Winter is a great season for outdoor activities, such as making snow angels and building snowmen. Cold weather, ice, and snow can be fun but also dangerous for children. Young children generate less body heat, and get cold more quickly than adults. But you can enjoy the colder months with these basic winter safety tips.

 

 

• Children shouldn’t play outside alone. And never send children outside in extreme weather conditions.

• Check often to see that your child is warm and dry. Younger children should take regular breaks and come inside to warm up.

• Children should wear a warm hat that covers the ears. Most body heat is lost through the head, and ears can be easily frostbitten.

• Wear mittens instead of gloves so that fingers can be bunched together for warmth.

• Wear warm, waterproof boots that are roomy enough for an extra pair of socks and to wiggle toes.

• Warm clothing should also be safe. Remove drawstrings or cords from clothing that might catch on play equipment. Use a neck warmer instead of a scarf, and mitten clips instead of strings.

• Remove wet clothing and boots immediately after playing.

• Take extra caution when crossing roads. It might be hard for drivers to see you playing if they have snowy or frosty windows. Icy roads can also make it difficult to stop.

• Snowballs should never be aimed at people or cars. Instead, throw snowballs at safe targets, like trees or telephone poles.

• Don’t put metal objects in your mouth. Lips and tongues can freeze to the metal and cause injury.

• Don’t eat snow, which can be dirty or contain chemicals that melt ice/snow.

• And don’t forget about your furry buddies … provide a warm and dry shelter for them. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, bring your animals inside if you can.

 

For additional winter safety tips, please visit this link

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