After a good snow, outdoor play is a must! Jill Lucas Drakeford, Carilion Children's Safe Kids coordinator, shares these tips to keep your kids safe while enjoying the season:
1. Winter Weather Protection
- Apply sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun's rays (Yes, even in winter!)
- Dress them in layers of warm clothing
- Bring them inside regularly to warm up and change wet clothes
2. Hydration
“Even in the cold, kids are more likely to get dehydrated than adults,” explains Jill. Give them plenty of water before, during and after playing outside
3. Safety Gear
Make sure your child has the necessary protective gear for their activity and that everything fits properly. This might include a helmet, mouth guard, knee pads or goggles.
Sledding Safety Checklist
- Check the sled for sharp edges, splinters or damage
- Know how to stay in control, fall safely and come to a stop
- Choose hills that are free of obstructions like trees or fences
- Make sure the sledding surface is snow, not ice
- Always sled facing forward, feet first (One rider per sled!)
- Skip hills that are too steep and don’t have a flat runoff area
- Wait your turn and make sure the hill is clear of other sledders before you go
- Avoid hills near roads and bodies of water
Jill also warns against playing on the piles formed by snowplows. “Snowbanks can collapse and cause injuries, or block drivers’ views of children,” she explains.
Know the Signs of Injury
Despite precautions, accidents can happen. Learn the signs of a concussion or head injury, which may show up immediately or days later.
If your child has been seriously injured, call 911 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
