively. Most parents, whether nanny employers or not, want to shelter their young children from drugs, violence and swearing. If a nanny has friends who engage in drugs or violent behavior, or who curse like a trucker, the parents likely won’t want those friends coming around. Since individuals with common interests and hobbies tend to stick together, a nanny employer may discern that the nanny has similar character traits as those she spends her time with.

While the majority of nannies are straightedge individuals who are responsible, competent and caring, these same qualities that make them great child caregivers can make them susceptible to caring for other individuals who need help.

Some nannies feel that who they spend their time with off the clock has no bearing on how they do their job, but nanny employers may feel differently. Nannies are hired to serve as role models to the children in their care and to provide their charges with high quality, attentive childcare. During their workday, nannies are forced to make judgment calls on everything from what playground slide is appropriate to go down to what size a toddler’s grapes should be cut into. For many parents, knowing that a nanny consistently makes good judgment calls is vital to developing a trusting relationship.

While a nanny may be put-off that an employer cares about or questions her associations, nannies must respect that the well-being of the children is a priority and anything that could jeopardize that priority is best discovered by the parents.

Thanks to Sarah Tucker

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN SEARCHING ONLINE FOR A NANNY/CAREGIVER JOB

1 Comment

Online nanny job sites have become a popular way for nannies to find jobs and for parents to find nannies. While most of the people on those job sites are legitimately searching for an employment arrangement, there’s always the chance, no matter how slight, that a predator has slipped through the cracks and found his way into the family pool. You can protect yourself from these people by taking the following simple precautionary steps during your next nanny job search. 

Be cautious of a parent who insists on gaining personal information early in the process. There’s no reason a family needs your address, birthdate, Social Security Number or any other sensitive information before they hire you or present you with a written job offer contingent on a background check. If a parent is pushing you to share personal information that isn’t relative to evaluating you as a nanny, think carefully before moving forward.

Initiate the first phone call and block your phone number when calling parents. When it’s time for the first phone interview, ask the parent for his number and block your number before making the call. At some point, it will be necessary for the parent to have your phone number. However in the beginning, you can arrange a time to chat so you can protect your privacy until you’ve had a chance to talk with the parent and make an initial assessment.

Verify a parent’s employment before meeting with him. One of the simplest ways to verify a parent is who he claims to be is through his employer. If the parent is a lawyer, doctor, banker or other professional it’s a pretty easy process. Rather than simply asking for his direct cell phone number, look up his company’s phone number online and contact him through the main switchboard. Spend some time on the website reading his professional profile and viewing company photos he’s featured in. Confirming his employment doesn’t confirm he’s a safe person, but it does confirm he’s being honest about his name, profession, title and who he works for.

Meet at a public location for the first interview. The first time you meet a family, pick a public place that’s located in a populated, busy area. A favorite coffee shop or deli can offer comfortable seating, enough space for private conversations, and an informal setting that puts everyone at ease.

Make sure you tell a friend where you’re going and who you’re meeting. Even though you’re meeting in a public place, make sure to tell a good friend where you’re going, when you expect to return and who you’ll be meeting. Leave the family’s contact information with her and any details they’ve given you about their family. Check in with her when the interview is over to let her know everything went as planned.

Buy your own beverages or make sure you get it directly from the counter person. It’s hard to imagine that someone would slip a drug into your coffee or juice, but it can happen. A spiked drink won’t make you immediately pass out. It will make you disorientated, confused and easier to control. This allows your attacker to move you from the public meeting place to his car or another vehicle. An easy solution is to arrive a little early and get settled in with your favorite drink.

Openly talk about the safety precautions you’re taking. Predators are online looking for an easy way to find and lure in their next victim. By being aware of the possible risks of online sites and staying proactive throughout your job search, you’re putting predators on notice that you’re doing everything possible to keep yourself safe.

Follow your instincts. If a person or situation doesn’t feel right, listen to your instincts. Don’t worry about hurting the person’s feelings or losing the job opportunity. Your personal safely should always be your number one priority. If a parent is asking you to do something you’re uncomfortable with, politely yet firmly say no.

