Winter Weather Safety for Young and Old
Submitted by Dr. Gwenn Is In
New England is about to get hit with our first big snow storm of the season. My kids are as delighted as pigs in mud! A white Christmas…what every kid dreams of, even when they hit the ripe old age of the teen years.
Of course, for us adults, with the last weekend before the much anticipated holiday, we have things on our mind such as
- “Where are the hats and gloves?”
- “Do the kids have boots that fit?”
- “Has anyone seen the boots?”
- “The shovel…do we still have it?”
- “Did anyone remember to call the plow guy?”
- “Do we think we should change our plans?”
- “Will the weather guy actually be right?”
- And, my kids favorite question: “Do you think school will be cancelled?” I already know the answer to that…not a chance! With school about to close for a two week break, they will go to school even if they have to shovel their way there.
These are just of many comments that get tossed about when we hear a standard winter weather report living in New England.
The snow and cold weather present unique charms and obstacles to the winter season. They afford us fantastic opportunity for sports and activities that truly can’t be explored any other time of the year. They also pose significant risks to our health and well being if we don’t exercise a tad of caution, common sense and have the right clothing and gear with us. Here are some wintery weather concepts to keep in mind as you plan your next snowy, cold outdoor adventure with your family:
1. Dress for the Weather: Make sure everyone in your family has the proper clothing, head to toe, and dresses in layers. If you are heading to an area colder than you are familiar, ask a sales person for assistance as different coats and winter wear are rated for different temperatures.
2.Frostbite and Hypothermia Risks are Real: Frostbite and Hypothermia can actually occur during a simple walk. Frostbite is a freezing of the skin and occurs when the temperatures drop below freezing. Hypothermia is the term used for the body’s core temperature dropping below normal. Both occur due to exposure to extreme cold outside temperatures. The colder the temperature, the stronger the wind, the quicker your skin will develop frostbite and your body’s temperature will have trouble staying normal. Keep in mind, if it is too cold for your kids to have outdoor recess, it is too cold to play outside and build snow people. Winter sports can be ok because you are moving but you have to exercise caution.Click here for a chart to help guide your frostbite and hypothermia risk for different temperatures outside. Dressing warmly and not having exposed skin will minimize your risk.
3. Safety Check All Equipment: Now would be a great time to take all your skis and winter gear to the local ski shop for a tune-up and safety check. If you are unsure if your gear is properly tuned, rent the first time out and use your gear the next time.
4. Helmets For All: My family rule is simple, no helmet, no go. I wear one and so do my kids when we hit the slopes. You may be a great skier but that won’t protect you or your head if you get run down by another skier or hit a patch of ice. If Olympic skies can get out of control, it can happen to any of us.
5. Review Safety Rules with Kids: Have you every had the experience of skiing, sledding or snowboarding and being cut off by a hot dogger? It isn’t fun. We all have to police our own kids and help them be accountable for their actions. If your kids are competent skiers, explain to them it isn’t fair to hot dog down learning trails. If they do, pull them from the slope for the remainder of the day. That behavior will injure another skier who is trying to get to where your child already is.
6. Never Sled Head First: Sledding is fantastic family fun but can be very dangerous when common sense is not exercised. Sledding head first is a sure way for horrific injury to occur. It’s also important to remember how easy it is for sleds to get out of control in general. Have your kids wear helmets as an extra precaution.
7. Snowball Fights Are Not Child’s Play: Tossing a light, fluffy snowball at a friend causes no harm but packing it tight surely does. Kids can get carried away during snowball fights so at the first snow, take them out and make a few snow balls so they can feel and see the difference and not injure someone inadvertently.
For more information on winter sports safety, click here.
Stay warm…stay safe, and have a fun winter.
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