Dress children warmly for outdoor activities. Use several layers of thin clothing to keep them warm and dry. A hat will help keep them warm and protect their ears. Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves.
Always remove wet clothing and boots when children come inside.
Children should not go outdoors if the temperature or wind chill is too cold or in bad snowstorms.
Children should never play near snowplows or snowblowers.
Young children should take frequent inside breaks.
Inside, children need to stay away from space heaters, which should be at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia develops when a child’s temperature falls below normal due to exposure to the cold. Symptoms include shivering, lethargy, slurred speech and clumsiness. If you think your child is hypothermic, call 911, and take your child inside, remove any wet clothing and wrap them in warm blankets or clothes until help arrives.
FROSTBITE
Frostbite occurs when the skin and outer tissues become frozen, usually on fingers, toes, ears and nose. The skin may become pale, gray and blistered and may feel numb or like it has been burned. If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the suspicious areas in warm (not hot) water or use warm (not hot) washcloths. Do not rub the frozen areas. After a few minutes, dry and cover the child with warm blankets or clothing and give a warm drink. If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
SLEDDING
Never sled near motor vehicles, including snowplows.
Children should be supervised.
Children should sled feet first to help prevent head injuries.
Sled slopes should be free of obstructions, away from water or ice and end with a flat runoff.
Avoid sledding in overcrowded areas.
Avoid sledding at night or dusk when visibility is reduced.
SNOWMOBILING
Children under 16 should not operate snowmobiles and children under 6 should never ride on them.
Helmets and goggles should be worn.
Travel at safe speeds.
Never snowmobile alone.
SUNSCREEN
Exposed skin should have sunscreen SPF 15 or above to help prevent sunburn. In winter the sun reflecting off the snow can cause sunburn.
