·         Drive Safely in the Snow

o   ​Driving in the winter means changes in the way you drive. Snow, sleet and ice can lead to hazardous road conditions. Prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter season with these helpful tips.

·         Avoid Strain while Shoveling

o   ​Shoveling snow is a major winter activity in many parts of the United States. Taking a few precautions can help you prevent unnecessary pain and suffering. 

·         Treat Frostbite Immediately

o   ​Use first aid to help someone who may have hypothermia or frostbite. Online and classroom courses are available through NSC.

·         Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

o   Carbon monoxide detectors save lives, but less than one-third of American homes have one installed.   Install one today.

o   Replace the battery for your home’s CO detector each spring and fall.

o   Do not heat your home with a gas range or oven.

o   Never run a car or truck inside an attached garage.

·         What to Wear

o   Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities.  Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.

o   The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.

o   When riding in the car, babies and children should wear thin, snug layers rather than thick, bulky coats or snowsuits.

o   Blankets, quilts, pillows, bumpers, sheepskins and other loose bedding should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment because they are associated with suffocation deaths and may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is better to use sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers or wearable blankets. 

o   If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be thin and tucked under the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the baby’s chest, so the infant’s face is less likely to become covered by bedding materials.

·         Winter Sports and Activities

o   Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.  Have children come inside periodically to warm up.

o   Using alcohol or drugs before any winter activity, like snowmobiling or skiing, is dangerous and should not be permitted in any situation.

·         Sun Protection

o   The sun’s rays can still cause sunburn in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow.  Make sure to cover your child’s exposed skin with sunscreen and consider using sunglasses.

·         Fire Protection

o   Winter is a time when household fires occur. Remember to buy and install smoke alarms on every floor of your home.

o   Test smoke alarms monthly.

o   Practice fire drills with your children.

o   Install a carbon monoxide detector outside bedrooms.

o   Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that could burn, and turn them off when leaving the room or sleeping.