Report any suspicious behavior. Although you can’t file a complaint with an online job site based on a feeling alone, you can report any parent that acts inappropriately or asks you to do something that puts you in an unsafe situation. Keep the language of your report as objective as possible, focus on the parent’s behavior not your feelings about him, and include as many details as you have. Your action could save another nanny from danger.

Online job sites are a legitimate avenue for searching for a nanny position. Rarely is there a case of a predicator posing as a parent and victimizing a nanny. However, this is a case of it’s better to be safe than sorry. By taking a few simple precautions, you can take advantage of all a nanny job site offers and stay safe throughout the job search process.

This post gives insight into the ways a prospective nannie/caregiver can protect themselves while in the process of seeking good employment with responsible parents.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

DANGERS OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (GUEST POST)

By Agnes Embile Jiminez

Proper food storage is a mirage to many a people in the kitchen, whether in eateries or domestic kitchens. The quality of food is commensurate to its means of storage, making food storage techniques a must-have for all. Proper storage of food can only be undertaken by having the appropriate storage equipment, and also by correctly handling food within it. The toxicity of food emanates from its storage material and handling of the material; making food storage and handling a very important element of culinary undertaking. 

Plastic containers form a great bulk of the food storage and package materials in our eateries and home kitchens. Unbeknown to many, plastic can be a hazardous storage material when it comes to food storage. This is because plastic is made up of harmful chemical compounds which may poison food stored in it, if that food is heated within the plastic-based storage material. Plastic containers have toxic compounds such as PVC, phthalates and Biphenyl-A, and as such are unsafe when used for culinary purposes, irrespective of the prevailing thermal or chemical dynamics. The latter chemical is used in the manufacture of synthetic estrogen, and can therefore lead to hormonal imbalance if ingested. The use of microwave to warm food causes the emission of these harmful compounds and that would compromise the health of individuals who consume such foods. The safest way to warm food is by doing it in a non-plastic material, if it is not to be done using a microwave (to avoid the dangers of electrocution), or using a metal-based equipment if it is on a cooker. 

Unsafe dish-washing habits can also lead to the transfer of plastic-based toxic substances into food. High heating of plastics as a measure of removing grime or heavy coat of oil should not be done to plastic-based food storage equipment because a lot of toxic substances are released, and which could come into contact with the food which would be stored in those containers. An alternative measure is to wash the dish in lukewarm water. 

The best way to avoid the toxicity of plastic compounds is by having an overhaul of the plastic storage containers, and introducing glassware into the kitchen. It goes without saying that the plastic equipment is not only harmful to our health, but also to the entire environment and so you should be in the know on how to store your food properly. For more information about how to store your food properly, check like for food insurance on Facebook.

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY IN THE CHEMISTRY LAB (GUEST POST)

By Maree Kyle

Safety is valued in any workplace, but in areas where dangerous materials and other hazards are present, it’s essential that workers and businesses create a safe environment where accidents are mitigated. Unfortunately, even the best workplace environments boasting well-trained workers are susceptible to the occasional accident, making it crucial that emergency protocols be developed and taught alongside accident prevention measures.

In chemistry laboratories, safety considerations are amplified. Accidents when working with volatile and potentially dangerous materials can be permanently damaging and, in some cases, fatal. Good chemical hygiene is of utmost importance and this encompasses many facets of lab operations. Here are some steps every lab should take to minimize the risk of an accident and to improve emergency response when mishaps do occur.

1. Demand storeroom organization

Maintaining organization and order in a storeroom makes for more efficient lab work, but it also greatly enhances safety in the workspace. Workers need to keep track of a number of chemicals, many with expiration dates, and old chemicals need to be properly disposed of. Additionally, better organization helps ensure property inventory levels of various chemical materials. A good approach to handling the storeroom is to put one worker in charge of the storeroom, managing its contents and handling upkeep as needed.

2. Display safety signs as intended

A little signage can be very helpful for reminding workers of the dangers present in the workplace. Make sure all signage is properly displayed to maximize its efficacy in helping workers avoid accidents.

