School is nearing an end for the year and many children will be babysitting or responsible for younger siblings at times. The following tips may help to reassure parents and babysitters.
What makes a “good” babysitter who is asked back again and again? There is no one characteristic that makes someone a good babysitter. Instead, a good babysitter successfully combines the knowledge and skills associated with leadership, safety and safe play, basic care, first aid, and professionalism. Here are some tips to get you started on the road to safety while babysitting.
• Always be aware that an infant or child can be burned by anything that is hot, including food, drinks, bath water, heaters, and stoves or ovens.
• Make sure that homes where you babysit are equipped with operating smoke alarms.
• Keep matches, lighters, and candles away from children at all times.
• Talk to parents or guardians about a Family Fire Escape Plan.
• Know how to use the fire extinguisher and where it is located.
• Teach children to Stop, Drop, and Roll if their clothing catches on fire.
• If fire occurs, get yourself and the children out and don’t return to a burning building. Your job is to protect the children, not their belongings.
To learn more about safety, prevention, and babysitting, take the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course scheduled for May 31 from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Red Cross office. Students must be 11-16 years of age. They will receive a book, first aid kit, a wallet and a wall certificate. The cost of the course is $20.00 and you must register by calling 765-5516.
There will be a multiphasic blood screening at the Clearfield Red Cross Office on June 7. The blood screening covers thirty-five tests for a fee and other tests available are prostate and thyroid for an additional fee. Free blood pressure and oximeter screening will also be available. We are taking appointments by calling 765-5516 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning on April 14. Registration deadline is noon on Wednesday June 4.
Clearfield-Jefferson Red Cross is holding a 50-50 raffle to be drawn on August 2 at 10:00 p.m. at the Clearfield County Fair. Tickets are a $1.00 donation and will be available at the Red Cross offices or from board members and volunteers.
Disaster training classes:
• May 14 – Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance at the Brookville Office 5:30-9 p.m.
• June 7 – Mass Casualty Disasters at the Brookville Office 10am-4:30 p.m.
• June 26 – Mass Care Overview at the Brookville Office 5:30-8 p.m.
If you or any one you know is interested in attending any of these disaster classes, please call the office or email esd@clearfieldjeffersonredcross.org to register. There is no charge for any of these classes.
Health & Safety Classes:
Adult CPR – Clearfield – May 7 & 21, 2008
Brookville – May 7, 2008
Punxsutawney – May 5, 2008
Infant Child CPR – May 8, 2008
First Aid – Clearfield – May 22, 2008
Brookville – May 8, 2008
Punxsutawney – May 6, 2008
All of the above Health & Safety classes begin at 6:00 pm.
Call 765-5516 to register for classes in Clearfield or 849-2712 to register in Brookville & Punxsutawney.
Visit the Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter Web site for all the local Red Cross news.
Clearfield Bloodmobile Schedule
Sat. May 10 Curwensville Family Moose Center 9:00 – 2:00
Mon. May 12 Clearfield Presbyterian Church 12:00 – 6:00
Fri. May 16 Fixed Site 12:00 – 6:00
Wed. May 21 Quehanna Boot Camp 10:00 – 3:30
Jefferson Bloodmobile Schedule
Friday, May 9 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary-Sykesville Noon-6 p.m.
Tues May 13 Brockway Presbyterian church Noon-6 p.m.
Fri May 16 Brookville Borough Complex Noon-6 p.m.
Fri May 16 First Church of God- Punxsutawney Noon-6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27 St Mary’s Church-Reynoldsville 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
When the fire whistles blow and a family loses everything to a house fire, your American Red Cross will be there to help with immediate verified emergency assistance for help with the family’s recovery plans. With your donation, you can put your care and concern into immediate action. Checks may be sent to Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter, 1100 S. Second St. Suite 2, Clearfield, Pa 16830, or Clearfield-Jefferson Chapter, 275 Main St., Brookville, Pa 15825. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
Red Cross is a United Way and United Fund Participating Agency and an RSVP Station.