Did you tell the babysitter where the matches and candles were before you went out for the evening?

[nannynick]

I was babysitting tonight and about 10pm the power went off (nextdoor neighbour affected as well, so local substation issue I suspect - I only live a mile away and I have power )

Found candles quite quickly, but matches were another matter - took a good 5 mins or more to locate those.

Do you know where candles and matches are in your home? Do you tell your babysitter where to find them?

Blimey.

Good tip.

I'm disappointed, in my mind you were the pinacle of professional childcare, and now I find you don't carry a torch about your person at all times.

Alas the touch part of my mobile phone was not sufficient - to light vital areas of the house , and as a non-smoker I didn't have fire making capabilities in my pocket. (note to self, must carry huge 1million candle power torch around my neck at all times )

However, when the parents came home, there were candles lighting the stairs, children's bathroom (should they wake and need a wee), plus had started a nice fire in the fireplace.

I think you should have a bag like Mary Poppins had. It's been while since I've seen the film, but I think she was able to pull all manner of useful things out of it.

Hermione Granger also has a similar bag.
If only such magic bags existed

I've always asked that after having been in a similar situation when babysitting before. You'll know in future, nannynick

Of course sods law dictates that now you do know to ask it'll never happen again....

Head torch, nannynick! Tchuh
(will ensure we brief our babysitter, although the state our home is in currently we may need to tell her where to locate the children)