3. Demand proper attire

It’s not unheard of that some confident chemists will occasionally decline to wear certain safety gear, considering it more a nuisance than a form of protection. But that’s a risky move that’s bound to end up in failure at some point. From the lab’s perspective, a failure to wear safety gear creates extra risks that could be a liability to the facility. Outline proper attire requirements in various situations and strongly enforce the protocol for failing to follow lab rules.

4. Clean, clean, clean

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the third-leading cause of workplace injuries is slips and falls. The vast majority of these are preventable by making sure hazards and obstacles are kept out of the workspace at all times. Clean floors, countertops and other workspaces frequently to eliminate fluids and other hazards that can lead to accidents. The lab should also be stocked with good materials for quickly and easily cleaning up messes. Other lab-specific safety measures include keeping clutter off of countertops, keeping excess chemicals in proper storage, and handling waste products properly and quickly.

5. Offer proper training on equipment

Greater familiarity with various lab equipment will prevent devices from being misused. Teach lab workers how to identify faulty devices, further preventing accidents resulting from equipment errors.

With so many dangerous materials present, chemistry labs can be particularly prone to serious accidents. Every lab needs to invest time and resources into educating their workers and instituting safety measures. Don’t let safety awareness be a one-time thing: Keep workers mindful of safety concerns with random inspections and continued training workshops to reduce your lab’s risk of a preventable accident.

Thanks, Maree, for this invaluable information regarding safety when working with chemicals.  Texas America Safety Company has a whole range of personal protective equipment to ensure employees’ safety at work. Pat

 

General Safety Issues

TEN TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR TEEN BABYSITTER SAFE (GUEST POST)

Shared with us by Barbara Williams of Babysitting.org:
 
Now that you’ve found a good, reliable babysitter to look after your children and keep them safe, your next step is to ensure the same for her. There are some very effective steps you can take to make your home safer for both your sitter and your family while you’re away. Consider these 10 safety tips that will provide you and your babysitter some peace of mind:
  1. Notify Neighbor – Let one of your trusted neighbors know when you’re going out for the evening, preferably someone nearby whom the sitter can call for help if necessary. You might also ask them to check in on occasion to make sure everything’s OK.
  2. Emergency Numbers – Keep emergency contact information posted near the phone, preferably programmed into the phone on speed dial. Make sure your sitter knows how to access the numbers and which ones to call in the event of an emergency.
  3. Security Alarm – If you haven’t already installed one, consider doing so. A good home alarm can deter potential burglars from choosing your home as a target. Let the sitter know what the access code is and make sure the alarm is activated when you leave. You can set a specific code just for the babysitter, which can always be changed later.
  4. Dog – A family dog, particularly a large one, is a great deterrent to intruders. If he’s in the house, so much the better, but having one on the premises somewhere nearby will do the trick too.
  5. Police – Depending on the community in which you live, you may have the option of notifying the community policing program that you’ll be away with a sitter minding the house, and request a walk or drive by periodically.
  6. Your Contact Number – Make certain you can be reached. Have at least one cell phone charged and available and, if possible, provide the phone number of your location (restaurant, theater, etc.) where the sitter can have you paged.
  7. External Lighting – As with most of these steps, this one is a good idea for home security in general. A well-lit exterior is a highly effective crime deterrent and denies potential intruders any cover near the home.
  8. Keep Windows Shut and Locked – Admittedly, this is not always the most comfortable arrangement depending on the weather, but for safety’s sake it’s still your best option, at least on the ground level.
  9. Fire Hazards – Restrict the use of a fireplace or space heater during the winter months, make sure the sitter is familiar with the layout of the home and knows where all the exits are, and give the sitter instructions for what to do in case of fire. You might even want to limit kitchen use to microwaveable meals only.
  10. Power Outage – Have a non-electrical standard telephone plugged into the phone line. Consider installing a back-up generator, but at least have emergency lights that turn on when the power goes out. Plug-in emergency lights can be purchased inexpensively at any hardware or home improvement store.

It’s better to be prepared for an emergency than to be caught off guard. While you hope your sitter and children’s safety is never a concern, having a few safeguards in place will give everyone peace of mind.