Emergency contact info is needed for just that — an emergency. As a babysitter or nanny, it’s your responsibility to be prepared for emergency situations, so if a family doesn’t provide an emergency contact list, request one. If you’re a professional nanny, emergency information should be with you at all times. If you’re a babysitter, ask the family you work for to show you where you can find their emergency contact info.
Emergency contact info and numbers babysitters and nannies should have
Here’s what should be included in an emergency contact list:
1. Parents’ preferred phone numbers
Include the parent or parents’ mobile phone and work numbers and ask them how to best reach them in an emergency, whether by calling their work or cell, texting their cell or calling their main work line or receptionist. Parents may need you to text them if their company does not allow calls during the day. In general, texting might be the fastest way to reach them or to communicate non-emergency changes in the kids’ routines, such as updates on cancelled soccer practices.
2. Children’s doctors’ information
It’s important to have the number of the children’s health care provider, as well as other health professionals. List each doctor’s name (include specialists, therapists, etc.), location and phone number. This information should be kept at the family’s home on their fridge, as well as on the list of emergency contacts that you carry with you.
3. Allergy information
Does the child have any allergies? It’s one of the first questions EMTs and emergency room nurses will ask. Your emergency contact list should include each child’s medical and food allergies, as well as any others they may have.
4. Children’s medications
List any medication that the children may be taking. Include the name of each medicine, the dosage, how many times a day, and what time (morning, noon, or night) they take it. In the case of emergency care, doctors — or anyone administering medication — will need to know what other medications the children have in their systems.
5. A backup contact
Ask the parent for the name of a trusted neighbor, relative or friend in the area who can help out in an emergency. If the parents can’t be reached, the next phone call should be to this adult. The phone number(s) and address (if nearby), along with the relationship to the child, should be included for this contact. You should also ensure that this person has your phone number in their contact list so they know to answer your calls.
6. Emergency phone numbers
Along with 911, list the city’s fire department, police department and Poison Control helpline, among others.
Emergency contact template for babysitters and nannies
(Click to download this emergency contact template as a PDF.)
Emergency contact numbers and info you should also have if you drive kids
If you drive kids to school, sports or other places while you nanny or babysit, it’s also important to have:
1. Medical authorization form
There are a number of resources for this, from formal templates to handwritten notes. Make sure the form includes the full name of the children, your name and the name of the parents, along with their contact information. Also make sure that the parents list what sort of decisions you can make, including ER care and medications, until they can make it to your location.
2. Insurance information
The parents should have an extra insurance card or proof of insurance for you to access. This will help in case of a major emergency when EMTs must be called, or if you must rush to the ER with a child. In some cases, a family may even add you as an authorized person who can make insurance requests.
3. Car insurance coverage
If you have permission, you might need to drive the children in the family car or in your own car. Either way, you need to have coverage as a driver, along with written proof that you are the caregiver in charge of the kids. This should be kept with the car registration. In case of an accident, this ensures that EMTs understand the situation and react accordingly.
4. Emergency plans
Ask the family if they have a meet-up location in case of a fire, earthquake or other emergency. Some families choose a mailbox at the end of the driveway if it’s a good distance from the house. Other families may choose a neighbor’s house or other nearby safe spot (e.g., a park, post office, library, etc.). Make sure older children understand the plan and know how to carry it out if anything happens.
The American Red Cross has Disaster Preparedness Plan info you can consult as a starter for your emergency plan.
If you’re a nanny who frequently goes places with the children, keep this information in your wallet or bag so that you have it with you at all times. For babysitters, some families will have a small notebook or folder with the information that you should take with you if you leave the house with the children. You may also download the above emergency contact template and print it out to use as well.
It’s also important that a you provide the family you work for with emergency contact information, too. List your phone numbers, your address, your parents’ phone numbers and a possible backup babysitter the family can contact in case you are unexpectedly unavailable. If you have any allergies or medical conditions, you should disclose that to the family in case of a medical event.
