Online
Someone you don't know sends you a friend request on social media.
Ignore the request. Do not accept or engage with strangers online.
The power goes out while you’re home alone.
Stay calm. Use a flashlight and call a trusted adult to let them know what happened.
The child you’re watching tries to run out the door to play.
Gently stop them, lock the door, and explain why staying inside is safer. Redirect them with a fun indoor activity.
The child you’re babysitting falls and hits their head.
Check for serious injuries, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and monitor them closely. Call the parents to inform them.
A stranger approaches you and asks for directions while babysitting outside.
Politely tell them you can’t help and move closer to the house or inside with the child.
A friend posts a picture of you, and you’re uncomfortable with it.
Politely ask your friend to take it down or untag you.
A stranger knocks on the door and says they need help.
Do not open the door. Talk through the door and call a trusted adult or 911 if necessary.
A child wants to climb on the counter to reach something.
Stop them and offer to help retrieve the item or suggest another way to solve the problem safely.
There’s a fire alarm, but you don’t see smoke or flames.
exit the house safely. Call 911 and inform your parents. Leave everything behind.
Someone follows you while walking home from school.
Go to a safe, public place and call a trusted adult or 911. Do not go home directly.
You receive a message with a suspicious link.
Don’t click it. Delete the message and, if necessary, block the sender.
You hear strange noises outside at night.
Stay inside, lock the doors, and avoid looking out windows. Call a trusted adult or 911 if you feel unsafe.
A toddler puts a small toy in their mouth.
Calmly remove the toy and explain that toys don’t belong in mouths. Check the area for other choking hazards.
A child locks themselves in a bathroom and can’t unlock it.
Stay calm, talk to the child through the door to keep them calm, and call the parents or a neighbor for help if needed.
A delivery person asks you to open the door while you’re babysitting.
Do not open the door. Ask them to leave the package outside.
Someone asks for your address or phone number online.
Never share personal information online, even if you think you know the person.
You accidentally cut yourself while cooking.
Rinse the cut, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and bandage it. Call an adult if the cut is deep.
The child gets upset and throws a tantrum.
Stay calm, give them space, and wait until they’ve calmed down to talk. Use distraction or a soothing activity if needed.
The child is stung by a bee and is crying in pain.
Check for signs of an allergic reaction. Remove the stinger if visible, apply ice to reduce swelling, and inform the parents.
A stranger tries to engage you or the child in conversation at the park.
Politely end the conversation and move to a busier area. Keep the child close to you.
You’re online and see someone being bullied in the comments section.
Avoid engaging with the bully. Report the comment and offer support to the victim privately.
You smell smoke while you’re home alone.
Leave the house immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
You can’t find the child after they’ve wandered off in the house.
Stay calm and check all rooms and closets systematically. Call the parents if you can’t find them quickly.
The power goes out, and the child gets scared.
Stay calm, use a flashlight or phone for light, and distract them with a fun activity like shadow puppets.
Someone offers candy or a toy to the child you’re babysitting
Firmly decline on the child’s behalf and move away from the person. Report the interaction to the parents.