Family Winter Safety 101

Winter safety is important. While it may be challenging and cumbersome to get everyone ready to go out in the cold weather, the extra time taken to prepare will ensure no one in your family gets sick.

Before You Go Out

Get you and your family prepared before you go out to play in the snow or even if you have to run an errand in freezing weather.

• Put sunscreen on yourself and your children. People can still experience sunburn in the winter since the sun bounces off of snowfall on the ground.
• Layer everyone with a thermal layer, then a regular outfit, then the final layer with an insulated jacket.
• Remember to have everyone put on hats, gloves, scarves, earmuffs, and insulated snow boots.
• Offer your children a glass of water. Offer the option of hot chocolate or even soup to warm up before going out.

Playing in the Snow

• Do not send your children out alone. There should always be two or more children playing together in the snow as you and/or another parent or guardian watch the children.
• Young children may need to come in for another warm drink or more water if they do not move around as much (i.e., babies on a sled ride).
• Have your children only play for small intervals, such as a half-hour at a time.

Key Safety Tips to Remember

Be safe no matter what you are doing or where you are going by remembering these key safety tips.

• If it under 16 degrees Fahrenheit, children could experience frostbite. Please do not send your children out when it’s this temperature or below that.
• Make sure to have helmets and other necessary safety equipment if your children are snowboarding, skiing, sledding, or ice skating.
• Check with your kids every 10–15 minutes to be sure they are not wet or cold.
• Never let your children put metal objects from the snow into their mouths. No need to call the ambulance with a child’s tongue stuck to a pole.

Know the Danger Signs of Hypothermia

• The skin may be blistered or starting to turn gray.
• Your child may start shivering or talking incoherently.
• If your child is abnormally clumsier than usual, this is another danger sign.
• Make sure to get your child in a warm area in your home with plenty of blankets and a warm drink.
• If the symptoms get worse even while inside the home, call 911.