Quick Tips: Winter Safety

There are many outdoor variables beyond our control during the winter: ice under snow, extremes of temperature, slick conditions on roads, sidewalks, and the slopes.  By paying attention to the areas we can control, we can greatly reduce our child’s chance of preventable injury.

1. If it is too cold for recess, it is too cold to build a snowman in the back yard. Hypothermia is real and the cold it is the quicker it can develop.
2. For sports requiring special equipment, be sure the equipment is well made and fits your child properly.    Many outdoor stores do carry a full line of equipment, including used equipment, and can help you outfit your child properly.  You may also want to check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site (www.cpsc.gov) to be sure any equipment you are considering has not been recalled. 
3. For any winter sport, including sledding, your children should wear a good ski helmet.   We only have one brain and it is not as easy to fix as a broken arm.  So, if your child won’t wear the helmet, don’t let him participate – the risk of injury is too high otherwise!
4. Don’t forget eye protection – not only from the snow or ice but the sun.  Good eye goggles or sunglasses are crucial for winter sports safety and will minimize the risk of injury should your child fall in the snow or be hit with some snow/ice.
5. Keep an eye on the local weather and don’t underestimate the danger that extreme cold can cause.  The windchill is the number to pay attention to – that is how cold it feels outside due to the blowing, arctic wind.  The more below zero it feels, the faster the wind is blowing, the more dangerous it is to be outside.   
6. Avoid the tempation to leave small children in a parked car for even a few minutes when it is very cold – it only takes 5 minutes of extreme cold to cause hypothermia or frostbite.  Better to take your children with you than to leave them in a car unattended – even for a few minutes.
7. Dress your child in layers underneath the snow suit to lock in the heat.  Thermal clothing is the best but medium weight cotton clothing will work fine as well.  Long underwear, turtlenecks and thermal socks are all essential for most outdoor winter sports.  If your child gets too warm, she can always remove a layer.
8. Finally, don’t forget the hat – most of our heat is lost from our heads so keep them covered!

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