Winter is here. And with it comes the excitement of snowy adventures and outdoor activities.
However, winter in Wisconsin also brings some safety considerations to keep in mind. Whether sledding down hills, building snowmen, cuddling up in front of a fire or waiting for the school bus, ensuring your children's safety during winter is paramount. The weather can be unpredictable. And with rapidly changing conditions, it can also become dangerous.
Here are eight tips and guidelines to keep your children safe
Dress in layers
Whether your child is heading outside to play or they’re off to school, make sure they dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing. A coat, hat, mittens, scarf, snow pants and boots are also essential to keeping their bodies warm and covered to protect them from frostbite and hypothermia. Water- and wind-resistant outer layers are a wise choice for these reasons. Wool, fleece and moisture-wicking fabrics are also good options for clothing to help insulate from the cold and regulate your child’s body temperature.
Keep in mind that while warm clothing is essential, thick or puffy coats and too many layers are unsafe for car seats. The extra bulk can cause the car seat straps to be too loose, making them ineffective in a car crash.
Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia
Cold temperatures, exposed skin, wind and wet clothing can all raise the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Depending on the weather, these medical conditions can set in far faster than many realize — in as few as 10-30 minutes.
Frostbite occurs when the skin and surrounding tissues become frozen. It’s most common for the fingers, toes, ears, cheeks and nose to experience frostbite due to prolonged exposure to the cold. Some symptoms include cold, painful and tingling skin. The skin may also feel unusually firm or waxy and be pale, white or grayish-yellow in color. Here are some tips for preventing frostbite and what to do if your child gets frostbite.
Hypothermia, however, happens when the body temperature falls to 95 or below. If your child exhibits signs of hypothermia, such as uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech or abnormal behavior, call 911 immediately.
Apply sunscreen
The sun still shines in the winter months, which means the skin is at risk of sun damage even when it’s colder. In addition, when there’s snow on the ground, the sun’s UV rays reflect off the snow, making it easier to get sunburned. Sunscreen is often an overlooked precaution, but it’s essential to apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Look for sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Applying a lip balm with SFP can also protect the lips from getting sunburned.
Use safety gear
If your child participates in winter sports like ice skating, skiing, snowboarding or sledding, ensure they have the proper safety gear. Properly fitted winter sports helmets are recommended to protect your child’s head from injury. Plus, they’re warm! Additionally, snowboarders should wear wrist guards and kneepads to help prevent fractures from falling. Goggles or sunglasses also help protect your child’s eyes by reducing glare from the sun’s reflection off the snow. They can also help shield their eyes from the wind.
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Stay hydrated
It’s a common misconception that dehydration only happens during the warm-weather months. But building a snowman and playing outside in the cold weather exerts a lot of energy. Physical activity in cold weather can lead to fluid loss, resulting in dehydration. Recognizing thirst when it’s cold out can also be more challenging. It’s important to drink water and other liquids frequently to prevent dehydration.
Supervise
When your children are playing outside, check on them often to ensure they’re dry and warm. And make sure young children are always supervised. Give your kids lots of breaks to come inside, warm up and hydrate. Generally speaking, children 2 and under should stay indoors if the temperature, including wind chill, reaches 20 or below. School-age children should stay indoors when the temperature, including wind chill, falls below zero. But always use your best judgment. If it feels too cold, keep your kids indoors.
Prepare for extreme weather events
Winter conditions can change on a dime, so it’s important to be prepared for a winter weather emergency, such as a snowstorm, icy roads or a power outage. Keeping a winter weather emergency kit in your car and home can help keep you safe if you run into problems. Below are some recommended items to keep on hand.
Car kit items
- Blanket
- Extra clothes
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and batteries
- Water
- First aid supplies
- Small shovel
- Windshield ice scraper
Home kit items
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery-powered radio or weather radio
- Solar-powered or car charger for cell phones
- Water and non-perishable foods
- First aid supplies
- Sanitation and hygiene items
- Sleeping bags and blankets
Avoid household hazards
If your family uses space heaters, a fireplace or a wood stove for heat, always ensure they’re properly maintained and used safely to prevent fires or burns. Improperly ventilated areas can introduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is colorless and odorless. Make sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Likewise, keep items such as curtains, blankets and furniture away from these heat sources to prevent a fire hazard. Teach your children about the dangers of these heat sources and keep them away from potentially hazardous areas. Covered dryer vents also pose the risk of carbon monoxide and fire. Always ensure your dryer vents are clear of snow, especially after snowfall or when there’s blowing snow.
The key to enjoying the winter months is being prepared and staying vigilant. By following these safety tips and guidelines, you can help your family have a fun and safe winter season.
