Winter Safety

Tips on how to stay safe and warm this winter...

Winter weather has arrived and whether it’s making snowmen, ice skating or simply enjoying a day off from school, children love spending their time outside during these cold snowy months. Here are some tips on how to keep your child safe and warm this winter.

• When heading outdoors, dress children and infants warmly. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Appropriate clothing can include thermals, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, sweaters, pants, warm socks, a coat, boots, gloves and a hat.
• Apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin. The sun can still cause sunburn in the winter.
• Set a time limit on outdoor play and have children come inside every so often to warm up.
• Have adult supervision and consider having your child wear a helmet during certain activities including ice skating, sledding, skiing and snowboarding.

Ice Skating
• Only skate on approved surfaces.
• Advise your child to skate in the same direction as the crowd and never dart across the ice.
• Children should not chew or eat candy while skating.

Sledding
• Sled in an area away from motor vehicles.
• Remind your child to sled feet first or sitting up instead of lying down headfirst.
• Sleds should be structurally sound with no sharp edges and splinters.
• Avoid crowded areas. Sled slopes should be free of obstructions, not be too steep and be covered in snow not ice.

Skiing and Snowboarding
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 7 not snowboard.
• Children should wear the proper safety equipment and should always ski or snowboard on a slope that fits their ability and experience.
• Never allow your child to ski or snowboard alone.
• Avoid crowded slopes and areas with trees and other obstacles.

Frostbite
• Frostbite occurs when the skin and outer tissues become frozen.
• If your child has frostbite, bring them indoors and place the frostbitten parts of the body in warm water. Do not rub the frozen areas.
• After a few minutes, dry and cover with clothing and blankets. If the numbness continues, contact your child’s pediatrician.

Hypothermia
• When a child’s body temperature falls below normal hypothermia develops. Symptoms may include lethargy, clumsiness, slurred speech and shivering.
• If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911, bring your child indoors, remove any wet clothing and wrap in clothes and blankets.