HEALTHY FAMILY
Weathering the Cold
Winter Safety for Your Family
BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
WINTER PLAY
Sledding This fun but potentially dangerous activity
can result in injuries from falls, collisions or
loss of control. Make sure children abide by
these safety rules.

1. Dress in layers with waterproof outerwear.

2. Make sure sledding equipment is in
good condition.

3 Don’t sled in extremely cold temperatures
or wind chills.

4 Never sled toward railroad tracks, roads,
parking lots or bodies of water.

5 Stick to gradual hills with plenty of runoff.

6 Look for trees, signs, rocks and other
sledders before heading down.

7 Never sled on icy surfaces or when
visibility is poor.

8 Never stand or go down headfirst. Keep
clothing, arms and legs within the sled.

9 If you stop or fall, quickly move out of
others’ way.

10 Never sled behind or be pulled by a car or
other vehicle.

11 Children under age 12 should be super-
vised; they should ride along with
children younger.than age 5.

30 Washington FAMILY DECEMBER 2022
Ice Recreation
Frozen lakes and ponds are a big win-
ter temptation, so make sure kids know
these rules.

1 Never skate or walk on ice less than 4”
thick and that isn’t approved by an adult.

2 Never go on ice alone.

3 Follow the same direction of other skaters,
and never cut directly in front of someone.

4 Make sure ice skates are neither too tight
nor too loose. Blades should be sharpened
and clean.

5 When playing hockey, wear a face mask,
helmet and pads.

6 If your child falls through thin ice, don’t
attempt to pull your child out since you
could fall through yourself. If ice is thick
enough, have your child try crawling out
by reaching their arms across the ice while
kicking for momentum. Then go for help.

Snowmobiles, snowboarding
and skiing
Fractures, abdominal injuries and even death
are risks associated with these activities.

Protect your family in the following ways.

1 Before skiing or snowboarding, obtain
basic instruction from a professional on
how to prevent and break falls.

2 Make sure boots and bindings fit prop-
erly and that all equipment is in good
condition. 3 Wear helmets, goggles and waterproof
outerwear. 4 Never go on the slopes alone. Make sure
they’re approved for the activity, and only
go on those for which you have adequate
experience. 5 Don’t allow children under age 16 to drive
snowmobiles. BATTLING THE ELEMENTS
Walking in the winter cold
Make sure children have hats, mittens,
scarves, waterproof boots and bright or
reflective (but not white) outerwear when
they head outdoors. Also, inform them:
MKOVALEVSKAYA/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
E very year in the United States,
approximately 20,820 children and
teens are treated for injuries related
to sledding, according to a U.S. emergency
room analysis. A chilling 9% of these suffer
traumatic brain injuries.

In Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylva-
nia—where temperatures can fall below
freezing, depending on the year—these
aren’t the only dangers of winter. Travel,
snow removal, heating and even walk-
ing pose risks to children and adults alike.

Families should prepare for cold-weather
etiquette now, including safe winter play
and staying warm and dry.

Review this winter safety guide with your
family. In it, we focus on how parents and
relatives spending time with kids during
the holidays can ensure everyone stays safe
in the cold.