Winter Safety-tips for all of us
12.14.2022
We would like to highlight a few of the American Academy of Pediatrics tips for safe fun during the winter months:
- Outdoor wear for infants and older babies is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear.
- Hypothermia sets in more quickly in children then adults. Symptoms may be shivering, lethargy, clummsiness, speech changes, decreased body temperature. If you suspect hypothermia call 911. Until help arrive remove cold, wet clothing and wrap in warm clothes and blankets.
- Frostbite happens mostly on tips of fingers, toes, noses, ears. They can become pale, blistered, gray and numb or having a burning sensation. Bring your child indoors, and warm area with warm water or washcloth. After a few minutes cover or wrap with warm clothing. Never rub a frostbitten area.
- Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play to avoid hypothemia and frostbite. It is preferable to come indooors periodically to warm up, then return outdoors.
- Using alcohol or drugs is never safe but it will certainly make outdoor activities more dangerous.
- Ice skate only on approved surfaces that have posted notices form local recreation or police departments, or call your local police department to locate approved surfaces. Never skate alone and consider helmets and pads, especially for new skaters.
- Sledding is a wonderful family activity but never sled near obstacles such as trees, buildings, etc, or near any roadway. Sled feet first always and always on a sled that can be steered. Separate young sledders from older ones, and always wear a helmet.
- Skiing should always be taught by a qualified instructor and proper fitted equipment, helmets and goggles should be used always. Never ski alone, and always stay on marked trails, free from trees and other obstacles.
- Snowmobilies should never be operated by anyone under age 16, and that children under age 6 should never ride on one. Always wear a helmet and goggles, and avoid roads, pedestrians and water. Never travel at night and do not use a snowmobile to tow a sled or skier.
- Household fires occur much more common during the winter. Please practice fire drills with your family, and check and maintian your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Avoid the use of a space heater, or if needed keep them 3 feet away from anything that could burn, and tuern them off when you leave the room.
